diving freediving passion knowledge
No. 22 4(22)/2022
JULY/AUGUST
Price 12,50 € Tax included
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MEDITERRANEAN BASIN AQABA IN JORDAN THE KINGDOM OF WRECKS FOR ALL!
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the foreword
WOJCIECH ZGOŁA
Editor-in-Chief
L
uckily, hot weather is not a worry underwater, and even if it is too hot on the surface, we can go deeper, and it will immediately get cooler. I have had situations like this before, last year in Croatia, for example. When submerged, the water of the Adriatic
Sea was 25°C, and at 30 m depth it was only 14°C. This is far better than air conditioning ;)
We are in the middle of summer vacation, at least in Europe, and a sweeping July heat wave. In the current issue, which I highly recommend, we prepared several articles on the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, not all of them made it into the magazine, although they will appear in the next issue. The atmosphere that accompanies the dives is amazing – local music, the characteristics of the local cuisine, the sun and sea salt settling on the skin and hair... We also have a special treat for you: Jordan with the cover of this issue, and Bali – Part 1 – rather overland than underwater, but still exciting and very exploratory. There are also a few words about Lanzarote and an interesting look at Dahab. Recently, we could read about a shark attack on a tourist swimming around in the Red Sea, or the closure of beaches in five Barcelona municipalities due to the appearance of sharks. The movie "Jaws" continues to take a toll on these animals. We have two great articles on the subject. Read the text about the fear of sharks and a factual look at these beautiful fish. We warmly invite you to this year's upcoming diving conferences, Diving Talks and Baltictech. What else? We wonder "How to become a better diver", because it is always important to dive safely, and to try to achieve maximum perfection. Do you like our view on knowledge? I have already mentioned sharks, but we still have an insight into the behaviour and life of octopuses. They are incredible, did you know that? And did you know that some species of swallows build their "homes" under the platforms of the lakes in which we dive? In this issue, in addition to swallows, we briefly discuss Lake Niedack, which we recommend especially for divers who like the littoral zone. This issue, this edition, is yours! Click, read, and dive in!
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
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table of contents
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TRAVELS 14 18 26 34 42
Gozo – I choose you! All around Malta in a week Aqaba in Jordan, the kingdom of wrecks for all! Bali before you dive Dahab's "health resort" viewed a little differently
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UNDER THE CEILING 50 Diving in the old Nuttlar lime stone mine
KNOWLEDGE 62 I started diving because I was scared
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PLANET EARTH 10 58 66 72
Hanifaru Bay. It takes a lot of mantas to start a cyclone Can contact with a cephalopod be therapeutic? Sharks Swift swallows
EVENTS 22 Diving Talks 2022 56 Baltictech 2022 76 All the trash is ours! Publisher PERFECT DIVER WOJCIECH ZGOŁA ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo
TIPS & CURIOSITIES
redakcja@perfectdiver.com ISSN 2545-3319
78 How to become a better diver?
editor in chief
Wojciech Zgoła
underwater archaeology
Mateusz Popek
photographer
Karolina Sztaba
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Hubert Reiss
marketing
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english language translators
Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o. Piotr Witek
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editorial team
WOJCIECH ZGOŁA
HUBERT REISS
He often repeats that he travels by diving and that is his motto. In 1985
An IT specialist by profession, but a flesh and blood salesman who is not
he obtained a yacht sailor's license, and only in 2006 began to dive. In the
afraid of any job. Diving has always been my big dream. At the beginning
following years he improved his skills by obtaining the Dive Master degree.
it was supposed to be a challenge, a short episode but it turned out to be
He completed nearly 650 dives in various climatic conditions. Since 2007, he
a passion for the end of the world and one day longer. Under water I react
has been taking photographs underwater, and since 2008 he has also been
and rest. As a Divemaster, sidemount Razor diver, and recently also a pho-
filming. As an independent journalist, he published dozens of articles, mainly
tographer, I realize my dreams by admiring and immortalizing the beauty of
in journals dedicated to diving, but not only. Co-author of photo exhibitions in
the underwater world. "Passion breeds professionalism, professionalism gives
Poland and abroad. He is passionate about and propagator of diving.
quality, and quality is a luxury in life. Nowadays, especially..."
Since 2008 he has been running his own website www.dive-adventure.eu. On the basis of extensive experience, in August 2018 he created the new Perfect Diver Magazine.
MATEUSZ POPEK
KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS
”My passion, work and life are under water.” He has been diving since 2009.
Karolina Sztaba, and professionally Karola Takes Photos, is a photographer
Since 2008, he's walking in caves. Underwater archeologist by education.
by education and passion. She is currently working at the Trawangan Dive
He participated in numerous projects in Poland and abroad. He has been
Center on a tiny island in Indonesia – Gili Trawangan, where she moved to live
engaged in professional diving since 2011. In 2013 he obtained the quali-
four years ago. She photographs above and below the water. In addition, she
fications of a 2nd class diver. Has experience in underwater work both at
creates photographic projects against littering the oceans and polluting our
sea and inland. Since 2013 he has been diving in caves, especially in the
planet with plastic ("Trapped", "Trashion"). She cooperates with NGO organi-
mountains, and since 2014 he is a diving instructor CMAS M1. In June 2020,
zations dealing with environmental protection and actively participates in
he obtained a doctoral degree in underwater archeology.
pro-ecological actions (coral protection, coral planting, cleaning the world, protection of endangered species). She is also the official photographer of Ocean Mimic – a brand that creates swimwear and surfwear from rubbish collected on the beaches of Bali. She cooperated with many brands of diving equipment for which she created advertising campaigns. In 2019, she became the ambassador of the Polish company Tecline. She has been a technical diver for two years.
ADVERTISEMENT
+48 502 138 403 http://www.deepdivingslesin.pl/ baza-nurkowa-honoratka/
ANNA SOŁODUCHA
LAURA KAZIMIERSKA
Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He
A graduate of Geography faculty at the University
Laura Kazimierska is currently working as PADI
has been diving for over 30 years, including over
of Wrocław and an incurable optimist… with a per-
Course Director at TrawanganDive Center on the
20 years as a technical diver. He is a professional
manent smile on her lips! It was probably Destiny
Indonesian island of Gili Trawangan. Founder of
with great theoretical and practical knowledge. He
that led her to Activtour… and she's been here
the Divemastergilis portal.
is an instructor of many federations: GUE Instruc-
on permanent basis. She passionately fulfils the
www.divemastergilis.com @divemastergilis
tor Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS PADI, EFR,
dreams of many, organizing diving trips around
For over 7 years she has lived and discovered the
TMX Gas Blender. He participated in many diving
the world, and she has already been diving for
underwater world of Indonesia. She is not only an
projects and conferences as a leader, explorer,
more than half of her life. Each year she explores
avid technical diver, but also the face of the Planet
originator or lecturer. These included the Britan-
a different ‘piece of the ocean’, pinning another pin
Heroes platform and the ambassador of the Ocean
nic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific
to her diving world map. In winter she changes fins
Mimic brand. She actively contributes to the pro-
Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in
into her beloved skis and gets away into the Alps.
