Project "Princess of Whales". Natalie Avseenko had a dream to swim with white whales – rare and friendly animals that live only in cold northern seas. But only many years after she decided to fulfill her childhood dream. She trained a lot, she learned to swim in cold water, even in very cold. Usual people die after 10-15 minutes in water with temperatures below zero. But there are techniques for how to train yourself and feel comfortable under these conditions. Natalie is an experienced freediver and yoga expert, so she created her own schedule of training. Usually, belugas and other whales and dolphins do not like scuba divers because they wear a lot of iron and synthetic materials and sea creatures do not like to touch artificial materials. They prefer to interact with freedivers because they look like whales and move smoothly. The only barrier between these sea creatures and freedivers is their wet suit, made of neoprene. That is why we thought that white whales would be more friendly and confiding with naked humans. They would trust him (or her) that they ‘are of one blood’.
Viktor Lyagushkin – National Geographic photographer, Nikon Ambassador, Subal Pro Team member, head of the PHOTOTEAM.PRO, winner of international photo contests. Author of the book Orda Cave. Awareness Project, Being a Dolphin, 100 Facts About Dolphins, laureate of the National Underwater World Prize.