Common Ground: Hanli Prinsloo
Friday, 21 February, 2014
by Mel Winter
Manta with Story/ Maldives: Photographer Jean-Marie Ghislain
I AM WATER is the Ocean Conservation Trust I started with like-minded ocean lovers in 2010. Our belief is that we protect what we love and we will do all we can to help people fall in love with the ocean. The beating heart of our organisation is taking underprivileged youth and children into the ocean. For a country with so much coastline, it's saddening to see how few South Africans have access to the sea. Through our work globally we have also seen that this is not exclusively a South African challenge, it's the same in many places. From Bermuda, to inner city Los Angeles to Indo. 2014 is going to be an exciting year growing our capacity for new regions and expanding the love!
What was it like being part of the TedX talks in Bermuda?
I love telling my story in front of people! Whether it's a TEDx conference, a corporate group or a school the stories of over coming fear, finding what makes you want to get up in the morning and recognising beauty all around us never fails to resonate!
Watch the full talk from the CT TedX here:
Where is the strangest place you've ever done a dive?
I've dived in some pretty amazing places but the deep fjord in Sweden where I learnt to dive and did some of my first deep dives remains a magical place of mystery. Rock walls falling down to 100m below the surface, pitch black water and burning jelly fish makes for quite a mental challenge if you're going deep!
And personal favourite piece of ocean (tough question I know!)?
Ah... I can't pick favourite places... Each place has an ocean friend I get to meet, and they are so unique! The Maldives with dancing manta rays was an incredible experience, but then again sperm whales clicking at me and diving to over 1000m deep in Sri Lanka made me feel smaller than anything else in my life. If it's salty, its a favourite! :)
Hanli and Black-tip Sharks/ Aliwal Shoal: Photographer Thomas P. Peschak
What is your personal breath hold record, static and open water?
Floating in a relaxed position, face down in the water, I can hold my breath for six minutes, but while diving and exerting energy my longest dive has been four minutes.
You are a woman of your principles, do you have any strict standards for coffee? ie Fair Trade, Organic etc.
I am a woman of principles indeed, I'm very principled about getting a coffee before 10am and I turn into a dragon! No seriously, I try to stick to organic and fair trade where I can and support those who sell this, I think it's important for us as consumers to know that the power really does lie with us! It's not that different whether you're buying fish or coffee- know where it comes from and how's everyone around it doing! One small taste is not enough to destroy this beautiful planet and her people for. Be a nice human!
Where are you currently based? What do you love about it and are there any good coffee spots around?
Living in Kalk Bay I am SPOILT for choice when it comes to good coffee! I must be honest lately I have been making my own little mocha pot of espresso with milk substitute each morning, but for a treat I head over to OURS on Rosmead road where Dave and the team make a smooth smooth cup!
If you liked this article, then you may also like these:
Got something to say? Then leave a comment!
