Why I Dive: Sea Lion Edition

People ask me all the time why I dive here in California. Maybe they’ve gone for a dive or a snorkel in Hawaii or the Caribbean, and they know the water here is so much colder and darker and less clear. I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve asked, incredulously, “Is there anything to see?”

I go on enthusiastically about the biodiversity and the kelp forests and all that, and surprised, skeptical, they thank me and go on with their lives. I get it: it’s not for them.

But it’s for me.

I wasn’t actually on SCUBA or even in my drysuit. I was on the boat, filling tanks during my surface interval, when I saw the sea lion. I jumped in our cold ocean with just a bathing suit, fins, mask, and camera. Holding my breath, I clumsily joined in her dance as she sped through the water.

I spent 30, maybe 40 minutes with her. And yes, I froze. But it was worth it.

This. This is why I dive here.

California Sea Lion 2

California Sea Lion 3

California Sea Lion 4

California Sea Lion 5

California Sea Lion 6

California Sea Lion 7

California Sea Lion 11

California Sea Lion 12

California Sea Lion 13

California Sea Lion 15

California Sea Lion 16

California Sea Lion 17

California Sea Lion 20

California Sea Lion 21

California Sea Lion

California Sea Lion 22

California Sea Lion 19

California Sea Lion 18

California Sea Lion 14

California Sea Lion 10

California Sea Lion 9

California Sea Lion 8


Posted

in

, , ,

by

Comments

5 responses to “Why I Dive: Sea Lion Edition”

  1. emily Avatar
    emily

    I don’t even know what to say! These are so awesome! I can see why you dive here! Beautiful set!

  2. Kelly Avatar

    Wonderful. I can definitely see the appeal. It’s like another world. Lovely.

  3. Garren Avatar
    Garren

    Amazing!! So jealous!! Way to go Ash!!

  4. Becky Avatar

    That’s a great reason to dive! Fantastic pictures!

  5. Beverlee Larsson Avatar

    Amazingly gorgeous & truely divine!!! Your photos are always full of life and laughter! Thanks for sharing with us;)