Corey Rae Nevels | Dive Guide | Conservationist | Baja
Born and raised in Ohio, a land-locked state, it was always Coreys dream to explore the underwater world. After college, she got her divemaster certification in Mozambique and worked with Marine Action Research - a platform for scientists, students and naturalists to conduct research and gain experience in fieldwork and data analysis.
Now living in La Paz, Baja, and working as a dive guide, Corey’s typical days revolves around the ocean and nature. Whether that means taking people to interact with wildlife, editing underwater photos, hanging out at the beach, or working on various conservation projects.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
There are memories from two stages of my life that have significantly impacted and altered my life today and how I arrived here. My fondest memories of my childhood are the many, many hours I spent playing outside. My family had ATVs and there were many days spent riding through the forest trying to keep up with my older brother while getting caked in mud and dirt, it was the best. I think that this is the origin of my thirst for wild adventure. I also loved to just explore the outside and see what I could find, turning over every rock and leaf in search of natural treasures that would fill my pockets. My love for nature was apparent even from a very young age. I spent the first 18 years of my life in Ohio. When I went off to begin university a couple of hours from my hometown, I had no idea what I wanted to study. No idea what I wanted to do with my life. As I was reviewing the course list I read "Open Water Scuba Diving" offered as a 1 credit recreational course. I didn't know much about the ocean, but I love to swim, and I love a challenge, so why not? It was an intense, and thorough, 9-week long course (NAUI, haha), but I can't even begin to explain how this course changed my life forever.
In a quick summary, I fell in love with diving and the ocean. The following year I transferred to a university on the east coast to complete a 4-year marine science program, and I have traveled to different places to learn more about it and help conserve it. I have dedicated my life to the ocean and I haven't looked back since.
When did you first pick up a camera and shooting underwater?
Pretty much since my first dives. I brought an underwater disposable camera with me on my certification trip. After I finished my check-out dives, I took my first underwater photos. I couldn't see these photos until I could take them to the store and get them physically developed. Of course they are horrible, but I will always cherish them.
What/who currently inspires you?
Wow, the list is truly endless. I've had the pleasure to cross paths with so many remarkable people that have been an enormous amount of inspiration for me, and I am grateful to have so many of them as my closest friends. What inspires me the most are those who unapologetically go after their dreams and do not stop in its pursuit. Especially those who have a similar background to me, that grew up in a land-locked region, found an "abnormal" passion, and left so many things behind in order to follow their heart. It's definitely not an easy route, but I'd do it all again if I had to.
What do you value most in life?
Always being away from people that I love has really made me value friends and family a heck of a lot more. I value good souls, wild adventures, and probably most of all, freedom.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I could write a book about all of the things I'd like to change. I just wish that nature was valued more, instead of being viewed as some disposable thing that doesn't matter. I wish everyone had more courage and opportunity to get out and see just how beautiful it is and to reconnect with it. Because people's relationship with the environment is going to determine its fate, so we need the majority to deeply value it.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
Beyond Words by Carl Safina and What a Fish Knows by Jonathan Balcome. These books give insight into how interwoven and complex the natural world is, more than we'll probably ever know.
What brings you the most joy?
Spending time with friends and family, connecting with awesome like-minded people, being in nature, and having crazy adventures. Also knowing wild animals on a personal level, being able to instantly identify them, knowing their name, knowing their personality and a bit of their history. This has been something I have had the pleasure of experiencing when I have been working in a particular area for so long. I'd like to think that the animals can also recognize me, I'm sure that they can. These relationships bring me so much joy and bring so much motivation to continue to work towards protecting them and their environment.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams and passions, even if it seems like a huge risk and leaves you feeling uncomfortable and challenged. That's exactly what it's supposed to feel like. The only thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve is the fear of failing in its pursuit. Take that leap of faith.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Just get out and experience as much as you can, the good and the bad. Be observant and speak from your heart, that's where the best stories are from.
