While most people might associate diving with the tropics, Roger lets us know that because the cold waters in this region are so much more nutrient dense than warmer ones, the biodiversity of the ocean here is spectacular. “I’m a photographer and videographer, and there’s times when I’m on a wall of marine life where I’m having a hard time to find a bare rock just to put my finger down to stabilize myself so I can take a picture or a video,” he says. From tiny sea slugs through to an octopus that measures 15 feet tentacle to tentacle, the colourful life below the surface might surprise new divers when they peer into the depths surrounding Campbell River for the first time.

“There’s that much life, but the biggest challenge for people is getting over the amount of equipment you need to do it,” Roger says. Not to worry, though. For those who are curious about exploring the ocean, he guarantees that the only part of your body that might even touch cold water when diving is a tiny bit of your face. “The technology and the equipment has become so good,” he says. And while drysuits might keep divers warm no matter the season, even OceanFix’s custom boat is high tech: an elevator assists divers with lifting heavy gear out of the water.

Roger has been working for decades to help protect the marine environment in Campbell River and that spirit carries on today. Ocean Fix and its guests always make sure to clean up debris they might find floating during a charter, and the team also join other divers for lake cleanups where they regularly remove hundreds of pounds of litter left behind.

“The people that come to Campbell River…I hope they leave with a positive feeling about the connection that we have with nature and how we can work with nature to keep the world a better place,” Roger says.

Stoke your passion for diving and marine conservation whether you’re a beginner or already a pro. Check out diving in Campbell River.