after i graduated from college and traveled the world, i always wanted to be a teacher. maybe at some high school or college? since that never happened, i just try to teach the people around me as much as i can. taking the knowledge that took me many years to learn, and passing it down by example.
so when i had all these kids around me, my dream came true. i can teach these kids something about life, about survival, and about having fun. the Moniz kids after a successful fishing experience. gosh, this must have been 15 years ago.
i even went to the Moniz house and gave them their first lesson on free diving and spear fishing. that was so fun.
then i’d take the kids out to the ocean. i use to tell them, “just watch what i do, then copy every move.” and even thought they couldn’t catch anything in the beginning, i’d always let them take a photo so they can feel it. Seth must have been only 11 years old. this fish was too heavy for him. haha.
and Joshua 12 years old? i took them to all my dive spots back then, now i don’t because i want them to figure it out on their own. that’s how you learn.
Joshua, Seth, and Gen. 8 years ago they couldn’t even dive 3 meters or 9′. now they dive deep, they catch fish, and they are the best of dive partners. i really think free diving and surfing created this unbelievable bond they have.
even up until 3 years ago, Seth and Joshua use to get seasick on my boat. now these brothers are watermen. when i watch them in the ocean, i feel a sense of joy. and this joy makes me so happy!
and now the kids are bringing home dinner for the family. they know how to catch fish, clean fish, and cook fish. this is the kind of stuff you can’t learn in school. i just hope these kids pass their knowledge down to the next generation. that would make me even happier than i already am.
