Country of residence: Maui, Hawaii, United States
Diving since: 1996
Level/agency of certification: PADI Master Instructor
Andrew Raak is a Maui-based underwater photographer, videographer, and professional boat captain whose life revolves around the ocean. Spending hundreds of days on the water each year has given him a unique perspective on marine wildlife and the ability to capture authentic moments with humpback whales, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and other ocean life.
Andrew has led international underwater photography workshops and expeditions, including Frame and Focus in Saba, Roatan Underwater Photofest in Honduras, and Capturing Critters in Lembeh, Indonesia. He has also been contracted as a dive safety officer, providing support for luxury yacht expeditions and underwater productions.
His imagery has been featured in Scuba Diving Magazine, Bluewater Photo, and "Sharks" by Dr. Dan Abel, and has earned recognition in both local and international photography competitions. Through photography and film, Andrew strives to inspire a deeper appreciation for the underwater world while promoting responsible wildlife interactions and ocean conservation. Currently, he is working with the Pacific Whale Foundation to protect the ocean through science, education, and advocacy, helping inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
In his own words, here is a little more about Andrew and what drives him in and out of the water.
How did you get into diving?
My parents encouraged my love for the ocean, so when an opportunity came available to take the open water course at the local YMCA they signed my brothers and I up for class. My checkout dives were in a cold rock quarry in Pennsylvania. During my checkout dives I struggled clearing my mask and panicked. A patient instructor was able to calm me down and I finished the remaining skills required for certification. Thinking back, if not for his patience then this life I have led may have never happened!
What is your most memorable underwater experience?
In nearly 30 years of diving there are too many to count! Things that stick out in my mind are the people I’ve dove with throughout the years. Running a charter boat allowed me to meet hundreds of divers and work alongside some talented crew throughout the dive season. Finding people that I connected with allowed me to organize some epic dive travel trips where we truly made life long bonds.
Being friendly and kind have earned invitations from my dive buddies to visit and travel around the world. There’s nothing like an unexpected marine life encounter that bonds people in a special way!
What is your proudest professional moment?
I find it difficult to narrow in on just one specific moment. What truly makes me proud is when I see a student or a fellow crew member succeed in accomplishing their goals. I try to mentor crew that are open to take my advice on how it is possible to live a life working on the water. I try to teach them how to balance a challenging industry that often has a high turnover rate. Knowing that I may have had the slightest impact on helping them along their way makes me very proud.
What do you wish more people understood about the ocean?
The power of our human impact on the world around us. I find it very important to be able to show the human element in our world. Many times environmentalists focus solely on the natural world, separating the connection between person and planet. I feel that a narrative of stewardship and ownership of our local ecosystems can directly impact the cause of ecosystem rise and decline.
Global changes are extremely difficult to address as an individual whether the changes are natural or manmade. However, localized impacts can dramatically change a local resource. Thinking globally but acting locally will always be the best way to make a change for your area.
What advice would you give to a new diver?
Find a buddy and keep diving! So many divers get certified then take too much time in between dives. Skills get rusty and can then lead to a difficult day of diving. Many dive shops will organize trips locally, and internationally. Joining a dive club or making one is a great way to keep diving. Often overlooked, a simple swimming stroke can suffice on those long surface intervals between open water dives. Getting your reps in at the local pool can keep your skills sharp and your passion alive.
What is your favorite piece of Cressi gear and why?
My Cressi Nano mask is at the top of the list. When you find a mask that fits you perfectly the feeling is like that of finding your soulmate. Having gear that fits your body size and shape is paramount to having an experience in which you worry less about the function of that equipment and transcend to the underwater world around you.
What does being a Cressi ambassador mean to you?
Being an ambassador means being part of something bigger. When I look at the list of Cressi ambassadors there is a wide range of strengths that each person brings to the team. However, these ambassadors wouldn't be able to accomplish these amazing adventures without an amazing support system within the Cressi Family.
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