In a world where youngsters are more likely to be wrapped up in cotton wool than diving in tropical waters, Kieren Tobin’s childhood is far from ordinary.
Captured by his mother Emma in the azure island waters of Nusa Penida, off the coast of Bali, the four-year-old’s tenacious spirit is seen as he swims in pursuit of a wild manta ray.
Despite his tender age, Kieren is already eager to explore the depths of the ocean – and the mystique of its creatures.
‘You’re just looking at this endless, deep blue water and all of a sudden you see the shadow of a manta ray coming out – it is kind of amazing, but he just loved it!’ Mrs Tobin told FEMAIL.
Captured by his mother Emma in the azure island waters of Nusa Penida, off the coast of Bali, the four-year-old Kieren Tobin’s tenacious spirit is seen as swims in pursuit of a wild manta ray
‘My husband and I are friends with one of the captains who runs tours off the island and he took our whole family out – once you get in the water they are just everywhere.’
‘One of the manta rays brushed up against his arm and it was a pretty amazing thing for him to be able to do at his age.’
The striking snap was taken on the family’s most recent three-month stint in Bali, a destination they’ve spent long stretches since Kieren was a baby.
As the son of a spear fishing dad and an equally adventurous mother, Kieren’s fearless love of the water is perhaps equal parts expected and remarkable.
Despite his tender age, Kieren and his sister Paige (pictured with their parents) are already eager to explore the depths of the ocean – and the mystique of its creatures
The striking manta ray snap was taken on the family’s most recent three-month stint in Bali, a destination they’ve spent long stretches since Kieren was a baby
‘Kieren is fearless when it comes to being in the ocean,’ his mother wrote on the family’s Instagram account, ‘there were grown adults swimming away from these beautiful manta rays who were curiously coming in for a closer look.’
On the family’s colourful Instagram account, which chronicles their far flung adventures, Mrs Tobin explained her son’s adaptation toward unknown waters.
‘Kieren is fearless when it comes to being in the ocean,’ she wrote.
‘There were grown adults swimming away from these beautiful manta rays who were curiously coming in for a closer look.’
After growing up in an environment where the unfamiliar is commonplace, Mrs Tobin said Kieren often doesn’t understand the gravity of his escapades.
When the family return to their usual home in coastal New South Wales, Mrs Tobin said it’s easy for Kieran and his sisters Paige, 3, and one-year-old Bonnie to fall back a routine more akin to modern Australia
‘It seems as soon as we get back they’re always asking for their iPads and always fighting and engaging in a more superficial lifestyle here,’ she said of returning to Australia
‘He thinks the kind of thing people do is normal, everyday life and always asks ‘what are we going to go dive with next?”
But when the family return to their usual home in coastal New South Wales, Mrs Tobin said it’s easy for Kieran and his sisters Paige, 3, and one-year-old Bonnie to fall back a routine more akin to modern Australia.
‘It seems as soon as we get back they’re always asking for their iPads and always fighting and engaging in a more superficial lifestyle here,’ she said.
‘Whereas when we’re over there it’s all about like coconuts and sand!’
However, Mrs Tobin admitted she is often similarly apprehensive once back on familiar shores – and with good reason.
‘I get a little bit more nervous here with sharks and everything, but in Bali – there’s just no better place to learn!’