Jay François | Underwater Photographer & Videographer | Dive Instructor | Tenerife
Jay is a scuba diving instructor, and owner of WhatNext Adventures Dive Center Tenerife, originally from Luxemburg and Belgium.
Jay is extremely passionate about wildlife and this can be seen in his stunning underwater photography.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
When I started diving, I discovered a new world and fell in love with it. Then comes the educational part where you start researching what you've seen underwater. At this point, you're starting to figure out what you've missed because some species are extinct or very difficult to spot when a few years ago there was still an abundance of them.
After realising that I swore to myself to spend as much time underwater as possible and share my passion with others. Students, friends & family. This is the reason why I've worked hard to become a diving instructor and have my own dive centre.
What/who currently inspires you?
The underwater world constantly inspires me. Also people like Laurent Ballesta.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
To get the fishing industry regulated and the governments to take more action to protect the ocean. Create several marine reserves where the ecosystems can be as they were years ago. There is still time.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
All the Laurent Ballesta's Gombessa projects which focuses on some of the rarest, most elusive marine creatures and phenomena in the world!
I am the type of person who prefers researching topic after topic online, rather than reading a book.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
To educate divers, in the hope that they will respect and protect the ocean.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Just share your passion. People feel what you feel when you talk out of your soul.
INSTAGRAM: @insta_jay_diving
