Image credit: Rafael Wiedenroth
In a world that moves at the speed of a smartphone, it’s refreshing to come across someone determined to slow things down, take a deep breath, and plunge headfirst into the depths of adventure. Meet Jayde, a fearless entrepreneur who’s making waves in the diving industry. With her newly launched company, “Freedive Adventures,” Jayde is transforming the way we explore the waters of the world with a strong focus on conservation and ethical travel. This is not your typical travel booking platform. It’s a world-first for ocean enthusiasts, offering direct bookings for apnea adventures globally.
Jayde Purnell, 32-year-old co-founder and managing director, has been a water enthusiast 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. But it was during an upheaval from Sydney corporate life that the idea surfaced.
“I was ready to chase freediving around the world, in any capacity, and it hit me like a weight belt,” Jayde recalls with a mischievous smile. “I knew plenty of places and people in the industry and still, finding and booking the next adventure was so difficult! It felt like I was swimming against the current just to get underwater. So I decided to build the solution myself. Whether you want to learn to freedive, research whales, rendezvous with sharks, or become a competing athlete, we’re working to make it all possible.”
“In 2023, I boarded a plane (or four) and moved to the Philippines, spending the year diving and building the business; working with an incredible remote team to make this dream a reality for the entire underwater community! Freediving has opened up a whole new world for me. I’ve coached at the world’s largest freediving festival, Deep Week, alongside Adam Stern and Brandon Reed. Been a stunt diver at the AIDA freediving world championships thanks to Thibault Guigness. Met William Trubridge of Vertical Blue. Witnessed multiple world-record-breaking freedives, including the glorious moment Alessia Zecchini became the deepest woman alive. And even attempted to beat Alexey Molchanov at weight training at the gym; safe to say I failed. It’s been an insane journey and I’m grateful for every moment. If Freedive Adventures cements me into this community forever, good!”
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. The entire team is thrilled to be a part of this journey. We’re ready to make a massive splash. And I’m proud to be the co-founder of something so remarkable. These experiences are the unforgettable, breath-of-fresh-air-adventures that dreams are made of, puns intended!”
But the vision extends beyond just making diving accessible and streamlined. The team is also dedicated to supporting and raising awareness about marine conservation and the need to protect our oceans. The company operates a bespoke conservation-first business model, actively partnering with environmental organizations while also promoting responsible travel and diving practices.
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.”
“Being in the water is a privilege,” Jayde states firmly. “And with privilege comes responsibility. We want our travelers to have an amazing time while making a positive impact.”
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 and fellow entrepreneurs, who are eager to dive into the deep waters with her. And this is just the beginning.
When asked about competitors, Jayde stated, “There are none at this stage. If someone endeavours to replicate our concept then we’ll be working towards the same great goal of enabling more people to experience freediving. I will however say that we’ve got the next year of developments mapped out and an unlimited supply of passion and skills. I do, however, find competition to be a great motivator,” said with a confident grin.
Gavin smiles and shares his thoughts about the long-term vision, “this platform is designed to be an oceanic adventure hub for all travelers. Whilst also serving as a gateway to active participation in ocean conservation around the world.”
It’s clear that Jayde and the team are rewriting the rules and creating a legacy that inspires others to dive headfirst into their own dreams. This startup is proving that adventure and entrepreneurial success are just a plunge away.
As their story continues to amuse and inspire, it’s safe to say that they’re making waves and inviting the world to come along for the ride. So, grab your fins, take a deep breath, and get ready to embark on a journey like no other, with Freedive Adventures – where the sea meets the world and adventure knows no bounds
Image credit: Quim Torne
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