Anika 'Ani' ( Instructors Team )

Instructor

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor - Scuba Diving since 2008

When I was 7 years old, my dad handed me a regulator and a tank and told me to stick my face under the surface of the ice cold Trinity River in Oregon, and breathe. I was small, but I still remember the feeling of comfort and familiarity even though I had never done it before; I was awestruck by the single breath that started it all. The obsession grew and I fed it with every ocean documentary I could get my hands on, every book, every magazine that I could find I would read, then start again. Once I was old enough I began volunteering at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, and in 2018, I got my Open Water Scuba Certification in the Red Sea. From there I traveled to Cozumel Dive School with an astounding eight dives in my back pocket. Over the course of an incredible and busy year I worked my way up from my Advanced to MSDT instructor certification, and began teaching there, in the same pool where I was taught so many courses. I fell in love with Cozumel, from the eagle rays to the nurse sharks, and I was so happy and grateful to be able to share what allured me to the world beneath the waves. While on vacation in the summer of 2019, I began looking for a larger dive school, where I could gain experience while progressing myself. I heard the name Rainbow Reef repeatedly, from my parents to the locals to the Coral Reef Conservation Program, who mentioned during my training that they partner with Rainbow Reef. After many emails, I came down to dive with the crew and meet some of the management team, and was instantly impressed with not only the size of the group, but also the comradery amoung them- a balance I didn't expect. I knew then that this was the place I had been looking for, and I'm beyond proud to be an Instructor here at Rainbow Reef. I am a year away from completing a Bachelors in Maritime Archaeology, after which I'll be back for more dives with outstanding wildlife and incredible people.
- Favorite Dive Site:
  Molasses Reef (because sharks)
- Favorite Specialty Class:
  Wreck Specialty
- Favorite Fish:
  Yellowtail Damselfish
- Favorite Restaurant:
  Coco Plum Cafe
- Favorite Movie:
  Chasing Coral
PADI Specialty Instructor Certifications:
- Wreck Diver
- Deep Diver
- Enriched Air/Nitrox Diver
- Night Diver
- Underwater Naturalist
- EFR Primary/Secondary Care

My Dive Gear:

BCD:

Aqua Lung Axiom i3

A feature-rich, ADV style, wrap-around jacket that incorporates the innovative i3 inflation / deflation system (patented). The integrated WraptureTM harness system (pat. pend.) allows you to stand up straight in total comfort while the cylinder remains pe...
Mask:

Atomic SubFrame

The Atomic Aquatics SubFrame Mask is so durable, it carries a Lifetime warranty against frame breakage. The strength comes from the internal frame (subframe) molded directly beneath the surface of the silicone rubber skirt (patent pending). This subframe ...
Snorkel:

Atomic SV-1 Snorkel

The Atomic Aquatics Scupper Valve snorkel design is based on the same principle as the one-way Scupper Valve used in boats. If waves or splashes enter the boat, a one-way rubber flapper located on the deck near the rear of the boat opens to drain the wate...
Octopus:

Aqua Lung ABS Octo

This low profile, sleek octopus is very manageable alternate air source in an emergency. Its high viz covers and hose makes it easy to see. It clips to a BCD very easily with the included quick release mount. Its shape alone, helps to streamline the diver...