Flags are going up. Carts full of food are rolling down the dock. Tanks are being stowed, beds being made, and water tanks being filled. ActionQuest has grown over the past few weeks from a handful of staff and boats to a full-blown presence on Shepherd's dock, full of energy, anticipation, and smiles. We've been working since the beginning of June in preparation for this moment and can't wait for our shipmates to arrive. As the sun sets over the hills that protect West End, our home away from home seems almost complete. We can't help but find Mahi Mahi a little too quiet, however, and are looking forward to filling the boat with new faces, new personalities, and lots of laughter. See you soon, Mahi; we hope you're ready for an amazing adventure!
Here is an introduction to the staff of Mahi Mahi:
Tor- skipper/dive instructor
Born and raised in Northern California, Tor knew she was meant for a life full of adventure. Growing up, she spent her summers traveling to Sweden to visit family and learning how to sail out in the archipelago. After high school, Tor headed north and attended the University of Oregon. In the fall of 2008, she sailed with Sea|mester from Australia to Thailand. Upon returning to University, Tor attained her Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Physiology and also discovered her true love of diving in the murky giant kelp forest-waters off the California, Oregon and Washington coast. After receiving her instructor certification in Oregon, she spent time gaining experience as an Instructor teaching diving in Honduras. In 2010, Tor joined the ActionQuest team and now works with ActionQuest and Seamester as a diving instructor. With Sea|mester, and AQ, Tor plans to advance her sail training and continue to develop her teaching style and career as an outdoor educator.
Tina- dive instructor
After spending several months abroad with Sea|Mester in 2008, Tina became absorbed with the marine world. She graduated from Bard College with a BA in Environmental Studies in 2010, after which she turned her attention to scuba diving. Tina has worked as a Divemaster and Instructor in Central America, Europe, and the US. She holds qualifications such as PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Emergency First Response Instructor (including Care for Children), and eleven specialty instructor ratings. She is thrilled to be returning for her third summer with ActionQuest when not underwater, Tina can be found playing her viola, studying towards a Masters in Environmental Conservation Education and planning her next dive.
Davis- dive instructor
Davis Nunneley is a PADI instructor and student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he studies creative writing and philosophy. His love for the water started when he got his open water certification at the age of eleven and grew as he completed his advanced open water and rescue diver certifications at ActionQuest. Growing up in Atlanta, however, there were not many chances to go diving, so he passed the time by fishing and rock climbing, which carry the responsibility and awareness that he incorporates into his teaching.