motion of the protection of corals and the natural
Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas Cave in Croa-
A recipe for life? ”The only a dead trunk flows with
environment of fish and marine animals by taking
tia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he is a technical
the current – the explorer's canoe flows up the river!”
part in scientific projects, campaigns against ocean
director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of
anna@activtour.pl
littering and cooperating with NGOs in Indonesia.
training at TecLine Academy.
activtour.pl; travel.activtour.pl; 2bieguny.com
@laura_kazi
JAKUB DEGEE
MICHAL ČERNÝ
SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ
Polish photographer, winner of awards and dis-
"Wet photos" – He has photographed since he
A traveller and a photographer of wild nature.
tinctions in world underwater photography com-
remembers. After several years of experience as
A graduate of journalism and a lover of good liter-
petitions, has already dived all over the world: with
a diver, he wanted to keep memories of underwa-
ature. She lives in harmony with nature, promotes
sharks and whales in South Africa, with orcs be-
ter dives. He bought his first compact camera with
a healthy lifestyle: she is a yogini and a vegetarian.
hind the Arctic Circle, on Galapagos with hundreds
an underwater housing. Over time, however, the
Also engaged in ecological projects. Sharks and
of hammerhead sharks and humpback whales in
desire to have the best photo began to dominate,
their protection are especially close to her heart.
the Tonga Islands. He participates in specialist
which was not quite possible with the compact
She writes about the subject in numerous articles
photographic workshops. He has been diving for
he used. That's why he switched to the Olympus
and on her blog www.divingandtravel.pl. She be-
27 years, he started at the age of 12 – as soon as
PEN E-PL 5 reflex camera, which allows the use of
gan her adventure with diving fifteen years ago
it was formally possible. He was the first in the
several different lenses. He uses a combination
by total coincidence. Today she is a Divemaster,
world to use the Hasselblad X1d-50c camera for
of underwater flashes and lights. He focuses on
she visited over 60 countries and dived on 5 con-
underwater macro photography. Recently, in the
wildlife photography, not arrangement. He photo-
tinents. She invites us for a joint journey with the
remote Chincorro archipelago on the border be-
graphs in fresh domestic waters as well as in the
travel agency www.dive-away.pl, of which she is
tween Mexico and Belize, he did it again, taking
seas and oceans of the world.
a co-founder.
a successful attempt to photograph the eye of
He has already won numerous awards at Czech
a crocodile with a macro lens with an additional
and foreign photography competitions. More
magnifying lens, which is the world's largest photo
photos can be found on his website, where you
of the crocodile's eye living in the wild (in terms of
can also buy them not only as photos, but also as
pixel count, print size, quality).
photos printed on canvas or on another medium. www.mokrefotky.cz www.facebook.com/MichalCernyPhotography www.instagram.com/michalcerny_photography/
constant cooperation
WOJCIECH A. FILIP
constant cooperation
WOJCIECH JAROSZ
AGNIESZKA KALSKA
BARTOSZ PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI
A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Acad-
”I can't imagine living without water, where in a free
That's my name and I come from Poznań. I have
emy of Physical Education (coaching specializa-
body I experience freedom of the spirit.”
been associated with water practically from birth
• founder of the first freediving and swimming
tion – handball) and the University of A.Mickiewicz,
school in Poland – FREEBODY,
Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental biol-
• Apnea Academia International and PADI Master
ogy). He connected his professional life with this
Freediver freediving instructor,
first university trying to influence the direction of
• world record holder in freediving (DYN
development of future professionals on the one
253 m),
hand, and on the other planning and implement-
and with diving since I learned to walk. My grandfather instilled my passion for the underwater world, a CMAS*** instructor taking me to the lakes at any free time. I obtained my first qualifications in 1996. A year later I went to Croatia and literally went crazy at the sight of blue wa-
ing research, pushing laboriously in the right di-
• record holder and Polish champion, member
ter, octopus and colorful fish;) I bought my first
rection of the stroller called science. In his free
of the national team in freediving 2013–2019,
underwater camera – Olympus 5060 and started
time he spends his time actively – his main pas-
• winner of the World Championships in freed-
the adventure with underwater photography. I ac-
iving 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018,
sions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing (downhill
quired my diving experience in the Canary Islands,
skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle, recreational
• multimedalist of the Polish Championships
Sardinia, Norway, Maldives and in Polish lakes.
diving and many other activities, as well as pho-
and a member of the national team in swim-
I am currently a Padi and ESA instructor, I train
tography, mainly nature.
ming in the years 1998–2003,
diving enthusiasts in Europe and pass my passion
• passionate about freediving and swimming.
on to others. I invite all lovers of the underwater world and photography to Beediver (FB) – see you soon.
IRENA KOSOWSKA
Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming
Regional Manager Divers Alert Network Polska,
a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that
diving and first aid instructor, technical diver and
dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where
cave diver. In love with all flooded, dark, cold,
I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving
tight places and invariably from the beginning
adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love
of the diving route – in the Baltic. Implementing
observing the underwater life up close and I try
the DAN mission, he conducts a series of lectures
to show other divers how fascinating the under-
”Dive safely” and Diving Safety Laboratory, so field
water, Baltic creatures are.
research of divers for scientific purposes.
our authors
AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA
KRZYSZTOF BRUDKOWSKI
ANTHONY LEYDET
MAGDALENA SOKOŁOWSKA
A legal advisor by profession, trying to help, not win
Based in Marseille on the Mediterranean, Antho-
Is a modest woman with many passions, the
at all costs. A fan of warm climates and blue water.
ny Leydet is a french underwater photographer,
greatest of which are sharks.
He started diving in 2018 as a development of his
blogger, and writer, published worldwide in diving
favorite snorkeling. He now plans almost every trip
magazines.
to get his fins wet somewhere. His teenage son
website: www.zesea.com
Damian is his partner in diving. Recently, he has
Insta: @anthonyleydet_uw_photography
been watching the underwater world through the camera's viewfinder, wanting to preserve fleeting memories. He has reached the Deep Diver level in diving and it probably will not end there.
our authors
KURT STORMS
KLAUDYNA BRZOSTOWSKA
ALEKSANDRA ŁYSEK
Belgium Military, underwater cave explorer and active
PADI diving instructor and videographer. She
I started diving when I was 11 years old and knew
technical/ cave/ rebreather diving instructor for IANTD.
spends most of his time in the water documenting
immediately that this is what I want to do with
He started his diving career in Egypt on vacation, and
a fascinating underwater world. She graduated
my life. I managed to combine business with plea-
his passion continues. Kurt is also the founder and CEO
from the Academy of Fine Arts in the field of Fash-
sure and for five years I have been working in the
of Descent Technical Diving.
ion Design in Łódź and Film studies at the Adam
Nurkersi diving center and the shop Szpejownia.
