MARBLEHEAD — Ryan Park, a resident of the town since May, finds therapy by spending time in the ocean. On most days, Park will be swimming in the harbor by 6 a.m. He also likes to host snorkel adventures out of Fort Sewall.
Park, originally from Canada, came to Massachusetts for dental school. His love of the ocean brought him to the North Shore. He went to Nahant first, but then he settled in Marblehead.
“I am very glad I moved here. I think I made one of the best decisions. It was the ocean that drew me here,” Park said.
Last summer, Park offered snorkel tours out of Nahant and became known as the guy who finds sea stars.
Park began lifeguarding in 2014, and that is when he got introduced to open-water swimming.
“That’s when I really discovered this is my calling. This is where my element is, my soul is in the water,” Park said.
Park said he hosts snorkel tours because he likes to share the ocean’s wealth with other people.
“I want to share that magic with others and change their lives the moment they enter that water and see what I see,” Park said.
Park’s snorkel tours take place during low tide, the easiest time to snorkel due to increased visibility.
“The sea stars are big and happy at Fort Sewall because of all the mussels there. That is what they eat,” Park said.
On his tours, Park has a diving buoy available to alert boaters, which also serves as a flotation device to grab onto if the tour’s guests need a break.
Park typically runs his Fort Sewall snorkel tours on weekends and Mondays. The time varies, depending on the tide. He suggests wearing a wetsuit and bringing a mask and snorkeling gear.
People can learn more about Park’s snorkeling tours on Facebook at All Marblehead Happenings, where he posts upcoming oceanic happenings.
