Sophia van Coller
Dive Industry Profile
Sophia van Coller
Growing up in Cape Town, I was always drawn to the ocean and got my boat skipper’s licence before I could even drive a car. After finishing my studies, I ventured overseas and soon found myself working on sailing yachts, diving and exploring places like Fiji, Tahiti, Galapagos Islands and all those exotic destinations I always dreamed of as a child. But I wanted to capture this on film, so I packed my bags and flew to Sodwana Bay to become a scuba instructor and ultimately, an underwater photography instructor. I was fortunate enough to work for six months as an apprentice for the living legend, Cathy Church, in the Cayman Islands at her underwater photography school, which was such an enriching experience and solidified my passion for all the amazing life forms underwater, especially through my macro lens. For the next few years I worked as a professional photographer in the Bahamas and the Maldives, where my diving took a new turn into the silent world of freediving. At first I used freediving merely as a tool for photography, but soon it became more of a personal challenge.
My diving took a new turn into the silent world of freediving.
When I returned to South Africa, while working as a press photographer for the Cape Times, I was lucky enough to be one of three female freedivers to represent South Africa at the 2006 Freediving World Championships in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It really immersed me into the competitive side of freediving, and for the most part I dive without cylinders these days. In 2013, at the age of 39, I broke the SA record in Free Immersion, and dived to 53 m on one breath. Free immersion is one of the three depth disciplines in freediving. You pull yourself down and up a line with your arms, without wearing fins.
My favourite place to dive has to be the Bahamas, with its clear blue water and interesting walls and swim-throughs.The Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt, is a close second. Nothing comes quite close to its magical and tranquil dive conditions.
Last year I spent two weeks training in CNF (constant weight no fins) depth diving in Tulamben, Bali, and could not believe the pristine and accessible conditions for freediving. With 30 m visibility and warm blue water, I could train for hours if we timed the tides correctly.
I have always been a DAN member during my scuba diving career and have continued my membership as a freediver now. It gives me an immense sense of security knowing that DAN is there to help or give advice when needed. When I lived and worked in the Maldives as a scuba instructor, I taught the DAN First Aid course to hundreds of local boat skippers and snorkel guides. I could see the impact it had on them and how it changed their lives for the better. It also gave them a better understanding for the ocean and what to be aware of on a daily basis when living on an island.
I became a Pure Apnea freediving judge two years ago and really enjoy being part of local competitions and watching this sport grow. I have just completed my Level 3 Master Freediver course with Pure Apnea in Cape Town. I hope to do my freediving instructor’s course next year, so that I can start training the next generation of freedivers.
My diving took a new turn into the silent world of freediving.
When I returned to South Africa, while working as a press photographer for the Cape Times, I was lucky enough to be one of three female freedivers to represent South Africa at the 2006 Freediving World Championships in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It really immersed me into the competitive side of freediving, and for the most part I dive without cylinders these days. In 2013, at the age of 39, I broke the SA record in Free Immersion, and dived to 53 m on one breath. Free immersion is one of the three depth disciplines in freediving. You pull yourself down and up a line with your arms, without wearing fins.
My favourite place to dive has to be the Bahamas, with its clear blue water and interesting walls and swim-throughs.The Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt, is a close second. Nothing comes quite close to its magical and tranquil dive conditions.
Last year I spent two weeks training in CNF (constant weight no fins) depth diving in Tulamben, Bali, and could not believe the pristine and accessible conditions for freediving. With 30 m visibility and warm blue water, I could train for hours if we timed the tides correctly.
I have always been a DAN member during my scuba diving career and have continued my membership as a freediver now. It gives me an immense sense of security knowing that DAN is there to help or give advice when needed. When I lived and worked in the Maldives as a scuba instructor, I taught the DAN First Aid course to hundreds of local boat skippers and snorkel guides. I could see the impact it had on them and how it changed their lives for the better. It also gave them a better understanding for the ocean and what to be aware of on a daily basis when living on an island.
I became a Pure Apnea freediving judge two years ago and really enjoy being part of local competitions and watching this sport grow. I have just completed my Level 3 Master Freediver course with Pure Apnea in Cape Town. I hope to do my freediving instructor’s course next year, so that I can start training the next generation of freedivers.
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March