Global Dive Team - Tim Noack
Tim Noack
Location: Munich, Germany
Occupation: Environmental Activist, Underwater Photographer, Founder of MANTAHARI
Scuba Diving Since: 2014
Favorite Dive Location: Komodo National Park / Indonesia
An Interview with Tim Noack
Why did you decide to take the giant stride into the oceans?
First and foremost, it was curiosity in my case. No one in my circle of friends of family was a diver, but for me everything under the surface has always created a great spell and extreme curiosity. Then on a trip through Malaysia in 2014, I just gave in to curiosity and did the Open Water course. From the first breath through the regulator I was addicted to more bottom time. The fact that I can now observe everything under the surface in peace and quiet, look closely at even the smallest details of corals and observe reef fish or nudibranchs, has really blown me away. Since then, I arrange practically everything on trips according to the best possible dive spots and get restless if I haven't gotten under water for a while.
How has diving changed your life?
For me, diving has changed everything. Diving into a world that is denied to you from the surface is an experience that I would never want to miss. The fascination with the smallest creatures but also with megafauna under water and the interplay of the entire ecosystem has made me reflect a lot in my life and has turned everything upside down. Especially in terms of sustainable living, nature-loving ideals and the meaning of my professional future. Now I live from the ocean conservation project I founded in 2018and everything is about marine life, sustainable strategies and people who want to protect our oceans.
What kind of diving do you like to do?
I love the very simple diving. I am not a fan of too much equipment, tech diving or very deep dives. I love shallow reefs with lots of light and life, drift dives and of course any kind of dives where you can see manta rays or sharks. With the camera I actually prefer muck diving and looking for the little wonders of the oceans. Lately I also have an ever growing interest in freediving...you notice: the main thing is anything underwater! I'm also extremely happy that I've been able to be part of some exploration dives. Discovering new things underwater, backrolling somewhere where you don't know what to expect, has a huge fascination. In general, one of the best things about diving is that you never know exactly what to expect - right?
Tell us about one of the most amazing experiences you have had underwater?
There are so many of them. Some are very special for me personally, others are mind blowing for almost everyone. For me personally, for example, it was quite early in my diving career to be able to simply observe an octopus for 30 minutes and just could not believe that such creatures exist, are now right in front of my mask and even react to me, change color and are curious.
But one of the most impressive moments was certainly when we were used as slalom poles in a mating ritual in Komodo National Park by Oceanic Mantas, which are actually hardly seen there. The massive female was chased by the last remaining male and used us as obstacles for several minutes, we drfited in the blue at our safety stop and had an experience of a lifetime with the giants.
Then there are encounters with 2 bull sharks, 2 tiger sharks and 4 hammerhead sharks - at the same time - in the south of Mozambique or the moment to have made the first manta-ID shot in the Strait of Alas between Lombok and Sumbawa... too many good moments for a few lines!
Where are some of your favorite places underwater?
I guess one of my all time favorites is and remains the Komodo National Park in Indonesia. The biodiversity there is incredible, you find so many macro wonders especially during the night dives that you can hardly keep up with taking pictures. Of course the place has a special place in my heart because of my beloved manta rays. It's where my ocean conservation project got started and is still firmly rooted there.
Also the unique island of Sipadan between Malaysia and the Philippines has mesmerized me so much that I always love to go there and wait for the random occurances on the reef edge that drops hundreds of meters.
Most recently, Mozambique has impressed me greatly underwater. Diving reefs where no diver has been underwater for months and being greeted directly by curious bull sharks is unique. The brute force but also the pure beauty of the Indian Ocean on the east coast of Africa has so much to offer that I would like to be underwater there many more times.
What is your advice to someone considering diving?
Never try, never know. Easy like that. In any case, it is worth taking the step or jump below the surface. You will notice relatively quickly whether you share the fascination or not, but if you do: then welcome to the world of wonders that never ceases to enchant you day after day.
Take your time, find an environment in which you feel comfortable and enjoy the journey below the surface.
Even the sensation of being weightless is enough for many to fall in love with diving. Some say that it is the closest you can get to flying.
What would you tell people about the oceans?
I think a lot and at any time of the day or night. I love the ocean and everyone who talks to me about it feels in no time. The ocean as a habitat exerts such an enormous fascination on me that I can hardly stop raving about it.
For me it is of course always important to describe the wonders and beauties, but then also to point out the vulnerability of the ecosystem and to explain contexts, why we have to take good care of the oceans. The role that we humans, our consumption and our daily choices mean for the ocean is enormous and the more people become away of this issue - privately and in industry - the greater the hope to be able to protect as much of this unique habitat is possible.
What does diving mean to you?
Diving and the entire underwater world now make up a large part of my life. I couldn't imagine a life without being underwater on a regular basis, and I don't want to.
To have the opportunity to visit the place that fascinates me the most, to see my favorite creatures up close and to be in the element that makes me the happiest is a great gift and I am extremely happy that I started diving and have been able to go on this journey ever since.
What's your favorite thing in your dive bag?
If I had to commit myself, I would say: my mask. It's so important that it fits perfectly, you can't just borrow it or change it. It's also the first thing I need or have at hand quickly if something comes up on the water during a surface interval. Camera and mask grabbed and immediately ready for action. My Frameless has become and absolute favorite here.
I'm also very happy with my Hydros Pro BCD. Under water it is comfortable, super agile and balanced. There is nothing better than having the feeling underwater that something disturbs or restricts you.
In sum, anything in the bag that you put on or use with a positive emotion is worth its weight in gold. 'Deep down you really do want the best'!
Follow Tim on Instagram: @timbocean & @mantahari
Facebook: Mantahari Oceancare
Online: www.mantahari.com