He dives on several CCRs such as AP, SF2, Divesoft Lib-
Mickiewicz University in Poznań, trained as a tailor,
com, and recently I am a divemaster. On week-
erty SM. Kurt is involved in the creation of the document
and with a love of nature and a large dose of adren-
ends, I change my office work to underwater work
about the new salt mine in Belgium (Laplet). This project
aline. She loves everything related to water. Her
– swimming with new divers, shows them what the
was featured in the news on Nationale TV.
diving adventure began with a backpacking trip in
underwater world looks like outside the course.
Privately, Kurt's true passion is deep cave diving. His
2016. During her stay in Thailand she dived for the
It is with great pleasure that I share my experi-
wife (Caroline) shares her husband's passions and also
first time and from then on she got hooked on at
ence, insights and comments with them. I am also
dives in caves. In his free time, he visits Belgian slate
this sport. Spending the last years and most of her
a TECLINE regulator service technician and I am an
mines, and when he is not exploring, he takes his cam-
days under water, teaching and showing the beau-
authorized equipment advisor. On a daily basis,
era to document the dives.
ty of the underwater world in Asia, she believes
I am studying management in the second year.
that diving means unity – unity with own mind, nature and unusual creatures. @waterographyk
HANNA MAMZER
GRZEGORZ MIKOSZA
WOJCIECH KARKUSIEWICZ
Professor at the Department of Sociology, Adam
In the Foundation, he is the commander-in-chief
I resumed diving after a very long break (about
Mickiewicz University. A psychologist, sociologist, and
of the Clean up the World – Poland Action and
25 years) since 2009. Underwater photography is
forensic expert in animal welfare, dog ethology, and
manages the works of strategic projects. Grze-
my passion and most of my trips are dedicated
human-dog relations. She initiated the creation of the
gorz realizes himself creatively in ideas for new
to it. I started with a small Go-pro style webcam.
Inter-species Relations Section in the Polish Sociologi-
campaigns and methods of promotion as part of
Currently, I already have reasonably good equip-
cal Association. Member of the Local Ethics Committee
the Foundation's Clean Up the World – Poland
ment with several lenses. Both photos of large and
for Animal Testing. A two-time scholarship holder of
and Eco-education programs. Arranges strate-
small wrecks and macro photos with their non-ob-
the Fulbright Foundation, British Council, Leibniz Insti-
gies and coordinates the work so that everything
vious details, and while processing photos, finding
tute for Regional Development and Structural Planning
goes according to plan. During off-road activities,
actors in the background is a lot of fun. In 2021,
in Erkner (Germany), Central European University in
he wears yellow gloves and naturally carries kilo-
I decided to make my dreams come true and set
Budapest, European University Institute in Florence,
grams of waste. He often takes the helm of the
up a Diveworld diving center on the island of Gozo
Stefan Batory Foundation, the winner of Polityka maga-
foundation's Facebook and Instagram profile
near Malta.
zine scholarship campaign, and numerous awards and
to talk about what we can do together for our im-
distinctions. Multiple participant of Socrates Erasmus
mediate surroundings. In his free time, he sails,
and Socrates Erasmus Mundus programmes. She lec-
runs and traverses mountain trails. A graduate of
tures in Poland and abroad and has extensive interna-
the Faculty of IT Management and Finance at the
tional cooperation with the United States of America.
University of Economics in Wrocław and the Facul-
She works towards understanding animal needs and
ty of Journalism and Social Communication of the
promoting animal welfare in human social practice. In
University of Lower Silesia in Wrocław. Certified
her academic work, she pays great attention to making
specialist in the field of obtaining EU funds and
interdisciplinary connections between different scien-
communication on the Internet.
tific fields in order to integrate activities and information that promote an understanding-based approach to human-nonhuman relationships. She collaborates with law enforcement agencies in Animal Welfare Act investigations. She also works with non-governmental organisations, local authorities, and homeless animal shelters. She runs a temporary home for anxious, withdrawn, and distrustful dogs.
planet earth
Hanifaru Bay IT TAKES A LOT OF MANTAS TO START A CYCLONE
Text and photos Klaudyna Brzostowska
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planet earth
S
wimming with mantas is one of the most memorable moments of our underwater adventures. Much has been written about what a unique experience it is to spend time with dancing mantas. The truth is that in order to understand exactly what is being talked about, you have to experience an underwater encounter with manta rays yourself. Thanks to the efforts of several organisations, there is one place on Earth where you can experience an encounter with a shoal of mantas in an environmentally sustainable way. The chances in the right season are high. We are talking about Hanifaru Bay belonging to Baa Atoll in the Maldives. It takes many mantas to start a cyclone. Mantas are filter feeders, which means they swim around trying to take in as much plankton as possible. They catch the tiny plankton in their filtering mouths while simultaneously expelling the seawater through their gills. Mantas use different feeding techniques depending on the type, where they feed and whether they feed individually or in a group. When individual mantas feed on plankton, they engage in straight feeding, sur-
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
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planet earth
face feeding, flip feeding (or also called barrel rolling), side feeding and bottom feeding. On the other hand, when they group up, the techniques they use are called chain feeding and cyclone feeding. And it is the latter technique that results in the manta cyclone – an impressive phenomenon that happens seasonally in Hanifaru Bay. Cyclone feeding starts small – often with single mantas forming a line during chain feeding. The cyclone begins as more mantas join in and form a loop. Up to 150 feeding mantas may join together to form a large, tight circle around a dense group of plankton. This looks like an underwater cyclone in which the mantas circle together in a counterclockwise direction for about 60 minutes. Cyclone feeding enables the mantas to take in a lot of food with little effort and little energy. By using body power, the reef manta rays feed together, pulling in plankton. Hanifaru Bay is located on the south-eastern edge of Baa Atoll, in the northern Maldives. The area covers 1,2 km2 – the size of a football field. Nowhere else in the world will you find such sizable gatherings of manta rays in one place ready
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to feed. Whale sharks are also unusually frequent visitors to the bay, joining the buffet. Since 2012, Baa Atoll has been entered on a UNESCO List and recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity and high concentration of many coral species. The best time to visit the bay is between May and November. Diving is forbidden, only swimming and snorkelling is allowed. The use of cameras without lights or flashes is also permitted. Excursions to the bay are organised and it is necessary to join a group led by certified guides. Without a doubt – this is an experience that will be remembered for a long time. For manta lovers – I recommend visiting the Manta Trust. On their website you can find a lot of interesting content about mantas precisely, educational material and interesting facts. Also, you can upload a photo of the mantas you met to their database – photo ID allows to monitor these animals and thus protect them. In addition, you can adopt a manta ray – which might turn out to be a nice gift for a beloved buddy.
