The Best Story of November 2024

I grew up in South Africa, and my big hobby was waterskiing. I started waterskiing at the age of 2. Yes, you read that right. At 17, we moved to Australia and took our skis, ropes, and life jackets. We didn’t take the boat, which is kind of key for waterskiing. So that wasn’t happening. However, we moved to Townsville, which is right on the Great Barrier Reef, so I got into diving. During university, I worked for a dive shop in Brisbane and certified up to PADI DM. In 2010, I moved to the U.K. and still continued diving. I joined BSAC and certified as a Dive Leader.

Diving wrecks is my passion. In 2012, I did my tech certifications in Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon. In 2013, I met my now wife. In 2016, I got her OW certified, and in 2017, I got her AOW certified. It’s clear diving has been a big part of my life. I am proud of the fact that of the world’s top wreck dives I’ve dived:
  • The SS Thistlegorm
  • The SS Yongala
  • Chuuk Lagoon
  • Caps Flow
  • The SS President Coolidge
  • RMS Rhone
  • MV Bianca C

In January 2023, I was hit by a car while cycling to the gym and rendered paraplegic, actually Triplegic as I only have my left arm as a working limb. Since then, I have worked to rehab as much as possible and get back to the things I love doing, including diving. I think the LEFEET P1 has been key in this as it is a small DPV that I can manage myself even with my injuries and lends me an independence to diving, instead of being dragged or pushed by a “propulsion diver.” I can’t wait to get back to Grenada and dive with Aquanauts Grenada (an adaptive diving center!) with my friends and P1!!!

Justen | Bersin

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