Today’s featured diver is 61 year old Catherine Anne Hoelzer, currently living in Aqaba, Jordan. Catherine came to diving late in life but proves that age is just a number. With a passion for underwater clean-up dives and underwater photography, Catherine is true inspiration to all.
Full Name: Catherine Anne Hoelzer
Age: 61
Live In: Aqaba, Jordan
Working For: Self
Diver Qualifications: PADI Divemaster
The 12 Questions
When and where did you start diving?
Started diving in the Philippines in 2014. We were living in Davao and it was easy to get started.
Why did you start diving?
Had been snorkeling for years and then my husband became a diver because his best friend is one. I finally joined in the fun a year later.
What made you choose to become a dive professional?
First, we wanted to improve our skills and become more self-reliant. We also wanted to be more involved in the Deep Blue Dive center here in Aqaba that has become our home. Before the pandemic they were very busy and we could help them out as freelancers.
Which is your favourite dive site and why?
Probably Lambeh Strait. Love all the muck diving there!
What has been the most memorable dive of your life and why?
Actually, it was a cleanup dive. A turtle came to hang out with us and chose to hang out with me. I finally had to nudge him away. It was a great experience to be doted on by a turtle. I felt like he was thanking us for cleaning up his home.
If you would come back as a marine life form in your next life, what would that be?
I think I would love to come back as a dolphin or a sea otter because they certainly know how to play and enjoy the water and each other.
Who is your dream dive buddy?
My husband. He’s the best person to dive with. We love diving together and doing underwater photography together. He has my back and we encourage each other in our underwater photography.
What dive locations are on your dream “bucket list” and why?
Raja Ampat, Sipadan, and Cenotes. The variety of life and the healthy reefs in RA and Sipadan. The amazing caves in Cenotes….wow!
What is on your bedside table right now?
A few meds and supplements, Kleenex, and an alarm clock. Nothing exciting, that’s for sure.
What is your favourite piece of diving equipment and why?
My dive computer. It helps me dive safely as long as I pay attention to it.
If you were to launch a campaign to raise awareness on a specific issue that affects divers, the oceans or marine life, what issue would you target and why?
Dive cleanups. I think all certified divers should be doing these regularly. If their region is clean, then I think they should focus on getting others to stop using single use plastic. I hate plastic and the horrible mess it is creating underwater.
Where will you be in 10 years and what will you be doing?
We hope to be retired in a nice country that has amazing diving. We are considering Cozumel, Mexico. If we could speak the language in Raja Ampat, we’d love to retire there and work with Max Ammer in Sorido Bay Resort in Raja Ampat. We love what he is doing there!
