Global Dive Team - Herbert & Helma Frei
Herbert & Helma Frei
Location: Pforzheim, Germany
Occupation: Professional Underwater Photographer
Scuba Diving Since: 1973
Favorite Local Dive: River Rhein and Tributaries
Favorite Dive Location: Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Maldives
An Interview with Herbert & Helma Frei
Tell us about one of the most amazing experiences you have had underwater.
It was in the Maldives. We were above a reef in the current to watch manta rays when one of them came extremely close, swimming up to me and watching me for about a minute. Then it carefully came even closer so that it was almost touching my mask. An amazing experience never to be had on land.
Where are some of your favorite places underwater?
Halmahera in Indonesia; Truk Lagoon in Micronesia; Umbria in Sudan; Lakes in Abruzzo in Italy; Toyota wreck in Sudan; River Traun in Austria; Tamariu in Spain; Lissenung in Papua New Guinea, Fua Mullah in the Maldives.
What is your advice to someone considering diving?
Don´t wait too long. Every day underwater is a gift. It will have a positive effect on your life and you will experience a world that is closed to others. Take your chance.
What would you tell people about the oceans?
The oceans are the blood of the earth, without them there is no life on this planet. The sea is the largest nature reserve in our solar system with the greatest biodiversity, how we treat this lifeline is a shame because we do not know what the future of our oceans will look like and our lifetime is limited, everyone should see a tropical reef at least once in their life.
Tell us about one of the most amazing experiences you have had underwater.
It was in the Maldives. We were above a reef in the current to watch manta rays when one of them came extremely close, swimming up to me and watching me for about a minute. Then it carefully came even closer so that it was almost touching my mask. An amazing experience never to be had on land.
Where are some of your favorite places underwater?
Halmahera in Indonesia; Truk Lagoon in Micronesia; Umbria in Sudan; Lakes in Abruzzo in Italy; Toyota wreck in Sudan; River Traun in Austria; Tamariu in Spain; Lissenung in Papua New Guinea, Fua Mullah in the Maldives.
What is your advice to someone considering diving?
Don´t wait too long. Every day underwater is a gift. It will have a positive effect on your life and you will experience a world that is closed to others. Take your chance.
What would you tell people about the oceans?
The oceans are the blood of the earth, without them there is no life on this planet. The sea is the largest nature reserve in our solar system with the greatest biodiversity, how we treat this lifeline is a shame because we do not know what the future of our oceans will look like and our lifetime is limited, everyone should see a tropical reef at least once in their life.
What does diving mean to you?
Relaxation, happiness and as a photographer it is motivational. Diving is the only way for a person to move in three dimensions. Otherwise only birds can do that.
What's your favourite thing in your dive bag?
If you limit it to diving equipment, it's my Scubapro regulator that has never let me down. In the camera bag there is my Seacam housing and my Sealife camera with two Sea Dragon LED lights.