Get to know us ;)
Meet The Team
Video Features:
|
|
|
|
Biographies:
Dive Team
Jesper Ahrentz, Co-Owner & Manager - PADI Master Instructor #465767 (Denmark🇩🇰)
Jesper left his home country of Denmark after finishing school, to go backpacking in Australia for about 6 months before returning to begin University. While traveling, he decided to give diving a try, and it changed his life - he has now been working in the dive industry for over 20 years. In that time he has taught over 5000 students, which makes him one of the most experienced PADI instructors in the world! He’s also really, really good at spinning on his head on the bottom of the sea. Jesper manages the dive centre, spreading laughter while he works. When Jesper is not in the office, he climbs the highest mountains in the world.
Will North, Co-Owner & Manager - PADI Staff Instructor #498156 (Canada 🇨🇦)
Will’s passion for diving began in 1998, when he first learned to dive on the Great Barrier Reef during a backpacking trip. During his open water dives, he was hooked on the feeling of near-weightlessness. He returned home to Canada and taught public school for 8 years, but he never forgot his love for the ocean. In 2008, he took a leap of faith. He left his job, sold his house, and moved to Thailand to become a PADI instructor. This was a very good idea, and he hasn’t looked back since. Will spends most of his time welcoming guests, scheduling, organizing and supporting the incredible dive team at Ocean Sound Dive & Yoga. He also enjoys running, travel and aviation.
Sam Possamai, Manager + Dive Instructor - PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor #369711 (Brazil🇧🇷)
Originally from Brazil, Sâm has been traveling since she was 18. During a 3 year stint living in Australia, she went diving for the first time and the first seeds of change were planted. She then backpacked through Indonesia, and went diving again, this time getting her Open Water certification. Next up she explored the waters of the Philippines and Thailand, and was hooked for good. She decided to change her travel plans and her life plans. She gave up her plane ticket to go home, became a dive instructor, and has been living the dream ever since. Teaching is itself a passion, and when combined with diving, brings Sâm joy and pure happiness! When she's not diving, she loves to watch beautiful Koh Tao sunsets, listen to music, and cook feasts!
Selene Gaiani, Dive Instructor - PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor #517399 (Italy🇮🇹)
Water is her element! Selene's passion for the water started when she was very young as an agonistic synchronized swimmer. When she was just 10 years old she was Open Water certified in Egypt and from that moment on she never stopped diving around the world with her family. Selene later became a Marine Biologist, coached synchronized swimming and taught high school sciences in Italy, her native country. If you have any questions about the marine ecosystem she will be happy to answer with enthusiasm!
Rūta Melvere, Dive Instructor - PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor #382171 (Latvia🇱🇻)
Ruta is an outdoor educator. She is a professional instructor in scuba diving, snowboarding, kayaking and few more. Born in Latvia, she travelled the world and has settled on Koh Tao island since 2016. She first tried diving back in 2009, and became a pro in 2015. Her nickname ‘Super Ruta’ comes from her passion for the ocean and a love of introducing people to the underwater world with a fantastic smile, and lots of energy. Check out @superruta on Instagram!
Les Tagaloa, Dive Instructor - PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor #527539 (New Zealand🇳🇿)
Les was born and raised in the windy capital of Wellington, New Zealand and proudly claims his parents heritage from Samoa, a little island in the South Pacific ocean. Les is a late bloomer to scuba diving as he had his first taste of diving back in 2015 on the Great Barrier Reef. It wasn't until 2019 that Les decided that it was time to return to the ocean on a more permanent basis. Shortly afterwards, Les and his partner left their secure jobs, sold their belongings and purchased a one way ticket to Koh Tao, becoming PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors. Les is an advocate for his LGBTQI community and is at home at Ocean Sound knowing he has full support. During his off time, Les likes to play tennis, entertain friends and guests at home, and bake desserts. He has a real passion for the ocean and will show you the way!
Emilio Díaz Abregú, Dive Instructor - PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer #508910 (Argentina🇦🇷)
Emilio is likely the friendliest guy you'll ever meet :) He was born in a landlocked city in Argentina, which is probably why he left his home country to travel the world at age 18. He hasn’t stopped since. His time is now divided between teaching students how to scuba dive and working as a stunt supervisor for outdoor theatre productions. Emilio came to Koh Tao to continue developing as an instructor and enjoy the island life. On his days off, you’ll still see him on the dive boat since he never seems to get enough of the underwater world!
Support Team
Ko, Ocean Sound Driver (Thailand🇹🇭)
Ko is the best taxi driver on Koh Tao! As the Ocean Sound driver, he transports divers to the boat and swimming pool. He has great style and is always dressed to impress! Though we haven't yet gotten Ko to take his PADI course, Koh Tao's coolest taxi driver takes great care of our divers above sea level. When he's not driving his taxi, he's a bit of a pool shark and also loves playing with his young son, Gong.
Joy, Ocean Sound Office Assistant (Thailand🇹🇭)
Joy is from Phattalung in southern Thailand, but has been living in Koh Tao and working at Ocean Sound for the past 4 years.
Mr. White, Boat Cat (Thailand🇹🇭)
Mr. White is the most popular guy at Ocean Sound. He lives on the dive boat, and loves to cuddle with our divers, play on the grass covered sundeck of the boat, and eat fresh sushi. He does not love being on dry land as he has major sea legs. He also really loves to snooze in bags, so make sure you check your backpack before you get off the dive boat, or you may end up with a stowaway!
