Scuba diver shares his underwater love

Patterson had many successful years in the advertising and marketing industry, but he longed for a sense of purpose – and he found it when he started scuba diving in 1998.

“I was lost in business,” he said. “I was on an escalator that was going one way. I realised that advertising is the first part of my life. It’s not my entire life.”

Patterson was first introduced to scuba diving by his sky diving instructor. He then combined his first love for wildlife with his new found love for scuba diving and embarked on underwater photography.

“Under the water everything is perfect – everything is in harmony,” he explained. “Photography has allowed me to share my experiences with others.”

More than anything, 52-year-old Patterson wants to share his life-changing experience with everyone. As a master instructor with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), Patterson wants other people to experience the joy he gets from diving.

“It is the most amazing feeling to see someone dive for the first time,” he said. “They come out a totally different person. I truly get a kick from teaching people how to dive.”

Patterson joined the rest of PADI at the Dive Rally at Miracle Waters, Brits, on 14 September. The day promised to be filled with fun activities for everyone, live entertainment and exhibitors. The main aim of the rally was to gather the entire diving industry and to create hype around scuba diving.