Rehasport - motor medicine
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
ONLINE Specialty or name City
Search
Find injury Select the body part in which you feel pain.
www.rehasport.pl PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
13
travels
GOZO
I CHOOSE YOU! Text and photos Wojciech Karkusiewicz
MALTA, GOZO AND COMINO ARE DEFINITELY AMONG THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, WITH A RICH HISTORY THAT IS EVIDENT ANYWHERE YOU GO, FROM NEOLITHIC TIMES TO THE PRESENT DAY.
A
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bove all, the history of the archipelago is visible in neolithic structures dating back to approx. 3500 years B.C. and, secondly, in saltpans used until today, which will
But let’s get back to Gozo and diving. This small island,
never allow you to get bored when visiting the island. This
about 15 km long and 7 km wide, offers some extraordinary
can be done in a number of ways, starting from a regular bus,
dive sites.
through individual, organized trips with small cars and tuk-
I have moved to Gozo with my family quite recently. We are
tuks or by bike. Driving through the island is a fun experience
opening the Diveworld diving base in Marsalforn – a tourist
and an adventure, while the mountainous shape of the island
destination and the largest accommodation base. Gozo is Mal-
guarantees spectacular views at every turn.
ta’s smaller sister, but it has much to offer. Sometimes Gozo is
travels
referred to as a quiet village. We have spectacular views and
Sea for a small fee out to the open sea to watch the cliffs from
megalithic ruins of Ġgantija in Xaghra. The Citadel towers over
the water.
Victoria, the capital of Gozo (also known as Rabat), with its mas-
Let me just add that a trip to Comino is a fantastic idea.
sive fortifications. It offers a beautiful view over the entire Gozo.
Unfortunately, this paradise island is crowded in the summer,
The largest, red-sanded beach in Gozo, Ramla Bay, where you
but if you do not mind that, you can spend a nice day there or
can relax and take a swim in the sea, and watch the sunset
at least a couple of hours. It features a marvelous blue lagoon,
from the Tal-Mixta cave, provides an unforgettable experience.
you can enjoy a sandy beach and crystal clear water.
What will surely catch your attention is that there is a church
One could write about Gozo endlessly, but I prefer you
in every village in Gozo (all worth seeing, as they have beautiful
to come and see for yourself why we decided to live and
interiors), surrounded by bars with delicious food – also highly
work here.
recommended. The community of Xewkija is home to the basilica of St. Johannes der Taufer with allegedly the third biggest dome in the world. One should of course also mention the Ta Pinu basilica as a place of Marian devotion. Saltpans are spread throughout the island, but most of them are in the north. They are used to source salt from sea water – and you can even buy yourself a bag of this salt. Wied il-Gharsi is a paradise for people seeking tranquility. This secluded fiord, as one could call it, attracts with the possibility to swim among unearthly views, compensating for any missing infrastructure. And Ta Cenc cliffs are perfect for viewing sunsets which, you can believe me, are definitely worth it! Dwejra – a remnant of the Azur Window, Inland Sea and Blue Hole. Boats can take you for a short trip on the Inland
PERFECTDIVER
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We have the most interesting dive
The next diving chapter is wreck
sites here. When the Azur Window
diving and also here we have a lot
collapsed, it created several inter-
to be proud of, as in the area of Mal-
esting rock formations that you can
ta and Gozo there are several wrecks
swim through. It is an attraction both
sunken especially for divers and
for beginner divers and for those
some historical ones, including ORP
who want to take a deeper dive. The
Kujawiak at about 100 m and HMS
Dwejra region, also known as the
MAORI at 14 m. We have three wrecks
Blue Hole, offers a few caverns with
off Gozo, all of which are accessible
depths ranging from 12 to 30 m. You
from a single site – the Wreck Dive
could basically spend 3–4 diving days
Site – with a comfortable car park and
here, each time diving somewhere
access to water. In Malta, right next
else. Of course, it all depends on the
to the ferry harbor in Ċirkewwa, we
diver’s skills and certifications, and
have two wrecks: the patrol boat P29
recreational divers do about 4 dives
and the tow boat Rozi, while south
in a week here.
off Malta, the huge tanker Um El Fa-
We also have caves that are safe to swim inside, the largest being the
roud. All the wrecks lie at the depth of some 40 m.
Billinghurst Cave, about 130 m long,
One can say that diving near the
with a spectacular air chamber at its
third island of the archipelago, called
end, which is about 50 m wide and
Comino, is a separate story. It offers
a few meters high. The view is as-
the patrol boat P31, lying pictur-
tonishing, especially when there is
esquely on the sand at about 18 m
someone already in the dome, illu-
and some minor, beautifully located
minating it. On your way back, you
caves and rock formations.
swim through the dark part of the
There are tuna farms around
cave and you cannot be deceived
Malta and Gozo, with nets reaching
seeing the entrance lighted up by
up to 40 m of depth, where for a so-
the sun. You need to monitor your
called small fee you can dive with
depth to slip through the upper part
large tuna fish.
of the entrance and ascend.
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podróże
Personally, I do not recommend
Not far from the Billinghurst
it, but if you are OK with meeting
Cave, we have another large cave
a 2-meter tuna in captivity face
with an air chamber and an addi-
to face, then why not…
tional opening in the wall, letting in
In my opinion, Malta and Gozo are
a small amount of light, but the main
the most beautiful sites in Europe
source of light here is the light com-
due to their incredible diversity. No
ing from the huge entrance, causing
more than 3 hour’s flight away, con-
a blue glow in the entire chamber
nections from almost every airport
and the water around us. It is a spec-
in Poland (and Europe) even three
tacular show!
times a week, good weather and
In the northern part of the island,
warm sea water guaranteed. Maltese
there are a few more caves and
and Mediterranean cuisine with sea-
rock formations, such as the Dou-
food and local
ble Arch or Triple Arch, Bottle Neck
wine at affordable prices… This
Cave, Shrims Cave and many more.
should suffice for a comfortable va-
Most of them are available for OWD
cation or to spend some time training
divers, while some require appropri-
in warm water with visibility reaching
ate equipment and decompression
up to the horizon.
gases.
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
17
travels
Photo Aleksandra Łysek
ALL AROUND
MALTA IN WEEK Text Aleksandra Łysek
Triton Fountain, Valletta
T
his island, located in the Mediter-
of us, smarter with yesterday’s experi-
ranean, is the perfect place both
ences and craving for more, reported
for those who are looking for un-
fully ready to dive in the early morning
derwater thrills, as well as those who
LATELY, TOGETHER WITH MY DIVER FRIENDS, IHAD THE PLEASURE OF VISITING MALTA, ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE DIVE SITES IN EUROPE YET AGAIN.
18
value onshore adventures more.
hours. The most popular form of diving in
For a week we’ve been staying at St.
