**Adventurers Dive Deep into the Ocean and Live Stream to Inspire the Next Generation**
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In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Brittany Badahss and Bettina Kelley are pioneering a movement that brings the ocean directly to viewers’ screens. Their social media venture, DiveDiveLIVE, showcases live streams of their deep-sea explorations, aiming to educate and inspire audiences, particularly younger viewers, to foster a greater connection with marine life.
Both women have compelling backgrounds that led them to the ocean. Badahss, originally from Hawaii, initially harboured fears of sharks and deep water. Her transformative experience began at the age of 29 when, after quitting alcohol, she took to kayaking. On one memorable outing, she encountered breaching whales, which piqued her curiosity about marine environments. Although she didn’t complete her degree in marine biology, she earned her scuba certification, marking a significant turn in her life. Kelley, aged 43, also gravitated towards the sea after spending 15 years living in Maui, where she too became scuba certified alongside Badahss.
The genesis of DiveDiveLIVE was rooted in a desire to share their underwater discoveries with those unable to join them on their excursions. The duo quickly realised that launching a successful live streaming project would require not only a strong concept but also significant technical research and problem-solving to ensure they could broadcast their underwater experiences effectively. “We knew we were doing something innovative and cool,” said Badahss, reflecting on the early days of their venture.
Initially, their inaugural live stream attracted a modest audience of about 30 viewers. However, persistence paid off, as they eventually reached the remarkable milestone of approximately 100 live streams. A pivotal moment occurred during a night dive off the coast of Maui when they witnessed an eel engage in a fierce battle with a larger fish, significantly boosting their viewership. Badahss recalls, “Our audience surged from about 30 to roughly 8,000 in a matter of minutes,” highlighting the excitement and unpredictability of their underwater experiences.
Since then, DiveDiveLIVE has cultivated a substantial following, now amassing over 3.14 million fans across various platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. The pair consciously steer clear of presenting themselves as marine experts. Instead, they strive to make learning interactive and collaborative, allowing viewers to help identify sea creatures and share insights during their dives. “This education and interaction help diminish the fear many viewers have about the ocean,” Badahss remarked, adding that she understands these fears firsthand.
While their underwater sessions aim to educate and enchant, they also come with meticulous planning and preparation. The duo often opts to dive during off-peak hours, hauling over 100 pounds of equipment each, including substantial camera gear. They communicate with audiences through full-face masks designed for underwater use, allowing them to interact with viewers while exploring underwater marvels, often for 50 to 90 minutes per outing.
The stunning encounters they share are diverse and thrilling. Kelley recalls an unforgettable moment in Florida when she encountered a pregnant 16-foot tiger shark, while Badahss reminisces about a dive in Hawaii where she enjoyed the company of a playful Hawaiian monk seal. “I loved that thousands of viewers experienced it live with us,” she reflected, highlighting the joy of sharing these moments in real-time.
However, their journey has not been without its perils. During one dive in Florida, Badahss faced a life-threatening situation when she encountered difficulties breathing at a depth of 60 feet. Amidst being surrounded by lemon sharks, she realised she had been deprived of air for approximately two and a half minutes, an experience she later described as “nuts.” Fortunately, she was safely brought to the surface without lasting consequences, although the incident served as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in their adventures.
Despite such challenges, the duo persistently continues their quest for adventure and new experiences, transforming their lives into a full-time exploration of the ocean. Having largely given up their possessions, they now travel with only six or seven suitcases filled with equipment and personal items. Their commitment to sharing the ocean with their families is evident, as Badahss homeschooled her daughters, aged 10 and 12, while Kelley’s children have also joined them in various capacities.
Currently, the pair finds themselves in Okinawa, Japan, with plans to visit Taiwan and a turtle sanctuary on a remote island. Although they maintain a home base in Hawaii, their future remains fluid, lacking a strict itinerary. “We’re just rolling with it,” Badahss commented, expressing a desire to inspire others to understand that age and fear should not be barriers to exploring the ocean.
Ultimately, DiveDiveLIVE embodies a sense of adventure, curiosity, and a commitment to environmental education. With each dive, the creators reaffirm their mission: to share the beauty and importance of the ocean, encouraging viewers to embrace the wonders beneath the waves and cultivate a deeper connection to marine life.