Smithy

In the beginning

Allow me to introduce you to Smithy, this fabulous chap was the spark of inspiration that led to the creation of Nomadic Scuba.

Smithy owns a small island within the Fjords of Oro Province, Papua New Guinea. It spans 50m or so and rises from the shore line to around 25m in height. This is not only his family home, but also small business.

He has spent a lifetime helping others, whether that be as a religious man, a school teacher or simply a genuinely nice guy.

Everybody needs a Smithy in their lives, even if it is for a relatively brief moment in time.

I first met Smithy during my tenure as the Dive Manager at Tufi Resort, through which Smithy would promote his island as a homestay. His wife, Ethel, would cook over an open fire and present an incredible spread of local ingredients, either gathered from the jungle or freshly caught from the sea. Guests were sheltered in two small mangrove-wood huts, set apart from the modest main house at the top of the island. Early risers could join Smithy in hand-line fishing from his outrigger canoe to help catch breakfast, before venturing into the jungle to explore the bat cave.

During his stay at Tufi, The Guardian's Chief Travel Correspondent, Kevin Rushby, chose to visit Smithy’s island, this was the first time I'd seen his island and I promised to return and stay myself too.

Night fishing

Its 3am and I hear Smithy quietly announcing that it's time to go fishing. We sneak down the steep hill to the outrigger so as not to wake his family and shove off. We didn't have to go far, just enough to clear the reef and then sat hand lining by the light of the nights stars. It sounds amazing, and it was just as good as you can imagine. During this trip, we started brainstorming ways to bring more visitors to Smithy’s island. At some point, I mentioned how I’m often asked by friends to help “someone they know” who’s looking to dive in various locations and whether I have any contacts there. Smithy enquired, “How much do you charge for this service?” “I don’t,” I replied. “You should,” he said.

While I’d love to say that Nomadic Scuba was born right at that moment, it wasn’t quite that simple. The days and weeks were filled with ideas, and it wasn’t until a few months later—after many discussions with close friends—that I had a clear plan on how to move forward. Still, Nomadic Scuba took shape, and a year later, I returned to Tufi with 23 guests in tow, greeted by my mate Smithy, and his beaming knowing smile.

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