Malta are shore dives, that is why every
Paul’s Bay, where our dive experience
day the center’s cars took as to another
was provided by the Polish diving cen-
dive site and since the weather was on
ter Dive On Malta. Wonderful people,
our side, we managed to complete all
when put together with picturesque
our diving plans.
views, astonishing weather and incred-
One cannot omit the abundance
ible underwater sights ensured that
offered by the waters around Malta,
the (really) early morning wake up calls
which ensures satisfaction for all div-
we’ve had everyday did not cause any
ers, both newbie enthusiast and the
of us any trouble. Each and every one
seasoned veterans :)
travels
WHAT WOULD BE MY TOP PICKS FOR DIVING HERE? TUG BOAT 2 This wreck lies at a depth of 20 m. During a storm, it was dragged on the seabed over a distance of some 50 m and driven into the reef. More and more sea creates inhabit the wreck every year. HMS MAORI Photo Zbigniew Aftański
A wreck that dates back to the times of WW2, it was sunk during a German bombing raid in 1942 at Valetta. The wreck lies at some 20 meters, on a sandy seabed. A large number of holes and penetrations grants it an exceptional feel. You can dive this wreck all year long, as it lies in a small cove and is protected against wind. Unfortunately, numerous storms have caused its structure to become less and less stable, that is why wreck penetration is not recommended in this case.
Photo Sebastian Głowacki
Photo Sebastian Głowacki
P29 One of the wrecks at Cirkewwa, sunk especially for tourists. The maximum depth on this wreck is 32 m, it is located some 5 minutes away from the shore. What immediately catches your eye is the magnificent mast. All dangerous items were removed from this wreck, so it’s easy and safe for penetration. Weather needs to smile down on you in order for you to be able to see it. During windy days, descending into the water can be very tricky. ROZI
Photo Zbigniew Aftański
Photo Zbigniew Aftański
This is the second wreck at the Cirkewwa shore. Maximum depth on this wreck is 32 m. Rozi lies closer to the end of the cape, therefore you have much more chances of seeing the currents between Malta and Comino manifesting there. They impact the wildlife inhabiting the wreck, as even though Rozi sank earlier than P29, mentioned before, there is less growth on it, with much more animals. Photo Anna Brojewska Zdjęcie
Entrance to Rozi and P29 Photo Aleksandra Łysek PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
19
travels
GWAR LAPSI It’s a picturesque small village on the southern coast of Malta. Diving here will not take you deeper than 22 m. This place is famous for its reefs and beautiful caves, available for divers at various training levels. A lot of fish, jellyfish, octopi and even lobsters await you under the water here. But before seeing all this, you have to tackle the magical stairs challenge. Descent to Lapsi Photo Aleksandra Łysek
Photo Sebastian Głowacki
UM EL FAROUD This is Malta’s absolute “must see”! This site is extremely popular with tourists also because of the Blue Grotto. At 10 in the morning this place is already swarming with tourists and it’s really hard to find a parking spot, so I recommend seeing Faroud early in the morning. During repair works at a shipyard, the tanker was damaged by a gas explo-
Photo Sebastian Głowacki
sion. It was sunk off the coast of Malta as an artificial reef. Diving here is exquisite, but not always that simple...there are often strong currents here, making your trip to the wreck more difficult. The wreck is broken in half and lies at a depth of between 30 and 35 m. As a diver, I fell in love with Malta. I recommend the Maltese waters to anyone, along with Dive On Malta – you don’t have to worry about anything with them, they’ve got you covered :) And out of the water, on land...well? Every tourist guidebook will give you tons of information about a multitude of places worth seeing when on Malta. I’ve spent most of my time there diving and even if I was out of the water, a wetsuit is not exactly the proper attire for sightseeing I can surely say that whoPhoto Zbigniew Aftański
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Nurkowania rekreacyjne i techniczne z brzegu i z łodzi , wokół 3 wysp maltańskich
Kursy nurkowe PADI, SSI, TDI
+356 7706 2838, +356 2750 9592, +48 604 585 389 diveonmalta
20POLSKIE CENTRUM NURKOWE NA MALCIE
office@diveonmalta.com
www.diveonmalta.com
transport to move around the entire island and, what’s important, they have comfortable and air-conditioned buses :) The Tritons’ Fountain is one of the characteristic spots in Malta’s capital, located just outside of the city walls, close to the bus stops. On hot days, this place will provide much-needed refreshment.
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ever visits Malta should go and see their capital, Valetta. You can use public
POTRZEBUJESZ KUPUJESZ NURKUJESZ
Upper Barrakka Gardens is somewhere you should go, regardless of the season. A flood of green and colorful flowers, combined with a breath-taking view, provide the perfect background for cannon fire and the entire accompanying ceremony. You should also visit this place because of a Polish element in its history. This is where the plate commemorating the Polish navy ship ORP Kujawiak is located. For all those who still find time and the energy for additional sightseeing when out of the water, I recommend seeing Malta’s old capital – Mdina, which is located in the central part of the island. This medieval city, with its narrow streets, located on the top of a mounting, offers an astonishing vista of the entire island. Malta is wonderful and unpredictable... At times, this place looks like this... While at others like this... But it’s always absolutely worth it! Sources: https://diveonmalta.com/ Tablica pamiątkowa ORP Kujawiak Photo Aleksandra Łysek
home-page/
Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Photo Aleksandra Łysek
ładnie i funkcjonalnie dla nurków PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
21
events
DIVING TALKS 2022 We could mention that the Hotel bar ran out of stock last year and other episodes, but we prefer not to. Instead, we invite the readers to join us this year and see by yourselves. Photos www.divingtalks.com/2021-photos/
D
iving talks is an international event promoting and sharing knowledge on the underwater environment. It will have its second edition in Portugal,
October 7 to 9, and bring to Portugal one more time
the world's leading explorers, scientists, researcher and divers, sharing their best of best recent achievements. The strength of this show that last year was unanimously considered to be "the best diving event in 2021" is a result of three factors: 1. The Speakers and their talks: The Portugues show attracts incredible people to talk about their underwater experiences and challenges the traditional setup of these events, promoting new formats – like debates – about critical topics for the diving community. This year's examples are the debate about the investigation in diving physiology that will join Dr Alessandro Marroni, Dr Oscar Camacho and Dr Simon Mitchell, three of the most reputed doctors in hyperbaric medicine and physiology investigators and the PADI, SDI and SSI discussion about the future of teaching in diving with these three organizations sending Troia their most respected representatives. 2. Exhibition and trials: The show is all-around the supporting brands. The concept promotes the brands' interaction with their clients and the audience of the Diving talks. There are opportunities to engage strongly with interested divers, and they can even try the equipment underwater. In this edition, attendees can test dive with scooters, rebreathers, etc.
