Geoff Coombs
Personally, the story behind the image is what impresses me the most; this is the question that stops me in my tracks when I came across Geoff Coombs photographic work, complete adversity. Oxygen fuels our cells and helps provide the basic building blocks that our bodies need to survive, Geoff's surreal seascapes are captured on one breath, under ice, in remote environments. Pressing the trigger button on the camera in stark contrast is probably the easier of all the skills required to produce his images which are used by high-end brands and editorial magazines around the world.
Interview By; Russell Ord
Name: Geoff Coombs
Homebase: Oakville, Ontario.
Relationships: Married to my wife Kayla
Age: 28
Supporters: Canada Goose, Apple, and GoPro.
What skills came first, the camera or freediving?
The camera came first. I started my journey in photography through my interest in astrophotography when I was 15. Taking photos of the moon and stars was a lot of fun. But I always had a fascination with the underwater world. I grew up swimming, wakeboarding, and casually freediving at our family cottage in Northern Ontario. I wasn't serious about photography/freediving until six years ago.
I see so much adversity in your work, apart from no oxygen and the extreme cold what other challenges do you face in these harsh environments?
Other than the cold and lack of oxygen underwater, which are by far the most challenging aspects, the experience itself is physically demanding. We manually cut the hole in the ice using axes and ice augers. When the ice is relatively thick, it can be strenuous before we even get in the water. Although, the benefit of that is our bodies warm up quickly from the exertion. Due to that exertion and the cold, it is harder to relax in the water. Relaxation in freediving is critical for more extended breath holds, so in the winter, it is almost impossible to have long dive times as you would in warm water.
Any crazy wildlife stories?
I went to Western Australia five years ago to visit some friends in Perth. During the trip, I dove with sea lions at Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. It was an incredible experience. I was amazed by the size of the animal and how playful they were. There was one sea lion that swam in close circles around me for what felt like ten minutes. It was exciting, but also a little sketchy as I didn't know what to expect. I've dived with sharks off Oahu, and also in the Bahamas, but that sea lion encounter had to be the most exhilarating.
How did your freediving skills evolve, over time with practice or did you source some outside training?
My first time freediving in the ocean was nearly six years ago in Exuma, Bahamas. After that trip, I was hooked, and I took an AIDA two-star course to learn safety and improve my breath-hold. My ability to hold my breath longer and equalize to deeper depths just came with experience and diving more often.
What type of equipment are you using?
For cameras and lenses, I currently use all Canon gear. I own a Canon 5D IV, 35mm 1.4 L II lens, 15mm 2.8 fisheye lens, and an 85mm 1.4 L IS lens. I also use an Aquatech Imaging Solutions housing to take all of that underwater.
For wetsuits, I use a 7mm Riffe International open cell wetsuit, 7mm Waterproof gloves, and 4mm Argos socks. For fins, I use Moana carbon euro fins which are awesome and versatile for all kinds of diving. Lastly, for my mask, I use an Aqua Lung Micromask, which is perfect for freediving due to the visibility and low air volume.
I loved the Visions video on your website, is videography another focus of your work?
Thank you! Videography is something I want to explore more for sure. It's challenging and rewarding. I find it harder to create a story with it, but once you nail the music and cuts, it can be compelling. I am planning to create a short film this winter showcasing freediving under ice, so stay tuned for that.
What's the story behind your retreats because I would love to experience a little of your world when travel opens up.
You'd be more than welcome to come once travel opens up!
Over the years, I noticed the interest in freediving under the ice was growing, and I had a lot of messages from people asking if they could come to join me. Earlier this year I decided to open it up to whoever wanted to come to try it through exclusive dive retreats led by myself and Andrew Ryzebol (my good friend who is in most of my underwater photos).
The ice diving retreats are designed to make the extreme under-ice environment accessible to people who desire to explore them but don't know where to start. I also wanted to make the retreats as comfortable as possible, staying at a beautiful waterfront cottage with a hot tub to warm up after diving, and lots of interior space to relax and have a good conversation.
I also hope to host other retreats to the area in the spring, and to the Bahamas in the future once the virus is no longer a significant concern.