In the year known as 2020, PADI divers and ocean-lovers around the globe liked, commented, and shared on social media like never before. The pandemic brought about quite a bit more screen time than normal. For those that were disconnected from the ocean at times throughout the year, the PADI team was committed to providing as much of a connection to the underwater world as possible.
Thanks to all of you, here are some of PADI’s most popular images, videos, blog articles, and podcast episodes of 2020.
Sea Snake Patrolling the Sandy Bottom
This Facebook post featuring award-winning photographer Alex Kydd’s video of a sea snake patrolling the sandy bottom in Australia, literally went viral. It’s clear to see why so many have been charmed by this snake! If you’re equally impressed by this freediver’s breath hold, learn more about becoming a PADI Freediver.
Sea Turtle Headshots (Instagram)
All you sea turtle lovers out there couldn’t get enough of these amazing headshots taken by Philip Waller in Hawaii. It’s hard not to smile when a green sea turtle is smiling back at you – even if it’s through Instagram!
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Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Balloon Releases and Sky Lanterns (Blog)
As we work together to seek adventure and save the ocean, we’re glad to see that this PADI blog article has caught the attention of so many ocean-lovers. Check out the full article, written by Megan Denny (Master Scuba Diver Trainer) on the PADI blog here: Eco Friendly Alternatives to Balloon Releases and Sky Lanterns.
Astronaut Jessica Meir – Exploring from the Sea to the Stars (Podcast)
This inspiring interview with NASA Astronaut and Marine Biologist, Dr. Jessica Meir, was certainly a fan favorite in 2020. Episode 6 of PADI’s Dive Stories Podcast, hosted by Ocean Allison, highlights Jessica’s epic explorations from Antarctic waters all the way to outer space! Listen below or on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker (Twitter)
This hilariously strange and cute pacific spiny lumpsucker fish got lots of attention on Twitter for obvious reasons! The quick video was captured by Dive Instructor, Trisha Stovel in British Colombia. If you want to be the scuba diver that knows all the obscure fish species like this one, contact your local dive shop to take the PADI Fish Identification Specialty Course.
Bird or fish? 🤔 This little fish is actually a pacific spiny lumpsuckers armoured with tubercules! 📹: IG user trishastovel pic.twitter.com/Fcay6pmkMR
— PADI (@PADI) October 22, 2020
Humpback Mother & Newborn Calf (Facebook)
The special bond between mother and calf was surely felt by ocean-lovers that came across this video on Facebook. The touching footage was captured at Rarotonga in the Cook Islands by Terra Mater Studios. Humpback whales are truly incredible!
Halloween Baby Diver (Instagram)
Divers across Instagram fell in love with this adorable baby diver this Halloween. Looks like mom (Divemaster Jami Feldman of San Diego) is getting her little one ready for diving as early as possible – and we are so here for it!
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7 Things You Should Never Do Immediately After Diving (Blog)
Great to see that so many divers were brushing up on their safety knowledge by reading this blog in 2020. Check out the full article, written by Megan Denny (Master Scuba Diver Trainer) on the PADI blog here: 7 Things You Should Never Do Immediately After Diving.
Paul Nicklen & Cristina Mittermeier – Connecting the World with Ocean Conservation (Podcast)
Our team at PADI was honored to feature world-renowned conservation photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier on the first episode of Dive Stories Podcast – and of course listeners loved hearing from them too! Listen below or on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.
Stingray Stunned By Orca (Twitter)
It was no surprise that the Twitter universe was all over the surprise that this stingray endured via an orca’s flick of the tail. This one in a million moment was captured by underwater photographer Jorge Hauser in Baja, Mexico. Wow, 2020, wow!
“I feel overwhelmed and incredibly lucky for witnessing this one-in-a-million predatory behavior from the front row.” Wild moment captured by @jorge_c_hauser in Baja, Mexico. pic.twitter.com/CCVofAAlX7
— PADI (@PADI) July 7, 2020
Big thanks to our global community of PADI divers and ocean-lovers for engaging with us on social media, the PADI blog, and Dive Stories Podcast throughout 2020. We hope these posts, and many more, brought smiles to your faces and helped you feel as connected to the underwater world as possible. From all of us at PADI, Happy New Year!