22
events
3. The Venue: The physical setup promotes networking, sharing experiences, discussing topics and having lots of fun during the weekend. We could mention that the Hotel bar ran out of stock last year and other episodes, but we prefer not to. Instead, we invite the readers to join us this year and see by yourselves. Someone recently wrapped it all, explaining why you must attend the show with these words: "I went to the in-
PORTUGAL 2022 INTERNATIONAL DIVING SHOW 7-9 OCTOBER
augural event in 2021 and truly enjoyed it for a nice change. But if I have to sum it up, it was the blend of interesting presentations, a pleasant and relaxed ambience, and the venue was nice and comfortable. That we were treated some really good food also scored a lot of points." No doubt the Troia Peninsula scores a lot of points, too. How often do you have the opportunity to do what you like the most – go diving – without lots of negotiation with your loved ones? Diving talks is also known as the diving show for non-divers because of everything around it. For you coming to Portugal might be a diving-related trip. For those coming with you, it will be simply a leisure trip they want to re-edit in the show's next edition.
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
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sponsored article
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www.divestopcyprus.com PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
25
travels
AQABA IN JORDAN
THE KINGDOM OF WRECKS FOR ALL! Text and photos Anthony Leydet Translation Karolina Pierścieniak
26
travels
Less well-known than neighbouring Egypt - the world's diving mecca, Jordan has no more than thirty kilometres of coastline with a view of the Red Sea and the city of Aqaba, located on the southern edge of the country. Thanks to the strong will of the government and under the aegis of King Abdullah II, Jordan managed to increase its attractiveness for divers from all over the world.
A
qaba will allow you to do some amazing dives, starting
that Egypt attracts most divers, the government has decided
from the most famous place, the world's only under-
to strengthen the diving sector. King Abdullah II is an avid diver
water military museum! However, Aqaba offers a lot
and has greatly contributed to the success of this project. The
more and will be an important place on the map during your
vast majority of the Aqaba seabed, about seven kilometres
stay in Jordan.
long, has been classified as a marine reserve for several years.
Squeezed between Saudi Arabia in the south and Israel in the west, Aqaba offers Jordan a tiny window into the Red Sea.
UNDERWATER WAR SCENE AT THE UNIQUE MUSEUM IN
At the end of the 160-kilometre Gulf of Aqaba, which separates
THE WORLD!
Sinai from the Arabian Peninsula, lies one of the ends of the
For several decades, Aqaba has been known as a wreck dive
Red Sea. This quiet seaside resort is focused on water sports
site. in 1999, The Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan
and, in particular, diving. However, taking into consideration
(JREDS) decided to create an artificial reef by sinking the fa-
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
27
travels
mous M42 Duster, which is located on a sandy shoal at a depth
water expedition. Jordan, which has not been involved in any
of 5 m near the shore and attracts both snorkelling enthusiasts
armed conflict since 1973, is a stable and friendly country. No
and divers. In 2019, the most surprising underwater museum
wonder there are more tanks under the surface of the water
was created, designed especially for lovers of military ma-
than on land!
chines. The Military Underwater Museum, the only one of its
28
kind in the world, consists of 21 military aircraft set on a gently
WORLD-CLASS WRECKS
descending sandy bottom in tactical combat formation, which
Other spectacular wrecks were also created in the waters of
is an exciting underwater adventure. At a depth of 6 to 28
Aqaba. Sticking to the military theme, let's start with the Lock-
meters, it is easy to get caught up in the game and get the
heed C-130 Hercules aircraft, belonging to the Royal Jordanian
impression that you are in the middle of a war scene. Heli-
Air Force, sunk in 2017 at a depth of 17 m. Originally undam-
copters, anti-aircraft guns, tanks, ambulances, reconnaissance
aged, it was smashed by a strong storm, which gave it a more
vehicles, transporters, Jeeps – machines of various origins and
dramatic appearance, we get the impression that it crashed
from different eras follow one another in front of astonished
into the sea.
divers. It's an unusual place. In order to appreciate the work
In August 2019, a massive passenger plane was sunk to cre-
put into creating the museum, at least two dives are needed,
ate a new, unusual dive site. The 54-metre-long Lockheed TriS-
because the area is extensive. In the middle of machines it is
tar is placed on the sandy bottom at a depth of 15 to 28 metres
fun to come across numerous marine species that come here
and is easily accessible to divers. The door was dismantled, as
to find shelter. A baloonfish hides under a metal door, and
was the middle row of seats. It is possible to visit any corner
a shoal of catfish roams between two tanks. Two jeeps located
of the aircraft, e.g. the cockpit, or the air inlet exit at the rear
on a sandy platform will be a pleasant ending to your under-
of the aircraft.
travels
... all these wrecks have been cleaned and disinfected, and the places of their assembly have been carefully designed so that the interference with the natural environment is as small as possible.
Referring to a more classic wreck, one of the most famous in Aqaba is the Lebanese cargo ship Cedar Pride. Considered one of the most beautiful wrecks in the Red Sea, it was deliberately sunk in 1985 at the request of King Abdullah II. This 74-metre cargo ship arrived in Aqaba in 1982 and was partially destroyed by a violent fire in August of the same year. After she lay abandoned in the harbour, the idea of creating a wreck, the thing that had not been seen before in Jordan, was born. Lying on the port side at a depth of 27 m at the deepest point of the wreck, like most places in Aqaba, it is available to divers at all levels of advancement. Nowadays it is a very well colonised, a colourful wreck with soft corals, many hard corals and a lot of marine life. It is also possible to visit the interior of the wreck completely safely. It should be noted that all these wrecks have been cleaned and disinfected, and the places of their assembly have been carefully designed so that the interference with the natural environment is as small as possible. you can perform very beautiful dives in coral gardens, where WRECKS, BUT ALSO BEAUTIFUL CORAL GARDENS
each massif is abundantly populated by many species. Under-
Aqaba is a place where diving focuses on wrecks, although it
water photographers are delighted with the easy access from
is available for divers of all levels. Let us not forget, however,
the shore and the depth that allows for stress-free diving. The
that we are located on the Red Sea, which is characterised by
house reef of the Deep Blue dive centre, near the Tala Bay
extraordinary biodiversity and magnificent coral reefs. Even
beach south of Aqaba, is matched by some house reefs in
if the reefs are less developed than in Egypt, and the Jordan
countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, offering an
coast, due to its size, does not offer the same opportunities,
incredible array of creatures. Anglerfish, morays, nudibranch,
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
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travels
GOOD TO KNOW: Getting there: travel to Amman airport or directly to Aqaba airport. The Jordan Pass is very advantageous (include visa and entrance to most visited touristic attractions) https://www.jordanpass.jo/ When to go: diving is good all year long, but the best period is from april to november. Be careful of the very warm summer. Stay at: Marina Plaza Hotel, Grand Tala Bay Resort, Lacosta Hotel, Hilton Hotel Dive with: Deep Blue Dive Center Aqaba More info: https://www.deepbluedivecenter.com/ Diving details: currents are very low in Aqaba, Deep Blue Dive is a PADI center. Hyperbaric chamber location: located at the government hospital in Aqaba Water temp / exposure protection: 21°C–28°C, in summer, the sun is very intense and hot Water visibility: good to very good visibility 30 m+ Getting around: car rental, walking, bikes, scooters, boat. Taxi is easy to move in Aqaba, but I’s possible to walk too especially in the center. Don’t miss: visit of the Aqaba Castle Topside: kitesurfing, snorkeling, eat seafood at Captain’s restaurant Top Tip: allow at least 3 or 4 days to enjoy Aqaba and its beautiful dives. Drones are forbidden. UK Electric plugs
shrimp, clownfish and boxfish are just a small sample of what
WHAT TO DO IN JORDAN OUTSIDE AQABA?
