JESSIE CRIPPS

Hometown: Cronulla, Sydney Australia

Education:

Bachelor of Digital Television Production, Creative Arts

Interests:

Spearfishing, Freediving, Scuba Diving, Photography, Videography, Editing, Camping, Traveling.

After spending a number of years travelling to far flung destinations in pursuit of fish I’ve spent my fair share of time on dodgy boats with zero safety gear. I’ve been humbled by the ocean many times with a few scares over the years, from losing divers in a rain squall with zero vis to getting caught in strong currents - luckily everything turned out ok. Each time I’ve processed what I’d do differently next time and created a safety kit for future trips. Now I have a dry bag that comes with me everywhere, it has an epirb, VHF radio, basic medical kit & two tourniquets.

 

Describe your favorite marine species and what makes them special.

My favourite fish species are Dogtooth Tuna, I’ve spent years chasing these animals and just when we think we’ve figured them out they go and do something completely random. Not only can they be difficult to find but they fight hard and dirty. Putting a shot in one is just the start of the chaos, usually found in strong current and nearly always surrounded by a pack of sharks makes for some interesting diving.

 

Do you have favorite dive spots where you feel most connected?

The Great Barrier Reef of Australia has certainly captured my heart. While I like to dive everywhere, it is no doubt my favourite spot. The variety of species and the health of the reef is something that I am so grateful to have for a ‘backyard’. Having spent five years living on our sailboat on the GBR we have witnessed the recovery of bleached reefs and the destruction of other parts, it is always amazing to see how resilient our reef is and the variety of sea life that changes depending on which region of the GBR you’re in.

 

Share a humorous or unexpected moment.

One of the strangest moments was when we were diving a sea mount in Panama when this sea turtle emerged from the depths. We had crystal clear vis and it was about 60m deep when it swam all the way up to us with a huge yellow fin tuna carcass and ‘gifted’ it to us like we were sick animals. It was a strange experience and after it caught its breath it took off back in to the depths. It was a strange moment that has always stuck with me.

 

How has spearfishing/freediving influenced your relationship with the ocean/nature?

Spearfishing has humbled me, made me realize we are part of the ecosystem whether we like it or not. Embracing our role within nature encourages us to minimize our impact, ensuring the conservation and balance of the environment for future generations. By sharing the underwater world through our videos, we hope to inspire others to care about and protect these ecosystems.

 

What is your process like after catching fish while spearfishing? Can you walk us through what happens from the moment you catch a fish to when it's prepared for consumption?

I’ve always believed in knowing where your food comes from. I was fortunate to grow up with this understanding, and I aim to share it by documenting the process of catching, killing, and cooking our fish. Often, while chasing a fish or preparing to take a shot, I'm already thinking about how I'll cook it. Once it’s in my hands, I cut the gills to bleed it and chill immediately. For smaller fish, we prefer to cook them whole to utilise the entire fish. For larger ones, we fillet them and often save the collars for the BBQ. Preparing a meal from our catch is one of the most rewarding aspects of this lifestyle. Knowing the fish lived a free-range, wild life until the moment it was caught is the most respectful way to honour the animal. In today's era of convenience, we've become disconnected from the origins of our food. It's easy to overlook the destructive fishing methods impacting global fish stocks when all we see is a neatly packaged fillet at the supermarket.

 

What is your go-to RIFFE set up and why?

My favourite Riffe setup is my Euro 120 with reel, it's the perfect all-rounder for reef hunting which is where I spend most of my time.

 

Anything else you'd like to let the world know?

You can learn more about us and follow our adventures at: www.underwaterallyproductions.com