Diving Sports Guest Speaker Night: PNW Samson and Aquatic Monkey

Our guest speaker night at Diving Sports brought together two of BC’s best-known divers and underwater storytellers—Chris Samson (aka @PNWSamson) and Clayton Helkenberg (aka @AquaticMonkey)—who shared stories and insights about freediving, spearfishing, creating underwater content and community connections in our local waters.

Chris Samson (@PNWSamson): Filmmaking, Freediving, and Understanding Ocean Advocacy

Chris is a former skater-turned-boxer who became a freediver, filmmaker and family man, documenting the beauty of British Columbia’s coastline through long-form YouTube content. His work blends underwater storytelling shot by action cameras (sometimes mounted on a speargun) with a strong emphasis on sustainability, conservation knowledge, and proper harvesting practices. Chris is great at educating his audience on DFO rules, explaining best practices, and safe handling of marine life.

“Freediving lets you slow down, connect, and see how incredible our waters really are,” he says. “If I can use video to help people treat the ocean better, that’s the goal. You don’t need tanks to experience the magic out there—just your breath and some respect for the ocean.”

Chris also touched on camera gear and filming techniques—how to mount and stabilize action cameras, why he prefers simplicity over heavy edits, and what it takes to capture clean underwater footage. His advice was equal parts practical and inspiring, with reminders to stay curious, stay safe, and keep showing up for the ocean.

And you can grab yourself a nice PNW Samson shirt from our store!

Clayton Helkenberg (@AquaticMonkey): Lost Treasures, Lake Cleanups, and Viral Moments

Clayton Helkenberg, better known as AquaticMonkey, brought a different flavour to the night. He focuses primarily on freshwater diving—recovering lost items, documenting treasure finds, and leading large-scale cleanups across the province. 

With over 115 million views on YouTube, Clayton’s short-form videos are fast, funny, and often jaw-dropping, capturing everything from ancient bottles and discarded phones to safes, shopping carts, and the occasional unexpected surprise (who left their glass dildo in a lake?).

“I started diving just for fun, but once I saw how much trash was down there—and how much cool stuff people lose—I couldn’t stop,” said Clayton. “Every dive is an adventure. Whether it’s a phone I can return or a crab trap that needs pulling, I’m always looking to make a positive impact.”

Clayton shared wild recovery stories, tips on dealing with hazardous debris, and a few of the stranger items he’s pulled from the depths. He also emphasized the importance of responsible diving and the role that community plays in maintaining clean and accessible waterways.

Both speakers highlighted the difference between scuba and freediving—where one offers extended bottom time and the other gives unmatched agility and freedom—and encouraged divers to explore both as tools for different situations. 

Whether it’s cleaning up a lakebed, filming sea lions, or retrieving a long-lost ring, the shared message was clear: diving is a great way to explore, experience and give back to the ocean.

Thanks again to everyone who came out, and to Chris and Clayton for sharing their time, experience, and enthusiasm! Keep an eye on our calendar for future guest nights and cleanup events!