can be found beneath the surface. The presence of several
To explore everything Jordan has to offer tourists, both cultur-
pontoons allows you to spend successful moments of pho-
ally, naturally and archaeologically, you would need to spend
tographing, playing with lights and tracking hidden species!
a few weeks... Amman – the capital, a trip to the Dead Sea,
The obligatory item on the agenda is the power plant,
countless archaeological sites and museums. Speaking of two
which is the only real drop in land in Jordan! The wall begins
places you can't miss, there's undoubtedly Petra and the Wadi
at a height of about 15 m and sinks into the abyss. A little high-
Rum desert are in the lead. These two sites, which are on the
er there is a magnificent coral garden, which leads us almost
UNESCO World Heritage List, are known all over the world.
to the edge, with plenty of corals, we can admire the yellow of lettuce corals!
30
Starting with Petra, Jordan's main tourist attraction. It is an amazing Nabataean city, founded almost three millennia ago,
Aqaba is often considered a place where tourists can try
whose most famous monument is Al Khazneh (treasure). It
a single dive, many of them are later disappointed that they
is steeped in history, and reaching the Siq outlet (the canyon
have not planned more time to fully enjoy the seabed of Aqaba,
leading to the city of Petra hidden in the mountains), where
which is a real place to dive, and not just an addition on the
this giant sculpture appears in the rock, provides incredible
map of underwater adventures!
emotions that will remain forever in your memory. The city is
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not limited to this building, it is very extensive and requires at least one day of sightseeing. Further south lies the Wadi Rum desert. If the name doesn't sound familiar, then you've certainly seen its photos, because it's a place where many films were shot: Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia, Life on Mars, Star Wars and recently Dune! This place is beautiful and rare, as far as the eye can see, there are canyons, arches, cliffs and vast stretches of sand. Breathtaking sunsets... Wadi Rum is also a great place to watch the sky at night, in total darkness. Alone, in a couple or with a family, Jordan is a cosy and truly exotic place, which allows you to combine the pleasure of diving with the discovery of a multinational culture... www.zesea.com Instagram: @anthonyleydet_uw_photography
www.deepbluedivecenter.com
sponsored article
LANZAROTE
The volcanic island of Lanzarote is completely different from other Canary Islands. As you drive the length and breadth of this area of land, you will admire the landscape unspoilt by human hands. The absence of high voltage power lines, the lack of multi-coloured advertisements, the absence of tall buildings subconsciously calms our overstimulated brains.
32
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But what is it like underwater? What does diving in this part of the Atlantic Ocean look like? The hot lava in contact with the ocean has created a unique bottom. In some places you can see how the lava has advanced. Uplifts, grottos, walls, and further down the sand, where I think, one is always trying to spot some angelsharks or stingrays. In smaller holes hide sizable moray eels, crabs, and other nocturnal animals. A trained eye may even spot some seahorses, spider crabs, snails, and shrimps. The sand can be black, grey or white. There are plenty of lizardfish, flounder, and other demersal fish. Every now and then we also encounter small cuttlefish that camouflage themselves in the surrounding environment.
Are there wrecks here? Is it worth diving at the Museo Atlantico? It is possible to come across two shipwrecks, an angel shark, a marbled electric ray, a stingray, and a grouper in one dive. Just sail the zodiac out of Puerto del Carmen and after a 5-minute swim there is a dive spot with wrecks. There are 2 of them lying here. The former ship, resting at 20 m depth, it is crooked and lying on its side. The other wreck, or rather its larger and smaller fragments, are scattered over a larger area of the bottom, at 40 m depth. The Museo Atlantico is part of the Cabildo de Lanzarote's Centre for Art, Culture and Tourism. It was created to preserve nature and experience the unique beauty of the island's landscape. The author of the sculptures is Jason de Caires Taylor. The sculptures and installations are located on the sand over an area of 2,500 m2. The opening for divers took place in January 2017. It is worth mentioning that it is eco-friendly and pH-neutral cement was used to build the installations. The night dives here are amazing. There are even more animals, many of them are on the hunt. In the light of torches, you can witness spectacular scenes such as a golden moray eel catching and devouring a cuttlefish. You will encounter slipper lobsters, 20 cm lumpfish, octopuses, stingrays, crabs, sea urchins, etc. Each time after successful dives we return to our base – Bonito Diving Lanzarote – to rinse and hang up our equipment, quench our thirst, fill in our logbooks and chat. Usually, we ask for restaurant recommendations, and the cuisine in Lanzarote is so to die for! The options are numerous. From seafood, fish, and burgers to vegetarian and vegan cuisine. There's something for everyone. The local starter is potatoes served with red and green sauces, and you can order local wine with dinner.
www.bonitodiving.com office@bonitodiving.com PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
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travels
Bali
BEFORE YOU DIVE
Text Sylwia Kosmalska-Juriewicz Photos Adrian Juriewicz 34
travels
Three years ago, before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out all over the world for good, and we were forced to leave Bali on the last plane after a six-month stay in this extraordinary place, I asked a shaman, a healer from under a waterfall: Does he not fear the vision of closing Indonesia to tourists and living in isolation?
