Ady van der Ploeg
owner
After 27 years in the South African and International restaurant and nightclub industry, Ady finally decided it was time to “take the plunge” and venture into the world of Scuba Diving. He was fortunate to have had the opportunity from a very early age, to experience what it was like to move effortlessly with the wonderful creatures the sea holds.
Moving from “civilized” society, with bank loans, car payments, credit cards and mortgage debt, to the quaint island of Koh Lanta in Thailand was quite a big step. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with every one of his guests and customers. On any given day, if you pop in to the dive centre on Long Beach, Koh Lanta, you’re sure to catch him recounting a story, or explaining (in easy to understand terms) something about diving, whether it be to a student, certified diver or staff-member.
Lee
Manager
Lee has been working as a dive instructor for over 16 years, bringing a huge amount of experience, confidence, and laid-back energy to the Flip Flop Divers family. Known for his calm and easygoing nature both above and below the surface, Lee has a natural ability to make divers feel relaxed, safe, and comfortable from the moment they arrive.
Whether you’re trying scuba diving for the first time or already certified and looking for fun dives, Lee’s calm teaching style and passion for the ocean make every experience enjoyable and stress-free. He loves introducing people to the incredible underwater world around Koh Lanta and sharing his knowledge of the local dive sites and marine life.
NONG
Director of All
Nong is the heart and soul of the Flip Flop Divers family. Friendly, welcoming, and always smiling, she helps guests feel at home from the moment they step into the shop.
She’s well known for preparing amazing homemade Thai food for the Flip Flop Dive Boat, keeping divers happy and well fed between dives with delicious local flavours.
Along with running the bar, Nong is the go-to person for organizing snorkel tours, motorbike rentals, island transfers, and accommodation arrangements, making it easy for guests to relax and enjoy everything Koh Lanta has to offer. Her local knowledge and attention to detail help create smooth, stress-free adventures both on and off the water.
Magnus
photographer
Magnus is Flip Flop Divers’ professional dive photographer, with a passion for capturing the beauty, adventure, and atmosphere of the underwater world. Combining years of diving experience with a creative eye behind the camera, he has a natural talent for documenting vibrant marine life, stunning reefscapes, and unforgettable moments beneath the surface.
With a friendly and professional approach, Magnus makes divers feel comfortable in front of the camera while creating natural, authentic images on every dive. His work reflects both the excitement of scuba diving and a genuine appreciation for the ocean, allowing divers to relive their underwater experiences long after the day is over.