First times are always memorable – in any aspect, anything at all. There is a profound beauty that can be experienced when it is being experienced for the first time. Such is the case of Slava Noor. As a child born in the landlocked country of Kazakhstan, the ocean was something of a myth – something that could be found only on the pages of geography or science textbooks. It was not until she was 16 that she has caught her first look at the ocean – The Atlantic to be specific and it was also here where she has also experienced a whiff of ocean breeze running through her system. Such is the story of first times. And such is Slava’s perennial romance with the oceans.
Where does your love story with the ocean begin?
I wish I could say that I grew up by the ocean but coming from a landlocked country – Kazakhstan, I have not seen the ocean until I was 16. My first encounter was with the Atlantic Ocean during my trip to Florida, USA and I was simply mesmerized both by the power and the beauty of it. But the real love for the blue started when I came to Dubai nearly ten years ago. This was where I learned to swim and to feel comfortable in the water. About four years ago, I picked up scuba diving and got completely hooked on it. Recently I started freediving and although I am still a beginner, I can see how much it has enhanced my life.
We read that you are quite an ocean advocate. Do you have any causes you support?
I try to stay active when I am in UAE by joining clean up events or attending seminars related to diving or marine life. I started a project called “Art 4 Ocean” at a local school in Maldives that later took place in a summer camp in Dubai. Its goal is to educate children on the importance of a healthy ocean, create ocean art and raise awareness by sharing it with local communities. I plan to team up with a marine biologist and organise more regular ocean art sessions as they proved to be both very fun and effective.
What else does Slava do outdoors?
I am definitely a water baby so everything else happens around that. I developed a special love for kayaking, whether in the mangroves of Abu Dhabi or in the crystal clear waters of Maldives overlooking coral reefs. When it is warmer, I swim at night quite often on Jumeirah Open Beach, it is pretty much my “after party” spot whatever I am doing. Now that it is a bit chilly, I prefer to focus on my freediving training in the pool until it gets a bit warmer for diving in the sea.
Do you have any favourite diving locations in the UAE? Tell us about it…
Like many other divers I really enjoy diving in Fujairah for its visibility and good sites where sharks and rays are often spotted. Lately I also frequented the western coast and Sir Bani Yas island became a favourite spot thanks to its natural beauty and some interesting sites. Dubai also has a few good wrecks that are fun to explore.
What other outdoor activities are you interested in trying out?
The only way to know if you like something or not is to try it so I choose to give a shot to all the fun sports available around me. I tried windsurfing during my trip to Maldives and it did look like a sport I could enjoy. I would like to give it some more time once I travel. The next cool thing in UAE seems to be hydro watersports and I am planning to try it out ASAP, I already met a guy who offers five different ways to do it so you can see the update on my blog (www.thepinkfins.com ) soon.
As a sport, how accessible is diving for women?
I strongly believe that diving is for everyone. Although there are more male divers than female divers here, the sport itself holds no barriers for women. We are just as capable as men and although it does help to be fit, the sport does not require you to be an athlete.
The psychological aspect of diving should not be diminished and naturally women long for feeling safe and comfortable at all times. I think the key to enjoy exploring the underwater world is finding a good instructor who is both professional and trustworthy. As a woman, I personally want to feel safe and secure and know I can count on my instructor in every way.
Any advice for ladies that want to try diving out?
Do not wait for a perfect time to start living fully; do not delay until you are married or until you are richer and so on. Life is short, so go have fun! Once you decide to start diving, do your research: find a good dive centre and an instructor you are comfortable with. Be open about your needs and ask questions. Be brave, you can do it!
Trivia: What is the weirdest thing you have seen underwater?
This is an interesting question! On my last trip to Maldives I encountered a school of almost twenty beautiful eagle rays and it was simply mind blowing. I have always adored rays for their royal grace and seeing them so close was a dream come true!
Lastly, what do you feel when you getting into your gear, ready to take the plunge into the deep blue?
It is a cocktail of feelings actually. On one hand, I get very excited and ready to explore the blue with the “let’s do this” attitude. On another hand, I have a feeling of openness to another adventure, whatever it will bring. And lastly, there is a feeling of coming home, because once my pink fins are on, I think of myself as a fish, a mermaid, one out of many colourful creatures of the ocean…
Interview By: Keith Perena
Photos supplied by: Slava Noor
