There is something really special about printed media. Perhaps it’s the tangibility, that feeling of the paper on your fingers and the ability to put it down, and pick it up with ease. Dive magazines have always been a bit of a guilty pleasure; a treat that I buy myself to give motivation, new inspiration, or simply cheer myself up. Even back in school I remember spending hours covering my school books with dive pictures from my favourite magazines and dreaming of diving in the Maldives, swimming at Jellyfish Lake, and catching a glimpse of a whale shark. Who would have thought that these dreams would some day become a reality?
The beautiful pictures in dive magazines definitely spurred my passion for the marine realm and so I was super exited when Martin Baadsgaard suggested I visit DIVE THE WORLD magazine, an international magazine based in Copenhagen, Denmark. I met Martin at the airport and after approximately 23 h in the air, I headed straight to the DIVE THE WORLD publishing house where the editing, designing, advertising, sales and marketing take place. Nothing like getting straight down to business hey!
DIVE THE WORLD has three full time staff members in Copenhagen: Martin Baadsgaard responsible for advertising, sales and marketing; Jesper Kjøller, editor-in-chief; and Charly Nielsen who does an incredible job to produce the beautiful magazine layout that has become distinctive of DIVE THE WORLD. It is quite amazing to think that this expertly crafted and quality publication is put together by just three dedicated people! Really goes to show what you can do if you have the right people for the job. Note also that DIVE THE WORLD has a German version, with Astrid Därr as editor-in-cheif.
With its first issue out early this year, DIVE THE WORLD is a new magazine based on a unique and innovative, yet simple and modest idea. To have a coffee table diving magazine with photography that captures the diversity and magnificence of the underwater world, taking the reader on visual journey of splendor, mystery, grandeur, memory and meaning. Such wonderful pictures draw the reader into the story; a detailed account of the marine life, local people and places up to 20 pages long. In many cases, the readers are so inspired that they plan to visit the location and see the sites for themselves.
I had a wonderful time at DIVE THE WORLD and am so glad that there is a magazine, which will continue to inspire all people, young, and old to be exited and passionate about the underwater world.
After visiting the magazine I spend a weekend with Martin’s family and was lucky enough to visit Copenhagen. Martin knows so much about the history of this place, from the Vikings, to bloody battles with Sweden and England. Danes were definitely not the most peaceful, easygoing people that’s for sure! In fact the city of Copenhagen has been burned to the ground twice!
While I was in Copenhagen I made a visit to the Little Mermaid which is a statue based on the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Anderson. The Little Mermaid, despite it’s small size has got to be one of the biggest tourism attractions in Copenhagen. All cleashaes aside, it was awesome to visit a monument that has encouraged so many kids and adults alike to have an appreciation for the underwater world. Some other sites we got to see was Amalienborg Palace, Prince Fredrick and Mary’s house (yay for the Australians) and Nyhavn, the waterfront, canal and entertainment district where we had traditional Danish food.
Martin and his family took me to Sanddobberne beach, a nice beach set against a background of rolling hills and old farm houses with hay roofs. I had a fun and slightly freezing snorkel at the beach which was promptly followed by the most memorable ice cream experience I have ever had in my life. No kidding the ice cream that I saw Martin eat had at least 7 scoops with a huge dollop of cream on top, indiscript pink source and jam. Lets just say that the Danish do NOT skim out on ice cream.
Thank you so much to Martin Baadsgaard for having me. It was grand!
