Rediscovering My Depth: How LEFEET Gave Me Back My Underwater Independence
For nearly twenty years, my identity was defined by the water. As a PADI Divemaster, I’ve spent two decades exploring the depths from the vibrant reefs of Australia and Vanuatu to the historic wrecks of Egypt and Grenada. My life was a series of successful ascents—until January 2023, when everything changed on dry land.
I was run over by a car. Twice.
That collision and that moment rendered me paraplegic and reshaped my entire world. In an instant, the mobility I took for granted was gone. But if there is one thing the ocean teaches you, it’s resilience. I’m now disabled, or as I prefer to call it, "Doing It Some other way-abled."
The Challenge of Independence
As a long-time Divemaster, I’ve always been familiar with Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs). However, I used to see them as heavy, bulky pieces of kit. When I began my journey back to the water after my Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), my biggest fear wasn't the ocean—it was the loss of my autonomy. I was incredibly keen to return to diving, but I had one non-negotiable rule: I didn't want someone to have to swim for me.
I revisited the idea of DPVs, but I remembered them being rather large and heavy. Being paraplegic is one hurdle, but because my right arm was also damaged in the collision, I needed a solution that was manageable and versatile.
Why the P1 XR Changed Everything
When I found the LEFEET P1 XR, I realized I’d found the missing piece of my kit. It solved the three main obstacles standing between me and the reef:
- Portability: It was light enough for me to handle despite my physical constraints.
- One-Handed Operation: This was the deal-breaker. Because of my arm injury, I needed a device I could pilot with a single hand. The P1 XR gave me that control.
- Pure Power: Don't let the compact size fool you. It has enough torque to pull me through the water in full SCUBA kit, and the LEFEET P1 XR battery comfortably lasts for two nearly hour-long dives without needing a recharge. It is a brilliant piece of equipment.
From the Pool to the Islands
My journey back started at the London Aquatics Centre with the team at Ocean Turtle Diving. By the time I reached Grenada to dive with Aquanauts, the practice had paid off. Even though I can't kick, using my P1 XR meant I wasn't just a passenger—I was an explorer again.
Most recently, I took my gear to the Daymaniyat Islands in Oman. Watching the shadows of marine life dance above me, I realized I wasn’t thinking about my wheelchair or the collision. I was focused on the dive. The P1XR doesn't just pull you along; it restores the underwater independence that SCI tries to take away.
To anyone facing a massive life shift: it isn't easy, but there is always a way to get back to what you love. We take it one breath at a time, and we #GetAfterIt.
Best fishes,
Justen Bersin-Taylor
PADI Divemaster & Adaptive Athlete
