Scuba team making a splash

The birth of their first child was the inspiration behind Melanie Meatheringham and Dave Griffiths starting their own Clontarf-based business.

Dave says Aquaventures began as a diving school aimed specifically at teaching children to dive, but has since expanded to teaching families and adults.

The idea for the business was driven by a desire to return to doing what they loved.

Having arrived in Australia from England via Cyprus and Egypt – where they honed their diving skills - they had intended to go backpacking, but ended up working in Sydney and moving into other careers.

Following their passion

“In 2014 we had our first child and we realised we were not doing what we were passionate about,” Dave says.

“A lot of dive centres didn’t really focus much on kids, so we started specialising in kids’ diving, but we have now grown into families and adults.”

Pool-based training takes place at the Dolphins aquatic centre, while ocean dives have been confined to the Gold Coast seaway or boat trips off the Sunshine Coast thanks to COVID-19 restrictions banning access to their usual site at Tweed Heads.

Inspiring the next generation

Dave says he and Melanie relish the opportunity to share their passion for diving with children.

“We’re inspiring the next generation of divers,” he says.

“The main thing is to be able to see the beautiful ocean and explore the marine life.

“It’s just being under water with nature, it’s quiet, peaceful and relaxing.”

An accomplished underwater photographer, Dave also runs Scubapic with Melanie, capturing the wonder of children learning to swim.

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