Photo by Daan Verhoeven
Johnathan Sunnex, a world-class freediver, and instructor have made Dominica his home. Affectionately known as “Jono” or “Johnny” by his mates, friends, and students- the native New Zealander has always had an eye for talent and vision for success, both for himself and for others. In 2011 Sunnex decided to pursue freediving wholeheartedly, and since that time the 34-year-old has garnered many achievements — he is one of handful of people who can boast diving on breath-hold to 110 meters deep; he is an instructor trainer at the highest level of the sport & the Safety Officer for AIDA International; he has been designated as the Chief of Safety for the world’s premier freediving events (Vertical Blue/Big Blue/World Championships et al), and he has coached over 50 individual athletes to as many national records and even myriad world records.
In a heroic and selfless gesture earlier this summer he saved the CMAS World Championships in Kas, Turkey even though he was not a part of the organization; true to himself he wanted to ensure all of the freedivers had the safest opportunity to perform to their maximum and to share his expertise for their benefit. But perhaps his most spectacular achievement has been the way he has brought hope and help to so many people in Dominica after hurricane Maria nearly destroyed the island in the fall of 2017.
Johnny initially came to Dominica to run a diving workshop, when he discovered the absolute perfect location for freediving in the southwest corner of the “Nature Island” — Soufriere Bay. No waves, no current, no depth limit: Soufriere Bay had all of this to offer and so much more. So Johnny and his life partner, Colombian athlete, and former world record holder, Sofia Gomez Uribe created their own freediving school and the Blue Element Freediving Competition. In 2016 they moved to a charming bayside village called Scotts Head and after hosting a few training camps they decided to launch their inaugural international competitive event.
To date, Sunnex is buoying up the local economy. Bringing students and athletes from every corner of the planet to Dominica is an economic boon. Forging new relationships with local businesses such as the Soufriere Guest House (where all of the BE staff and most of the athletes stayed), Nature Island Dive(where competitors & crew met every morning and bought coffee every afternoon!) and Extreme Dominica (which supplied more terrestrial adventures) Sunnex again deploys his influence to benefit others. Johnny also brought back partners like the Discover Dominica Authority and he expanded everyone’s bellies vis a vis the cooking repertoire of Joan & Jemma Lewis, two fantastic local chefs (and sisters) who worked tirelessly to provide delicious & nutritious meals every day (lunch and dinner) for everyone.
To learn more about Blue Element follow the following link www.deeperblue.com
