Diving In: Freediving record-holder Salma Ahmed Shaker talks to us about her deep love for the deep blue

“I started scuba diving when I was really young. My father is a longstanding scuba diver. Once we reach the age of 10 in the family, we learn.”

From as far back as she can remember, the sea has been a part of Salma Ahmed Shaker’s life.

However, it was not until 2019 that the passionate environmentalist and product design student at Effat University plunged into the world of freediving.

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Now a SSI Level 2 freediving instructor, Salma, then 19 years old, found freediving to be both challenging and liberating, saying: “I always like to describe my first experience as if I’m riding a plane for the first time; it’s another world.” She was guided through the courses by an instructor who encouraged her to push beyond her limits.

“She saw the athlete within me and encouraged me to embrace this new aspect of myself. It’s now become a lifestyle for me.”

Let's dive right in:

The Journey

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Salma’s life has been marked by remarkable adventures, such as the time she visited the Georgios G shipwreck off the coastal city of Tabuk with freediving friends.

As they made their way towards the renowned wreck, she spotted a huge silhouette on her left. “I realised it was an enormous whale shark. It was an unexpected and unforgettable surprise as we swam with it for nearly 45 minutes.”

Though Salma was already familiar with the waters of the Red Sea, it was only when she explored other diving locations that she truly came to appreciate its beauty. With warm temperatures throughout most of the year, Salma views the Red Sea as a midpoint between north and south. The northern regions offer excellent visibility, and the southern areas are home to larger marine species, despite occasional visibility challenges. However, what truly captivates her are the mesmerising coral formations.

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In 2022, she took part in a competition in Kas, Turkey, marking her first event with the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation. “Although there were few corals, the beauty of the diving location left me in awe. The calm waters and minimal waves made it ideal for freediving even though the water felt slightly cold.” 

She also experienced diving in Miami once, where the waters provided excellent conditions for freediving, though the waves could be strong at times. Reflecting on diving in the Kingdom and her experience in Florida’s coastal city, she says: “While Miami offers encounters with larger fish, the Red Sea boasts stunning coral reefs. Both locations have their unique charms.”

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Milestone Moments

Salma takes pride in the strides made by the federation in organising more competitions. She is particularly excited about the prospect of representing the Kingdom in two world competitions this year.

Her advice to those aspiring to pursue diving is simply to go for it. “I used to be an introvert who struggled in social settings, I never imagined that diving would become such a significant part of my life. It was my parents who encouraged me to explore freediving.” She saw the power of stepping outside her comfort zone and learned that embracing new experiences can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths in life.

During her downtime, Salma likes visiting a cosy spot in Jeddah called Arty Cafe, where she can relax, order a drink, and let her creativity flow onto the canvas. “I often find myself painting the beauty of sunsets, it allows me to express myself and find peace in the creative process.”

She also expresses her excitement about being a part of a new documentary by Red Sea Global and Warner Bros. Discovery called Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals. The film emphasises the importance of taking action to protect coral reefs and how everyone can contribute towards this cause. It also highlights how the coral reefs of the Red Sea can serve as a model for conservation efforts worldwide.

Take a peek below:

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 @salmaahmedsh