Country of residence: United States
Diving since: 9 years old
Level/agency of certification: PADI AOW
Jordan Manning is an underwater filmmaker, photographer, and ocean conservation advocate based in Southern California. Having first learned to free dive at just 9 years old, Jordan has spent much of his life exploring and documenting the underwater world, from the rugged coastline of Northern California to the kelp forests of Laguna Beach, Catalina Island, and the Channel Islands.
Through his filmmaking, Jordan works to bring people closer to the ocean and inspire a deeper connection to the ecosystems that exist beneath the surface. His conservation work is focused on protecting California’s coastline, strengthening marine protected areas, and using visual storytelling to advocate for healthier oceans. He regularly works alongside conservation organizations, scientists, and local advocates to document marine ecosystems, support public education, and encourage communities to take an active role in protecting the ocean.
For Jordan, underwater filmmaking is about more than capturing beautiful images, it is a way to give people a perspective they may never experience themselves and to use storytelling as a tool for meaningful conservation.
How did you get into diving?
I got into diving because my dad would take me on trips to go abalone diving when I was a kid growing up in Northern California. Those early experiences in the ocean sparked a passion that’s stayed with me ever since and ultimately shaped the path I’m on today.
What is your most memorable underwater experience?
Growing up, I was never a huge fan of diving because the water where I lived was always so cold. Everything changed the day I saw my first sea otter underwater. From that moment on, every dive felt like a chance to experience something just as unforgettable. That single encounter sparked a lifelong love for the ocean and the incredible life beneath its surface.
What is your proudest professional moment?
I’m not sure I have a single proudest moment in my career, but it’s been an incredible honor to work with organizations in my local community, like the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, to help protect our coastline and educate people about the vital role kelp forests play in the health of our oceans.
What do you wish more people understood about the ocean?
I think I have a two-part answer to this question. First, I wish more people understood that the ocean isn’t some big, scary place. It’s the source of life on our planet, and it’s filled with incredible beauty that’s worth experiencing.
Second, I wish more people understood just how important it is to protect it. The ocean sustains all of us; it produces much of the oxygen we breathe; regulates our climate; and supports countless forms of life. Without healthy oceans, we simply can’t have a healthy planet.
What advice would you give to a new diver?
My advice to a new diver is simple: enjoy every moment you get to spend in the ocean, but remember that with that privilege comes a responsibility. Be a steward of the ocean. Respect it, protect it, and leave every dive knowing you’ve helped preserve it for the next generation of divers.
What is your favorite piece of Cressi gear and why?
My favorite piece of Cressi gear is definitely the Lampuga wetsuit. I’ve worn a lot of different wetsuits throughout my life, and I’ve honestly never experienced one that’s this comfortable or allows me to move so freely.
Since I spend most of my time diving in California’s cold kelp forests, where conditions can change in an instant, comfort isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential. Finding a wetsuit that keeps me warm, lets me move naturally, and gives me confidence in the water has made a huge difference in every dive.
What does being a Cressi ambassador mean to you?
Being a Cressi ambassador is an incredible honor because I’ve been diving in Cressi gear since I was a kid. To come full circle and now have the opportunity to creatively showcase equipment I’ve trusted my entire life is something I’m truly grateful for.
What excites me even more is the chance to pair that gear with meaningful storytelling, not just to show people how amazing Cressi products are, but to share the beauty of our oceans and inspire others to protect them. If we can encourage more people to fall in love with the underwater world, I believe we can inspire more people to care for it.
