From Tragedy to Triumph: Record-Breaking Diver Inspires Tourists Underwater in Kaş
In the crystal-clear waters of Kaş, one of Turkey’s top diving spots, something truly inspiring is happening beneath the surface. Tourists learning to dive here might not realize at first that their instructor, Ufuk Koçak, is no ordinary athlete. He’s a world record-holding free diver, a motivational figure, and a survivor with a story that dives far deeper than the sea.
Koçak, now 49, lost both of his legs in the devastating 1999 Marmara Earthquake. Trapped under the rubble of his collapsed home in Gölcük, he was rescued after three days. Instead of giving in to the trauma, he made a powerful decision: to start over, with nature and sport as his guides.
Over the years, he didn’t just bounce back—he soared. He took up scuba diving, free diving, mountain climbing, windsurfing, rock climbing, and wheelchair sports like basketball and tennis. He even wrote a book titled Sınırsız (“Limitless”), reflecting the philosophy that’s shaped his life ever since.
In 2017, he broke a world record in variable weight free diving by descending to 30 meters—using a sled to sink and relying on his own strength to surface. But today, Koçak is focused not on breaking new records for himself, but on helping others, especially those with disabilities, to find healing and strength through sport.
After the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, Koçak spent nine months in the disaster zone, offering psychological support and hope to others who had lost limbs. He also led a special sports camp in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where nearly 50 amputee earthquake survivors were introduced to swimming, horseback riding, diving, and canoeing.
Now based in Kaş, Koçak is using his expertise to introduce tourists—both beginners and experienced divers—to the breathtaking underwater world of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. He believes nature, especially the sea, has the power to heal. For him, diving is more than sport—it’s like returning to the calm and safety of the womb. “It brings me peace,” he says. “Every time I dive, I feel gratitude.”
His mission isn’t just to showcase Turkey’s underwater beauty, though that’s part of it. He’s passionate about passing the torch to new athletes, mentoring others who want to push their limits, just like he did. He finds joy in training, teaching, and simply being in the water.
For visitors coming to Kaş, meeting Ufuk Koçak isn’t just a highlight of a trip. It’s a chance to connect with a story of resilience, strength, and the healing power of nature—and to see Turkey’s underwater wonders through the eyes of someone who knows exactly what it means to rise again.
