Jeffreys Bay is world-renowned for what happens on top of the water, but our local ocean community knows that the world beneath the surface is just as incredible. For over a decade, Paul van Jaarsveld and the team at J-Bay SCUBA have been the gateway to that underwater world, providing dive charters, ocean safaris, water safety, and gear to locals and tourists alike.
Now, this family-run business is ready to take a massive step forward for the local diving scene, but they need our community’s backing.
The Bottleneck: Why Jeffreys Bay Needs a Resident Instructor
Right now, J-Bay SCUBA faces a significant challenge: there is no full-time, resident dive instructor in Jeffreys Bay. The business has always relied on part-time or visiting instructors.
In a town where ocean conditions change quickly, trying to align unpredictable weather windows with student schedules and visiting instructors has become an impossible bottleneck. Turnaround times are tight, and too often, walk-in tourists and locals with limited time have to be turned away. Income opportunities are lost, and eager students leave disappointed.
The solution is clear: Paul needs to become a qualified instructor himself.
Charting the Path to Qualification
Paul has already put the work in. He has completed Phase 1 of his RAID Divemaster course and finished the extensive theory required for both Divemaster and the Instructor Development Program (IDP).
To cross the finish line, he has booked intensive, full-time training with D3 Total Dive Evolution in Durban to complete his practicals and sit for the Instructor Assessment. Once he passes, Jeffreys Bay will finally have a dedicated, permanent RAID Open Water Instructor ready to train students at a moment’s notice.
The Campaign: How You Can Help
While a private, interest-free loan from a friend has funded half the journey, a shortfall of R55,000 remains to cover the rest.
Because Paul will be training full-time and unable to earn an income during this period, the funds raised through this BackaBuddy campaign will directly cover:
- The remaining balance for the full-time IDP training and course overheads.
- Essential repairs to the 4×4 vehicle used to launch the dive boats.
- Travel, accommodation, and basic living expenses to keep things running at home while he trains.
If the campaign exceeds its R55,000 target, all additional funds will go toward immediately clearing the private loan, ensuring J-Bay SCUBA remains debt-free and can reinvest future training income directly back into the local diving community.
Support a Local Family Business
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings full-time dive education closer to Jeffreys Bay. Let’s help Paul get qualified and ensure our community has the world-class training it deserves right on our doorstep.
