SCUBAPRO Global Dive Team - Kenzo Kiren
Kenzo Kiren
Location: Vancouver BC, Canada - Currently living in Cabo San Lucas BCS, Mexico
Occupation: Videographer / Photographer / Filmaker
Scuba Diving Since: 2008
Favorite Local Dive: Crystal bay, Nusa Penida
Favorite Dive Location: Way too hard to pick only one... if I had to choose, Indonesia
An interview with Kenzo Kiren:
Why did you decide to take the giant stride into the oceans?
It may sound cliche but I've always felt a strong connection to the ocean. Since childhood my school books were filled with marine life doodles. I wore shark t-shirts, collected shark toys and was always tuning into any TV show that showcased the ocean with fascination and curiosity. On a family vacation to Hawaii I got my first taste of snorkeling. Years later I tried my first shark cage dive. Finally while traveling in Mozambique the opportunity presented itself to do a discover scuba dive. From the moment I put that reg in my mouth and experienced breathing underwater, I was hooked. After surfacing that dive I went back to Vancouver and booked myself into an Open Water course. My progression to the ocean was a long journey but the ocean was always deep within me. Once that key was unlocked, the rest was history!
How has diving changed your life?
Diving changed everything for me. Years ago, I was at a crossroad in life while nearing the end of my degree to become a high school teacher. At that time I was also being offered a head chef training program at the restaurant I was working at. I had 2 different career options laid out in front of me but felt unsure if either were the right choice. That same year I went on vacation where I did several dives around the Caribbean. Upon returning it was crystal clean, I wanted to live a life in and around the sea. I quit my job, left school and set off to become a dive instructor and never looked back.
Tell kind of diving do you like to do?
I love it all! Throw me in with the sharks, drop me off in the muck and I'll macro dive all day. At this point I really appreciate a diversity of destinations and experiences. Whether it be scuba or freediving, my compass is often guided by what marine life I hope to see. My biggest passions are travel and being in the water and luckily those 2 mesh perfectly together. I've traveled far and wide to experience the vast ocean world and seeking unique ocean encounters often leads me to my most memorable travels.
Tell us about one of the most amazing experiences you have had underwater?
While out in South Africa I dropped down around an island where a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins happened to be circling. At first all I could hear was their clicks and squeaks. Next thing I knew I was surrounded by several hundred. So much so that they basically blocked out the sun. They circled around for over an hour, using their sonar on me and curiously inspected me with each pass. Looking into their eyes was life changing. I must have sucked my tank nearly dry because I wanted to stay down there forever. It was pure magic and a moment I will never forget!
What are some of your favorite places underwater?
Indonesia will forever have a special place in my ocean heart. With only 20 dives under my belt I moved to Indonesia for 7 months and dove 6-7 days a week. It opened my eyes to marine biodiversity & macro life that greatly enhanced my appreciation and marine life knowledge. Mexico is also epic. I spend 2 years on the Caribbean side exploring reefs, diving with sharks and exploring Cenotes and now reside in Baja California Sur because the encounters here are absolutely spectacular. The list goes on but for now, we'll leave it at that.
What is your advice to someone considering diving?
DO IT! It will change your life. Having worked as a dive instructor for several years, one of the biggest parts of the job was trying to "sell" people on the idea of diving. No matter what the objections were, I could almost always sway someone through the passion I felt within. Whether it be the visual sensations, the weightlessness of feeling neutral buoyancy, or simply opening up your eyes to a world you've never seen before, diving has transformative powers. With a planet 71% covered by water there's no shortage of places to explore. If you're not a diver quite frankly, you're missing out!
What would you tell people about the oceans?
You must respect it, but you don't need to fear it. We often fear what we don't understand and one way to conquer those fears is to dive straight into them (pun intended). The more we begin to understand, the more connected we become. Life on earth cannot exist without healthy oceans and now more than ever we must strive to protect and preserve it. Every little bit can make a big difference so we must continue to ask ourselves, what more can I do to help save our oceans for future generations?
What does diving mean to you?
Diving makes me feel free. It allows me to slip into a world where gravity no longer exists. It gives me a glimpse at the origin of life on earth by also showing me incredible examples of evolution, adaptation, and resilience. It helps me live a more conscious and respectful existence on land. It keeps me connected to this beautiful blue planet. There's no greater feeling than slipping under the surface and being transported to another world and every time I do it, I feel extremely grateful.
What is the favorite thing in your dive bag?
Having recently been equipped with the new Hydros Pro BCD I would have to say this is my favorite thing. It's super comfy, durable and travel friendly and I love the interchangeable color options. Aside from that I'm a huge fan of my Synergy 2 Trufit mask with the tinted lens. It makes for awesome photos and fits perfectly