Deep Week at Kilsby Sinkhole, South Australia. By Amber Bourke (1)
Freediving is the exploration of aquatic depths on a single breath, without the use of breathing apparatus. It has long been perceived as a niche sport, often overshadowed by scuba diving. And in multiple countries, it’s surpassing scuba diving in popularity. With a team of adventure-enthusiasts now set to tilt the scales further by making freediving accessible to anyone willing to take the plunge.
Meet Jayde Purnell, the 32-year-old co-founder and managing director making waves in the industry. “If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding with dolphins or dancing with whales, freediving is for you. If you’re seeking peace or adventure, dive in. Whatever
draws you to the water, prepare to be completely in awe of what your body is capable of and the sensations you’ll experience freediving. Each descent is a journey to serenity, and each ascent leaves you breathless in more ways than one.”
With her newly launched company, “Freedive Adventures,” Jayde is transforming the freediving industry with a strong focus on conservation and ethical travel. This is not your typical travel booking platform; it’s the first global underwater playground exclusively for freediving and conservation adventures.
Jayde has been water obsessed from the beginning. From childhood days spent exploring anything larger than a puddle to her globe-trotting seaside adventures, she’s had a lifelong love affair with the deep blue.
“I was ready to chase freediving around the world, in any capacity, and it hit me like a tidal wave,” Jayde recalls with a smile. “Finding and booking the next adventure was just too difficult! It felt like I was swimming against the current just to get underwater. So I decided to build a solution for the whole community. Whether you want to do a freediving course, research whales, rendezvous with sharks, or become a competing athlete, we’re working to make it all possible.”
Gavin Flannery, Founder and Director of My Robot Monkey digital marketing agency comments, “her vision is truly inspiring and she’s unstoppable in this pursuit. From the moment she shared this dream with me, we’ve been designing the disruption of the industry in the best way possible. We’re here to facilitate once-in-a-lifetime adventures and to do good,” Gavin states. “These experiences are the unforgettable, breath-of-fresh-air-adventures that dreams are made of, all puns intended! I’m proud to be the co-founder of something so unique and inspiring.”
The vision extends beyond just making freediving accessible. The team is dedicated to supporting marine conservation and all efforts to protect our oceans. The company operates a bespoke conservation-first business model, actively partnering with environmental organisations to expand their reach. “Being in the water is a privilege,” Jayde states firmly. “And with privilege comes responsibility. We want our travellers to have an amazing time while making a positive impact.”
Laura Marshall of Great Barrier Reef Foundation states, “Freedivers have a unique perspective as they are likely witnessing the devastation of our oceans first-hand. So much of the degradation happens beyond the human eye, making it more difficult to rally the support required to prevent the loss of reefs in our lifetime. Citizen support is crucial to our research and conservation efforts, which is vital to the survival of our marine ecosystems. We’re excited to have this innovative new company and community stand behind our work here at Great Barrier Reef Foundation.”
Jayde’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her determination is unwavering. She’s not just changing the way people book diving adventures; she’s changing the industry itself. Her story has caught the attention of investors, fellow entrepreneurs and travellers eager to dive into the deep waters with her.
When asked about competitors, Jayde chuckled, “there are none within freediving. If someone endeavours to replicate our concept, we’ll be working towards the same great goal of enabling more people to experience freediving. But be warned, we’ve got the next year of developments mapped out and an unlimited supply of passion. I do, however, find competition to be a great motivator,” she grinned.
It’s clear that Jayde and her team are rewriting the rules and creating a legacy that inspires others to dive headfirst into their own dreams. As their story continues to amuse and inspire, it’s safe to say that Freedive Adventures is making waves, and they’re inviting the world to come along for the dive. So, grab your fins, take a deep breath, and get ready to start ticking off your bucket list with Freedive Adventures – where the sea meets the world and adventure knows no bounds.
