Todd Camarata

What got you hooked?

Jupiter Dive Center. The free feeling and majesty in the ocean — the sensory overload fills your mind.

What does being underwater mean to you?

Grateful Divers Worldwides Worldwide team welcomes you into a camaraderie where you become part of the family as soon as you meet everyone. The team works hard and well together to keep me safe and get the most out of each dive.

What stands out about the Grateful Divers Worldwide community?

GDWW is a blessing — what they do, helping people like myself get diving.

A dive you’ll never forget?

I was 60 feet down, kneeling on the bottom, after seeing a 6-foot-plus spotted eagle ray that was feeding. It approached from 150 yards or so to within 15 feet of me, swam over my head, turned, and glided down a mini wall. I’m left with a sense of awe.

Dream dive location?

To be able to dive the Philippine islands.

Something surprising you’ve learned?

How important the oceans, and the life in them, are to my life and all of life.

How has diving impacted your life?

Scuba diving has expanded my capabilities and is an integral part of my exercise routine. The peace I feel in the water carries over into my life on land. Sharing my experiences has brought me closer to everyone around me — there’s a sense of belonging.