The Australian Marine Conservation Society
We are proud to introduce our first OK!Doll Ambassador Amber Bourke, a Freediver and Electrican.
Amber began freediving in 2011 and has since set 9 new Australian freediving records. Last year she ranked 2nd in the world and completed the third deepest dive wth no fins ever by a female. During the day Amber works as an Electrician but spends every other minute of the day training for the sport of Freediving.
When you freedive you are taking one breath and diving with no extra assistance – no snorkel or oxygen tank like scuba diving. It’s a sport that takes dedication and practice but above all confidence in yourself and your body. Amber is about to undertake a world record attempt in March 2018 – we look forward to celebrating her achievements.
I’ve always been good at holding my breath. In school I was a synchronised swimmer. I discovered freediving while on holidays and fell in love with the sport.
Amber at the 2017 Freediving World ChampionshipsWhen I am working I will go to work during the day and then train in the pool in the evenings. At the moment I am training full time so I start the day with a morning training session in the ocean and then do some yoga or a gym work out in the afternoon.
Getting to spend lots of time in the ocean! Getting to dive with all sorts of wildlife including dolphins and whalesGetting to dive with all sorts of wildlife including dolphins and whales is my favourite part.
Sometimes when you feel like you are not improving it can be hard to stay motivated. I try to remind myself how lucky I am to spend as much time freediving as I do and that the results are not that important.
I train with a freediving club called the Brisbane Freedivers. They are a great group of people who are always very supportive and inspiring. I have made a lot of friends through the club.
I like to read and I also enjoy going to the movies. I especially like action movies.
Never hold your breath alone!Never hold your breath alone! Always make sure you have an adult watching you. The best way to get started is to enrol in a beginner freediving course and learn from a professional.
Photo by Smartshot - Underwater Mermaids Photographer The Australian Marine Conservation Society is dedicated to protecting our ocean wildlife. When you spend as much time in the ocean as I do you realise how precious our oceans are and how important it is that we protect them. Australia is so lucky to be home to the largest coral reef ecosystem on Earth – the Great Barrier Reef. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and with the help of the Australian Marine Conservation Society hopefully it will be around for many more generations to enjoy.
20% of each ‘Amber’ doll sold will go to The Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Each OK!Doll Ambassador selects a charity to support.
Amber chose The Australian Marine Conservation Society – click here to find out more about them.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society
