Adventures of a Spearo Girl: Spearo Girls of the Caribbean

Meet

Dyaria Ariell Knowles

Nassau, Bahamas

Dyaria, a twenty-four yr old, proud, self proclaimed Island Gal, spends the majority of her free time emerging herself in the magical moments the Bahamian outdoors has to offer.

She likes to grasp these priceless moments through amazing photographs she captures and frequently shares on her instagram page

@Dyarr

When asking Dyaria some questions about who or what influenced her to explore a life above & below the ocean, I was intrigued to find out that she and I shared having influences from our fathers.

“I've always loved the ocean, my middle name is Ariell 😜 .
I started diving/ spear fishing/ fishing at a very young age probably 7. I grew up around boats as my father had several fishing boats. I learnt how to make crawfish pots, how to tie hooks and ropes at that age. My brother also is a fishermen and taught me how to spearfish, we would go out miles and miles from the beach, some days not catching anything.” said Dyaria

One thing I absolutely love about meeting and talking to fellow Spearo’s and fishermen is that no matter what, I know that we ALL have at least one crazy story or a memorable experience… you know that one moment that literally blew your mind or took your breath away!

& the adventurous Dyaria shared one of her moments with me;

“My most memorable spearfish experience was when I actually speared my first crawfish. It was the biggest crawfish I laid my eyes on that day! It was very thrilling knowing to hunt in a place that I don't belong, however, respecting the ocean entirely.”

My goal with this #BREAKTHESTEREOTYPE movement is to motivate & encourage other Caribbean females to explore and indulge in what is literally sitting in their backyards.

Living in a Caribbean country such as the Bahamas, most Bahamians are quite aware that we are surrounded by phenomenal clear waters filled with endless marine life. That of which Spearo’s around the world dream about encountering and very often not only travel thousands of miles, but also pay thousands of dollars to experience.

So why do most of our own not see the attraction foreigners praise and empty out their savings for??

With the common knowledge that “It’s better in the Bahamas” why do the majority of us not take advantage of this?

Here is where one begins to question the reasonings behind the small number of bahamians, particularly female, who like Dyaria can actually claim they “are about that Salt life”.

She shared with me her inspiring views on this matter;

"It would be awesome and pretty kick ass for more Caribbean girls to explore the ocean, there is so much to discover and a completely different world down there. It helps me clear my mind and allows me to find gratitude. “

"I think a lot of females don't have a interest in diving and spearing because most are worried about their 'hair', the stereotype of 'only guys do that', the fear of the unknown, or being in a place you feel you don't belong. Also a great part of our population can't swim which is sad to say because we live on a island.”

"I get a lot of people messaging me, asking me if they can come with me on my next exploration. One of my friends in particular, couldn't swim but was determined to dive and snorkel and to see the beauty the ocean has to hold. It was incredible to inspire someone to do that."

" I think girls who've experienced this amazing world down under should, inspire other girls like you are doing. Show them with our amazing photos. Educate them. Let them experience the awesomeness of the ocean.."
- Dyaria