T
he shaman replied in his calm voice, “Now is the time to rest and purify Bali of the energy that has upset the balance of this place. Tourists come from all over the world,
visit temples and constantly ask for money, success, good health,
love, but give nothing in return, do not thank and do not feel gratitude... Now is the time for everything to balance out, for Bali to reach a balance, for nature to strengthen itself. It will be a difficult time for people, but not for nature or animals". Finally, he added: "Good luck, good luck, good luck". Today we returned to Bali on one of the first planes, after the opening of Indonesia to tourists. After almost three years, I stood before the same shaman from under the waterfall and asked him how the time of isolation caused by the pandemic was for Bali and its inhabitants? The shaman hugged me warmly, his eyes started glowing at the sight of me. He replied in the same calm voice that I remembered – "The children returned to their parents in the country because they ran out of money and had nothing to live for in the city. The family ties were tightened, the land yielded crops and they had something to eat. People helped each other and they continue to help each other, sharing what they have even though they have little.... Bali has cleared, the energy has changed, now there's a balance. Everything returned to its place, to the beginning, to its roots...’’ I'm walking on the shore of the ocean, and the foamy waves wash my bare feet. After 19 hours of travel we landed at the airport in Denpasar, we returned to Bali. Everything seems to be the same as the last time we saw this place: still and humid air, trees growing on the beach, dogs running on sand and enjoying life in their own beautiful way, a coffee shop with my favourite coffee... but it is somehow different. There are no tourists, or rather there are few of them, there are no traffic
PERFECTDIVER
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travels
36
jams on the roads, most shops and restaurants are closed. Ev-
a tropical garden, the air temperature exceeds 28°C, and the
ery time another plane lands at Denpasar Bali airport, it comes
humidity is 80 %. One more corner and I see bright streaks
to life. It awakens from post covid's lethargy, but for a long time
of light against the orange sky. The orange glow embraces
it will remain as I see it now. We are going to dinner at a restau-
everything within its reach. A small group of children is playing
rant located on the beach in Sanur. It's late, and the moon
on the shore of the ocean. Someone has placed the camera on
and our mobiles' torches light the way. Somewhere between
a tripod and immortalises this extraordinary moment. After
the ocean and a narrow sidewalk made of grey cubes, on the
breakfast, we go to Ubud, which is especially loved by artists.
sand, in the moonlight, we see two large shadows. These are
It takes one hour to get from Sanur to the place we go. The
two green turtles, a species threatened with extinction. The
road abounds in beautiful views that gain more and more
females came ashore to lay their eggs. They use their wide
charm with every kilometer covered. We stop at a parking
paws to bury the eggs in the sand. We watched this unusual
lot next to Monkey Forest located in the center of Ubud. We
event for a while so as not to disturb this intimate act. For a mo-
enter the rainforest through an underground tunnel carved
ment I could not believe what I see, that in the place where so
in the rock, to which a wooden pier and stone stairs lead.
much is happening since morning (local residents and tourists
On the other side of the tunnel, there is a wonderful green
are walking their dogs, running, doing yoga, etc.) there is such
world, inhabited by 1,049 macaques forming 6 gangs. These
a natural phenomenon... A great amazement and emotion
unique creatures live here for 12.5 hours and enjoy freedom.
were expressed on my face...
The rainforest is their home, but also a very important and
The next day, I wake up before dawn. The sounds of birds
sacred place for the Balinese. The Monkey Forest, also called
and geckos come from the beautiful garden in which our hotel
a sanctuary, creates a kind of bridge and harmony between
is located. I open the door and invite a new day inside with
humans and animals. The Balinese believe that macaques
all its intensity of colors, smells and sounds. I go to a nar-
are the embodiment of good and bad powers and should
row beach, made of stones, a path that leads me through
be treated with respect. You can't scare them, you can't feed
travels
When the monkey jumps on our head or back, we have to wait politely for it to jump off.
them, you can't look them in the eye, you can't chase them away, you can't touch them. When the monkey jumps on our head or back, we have to wait politely for it to jump off. Rapid movements and shouts can only upset a macaque, which in turn can result in a scratch or worse, a bite. Monkeys in the Monkey Forest are regularly vaccinated and tested, but this does not change the fact that the bite is very painful and ends with a visit to a medical point. The Monkey Forest is a very mysterious and beautiful place, and these feelings are amplified by bright light, penetrating the tree crowns, and by the sounds of animals. There are three Hindu temples in the Monkey Forest: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple (alias main), Pura Holy Beji Temple (purification) and Pura Prajapati (cremation). There is a cemetery near the latter. There are many mysterious figures in the rainforest, depicting deities and animals. We will also find small pools with water, which monkeys use to cool down. A unique attraction of this place is also the dragon bridge, hidden among the trees. It owes its name to two dragons which squirm and form railings of stairs. It is also a very grateful subject for photography. Early morning is the time to feed macaques, which get food three times a day. Their diet consists of sweet potatoes, coconuts, corn, cucumbers and bananas. Once tourists could buy fruit before entering the forest and feed with them the macaques. However, it had a bad impact on their weight, they became thicker and lazy, so feeding the animals was forbidden. Today, these playful creatures are not afraid of people. Most often they steal from people water, glasses and whatever catches their eye at the very moment. Staff in the forest is responsible for both animal and human safety. At the end of the visit in the rainforest we take a selfie with a macaque ;-) In Ubud you can spend a few days and always something will delight you, surprise you and attract your attention, e.g. Pura Sarawati temple with ponds filled with pink lotuses, which
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you enter straight from the street. A market with stalls hidden in a network of narrow alleys, which are teeming with colourful sarongs, wicker baskets, incense sticks, oils of various kinds, various stands and wooden figures... Bazaars always attract tourists who want to buy something or just watch. In such places, people engage in long conversations not only about the price, which is always worth negotiating, but also about life, weather and the world. After a visit to the market, in the restaurant with cocos and in the temple with water lilies, it was time for the Tegallalngan rice terraces, which are about 15 minutes away from the centre of Ubut by car. You cannot miss them, because everywhere there is a tourist attraction, there are also stands with souvenirs and cafes visible from a distance. Our bus stops on the road in front of one of these stalls, where we get off and head towards the rice terraces. We are very fortunate because cascading terraces are covered with blades of rice and create beautiful lush, green carpets. During the harvest three to four times a year, the landscape changes and does not resemble the one that now stretches before our eyes. We descend the stone stairs, which after a while turn into high steps made of beaten earth and the clay. We stop at the moment when the
38
travels
inscription Bali swing appears on our way, a swing that takes
A temple with a waterfall hidden in the rainforest is one
us so high up that we feel like we're flying and touching the
of my favourite places in Bali. Only a few tourists know about
sky with our feet. One of the attractions that is definitely worth
its existence, which is why it is not as trampled and commer-
visiting when you are in Tegallangan.
cialised as most temples in tourist guides. We discovered this
Bali smells of rice, the cooked one, left in the air, in the
place by accident, three years ago, when we were living in
sun and rain. Everywhere: in taxis, cars, buses, in front of the
Bali. We got lost riding a scooter, got lost in rice paddies, and
entrance to the houses, at the chapels in the main street or
the navigation on the phone stopped working. After a dozen
in the store, we will come across small, square baskets of
or so minutes of wandering aimlessly, we saw a parking lot
thanksgiving. Into green baskets made of palm leaves, follow-
and a faded banner hanging on a tree informing that there is
ers of Balinese Hinduism (the dominant religion in Bali) put
a temple and a waterfall in this place. We parked the scooter
rice, flowers, coins, candies, cigarettes and cookies, and then
and took the sandy road leading to a small souvenir shop.
light incense and send their intentions, requests high to the
We stopped in front of him, enchanted by beautiful wooden
gods. Thanksgiving baskets accompany drivers and taxi pas-
figures depicting images of deities and animals. In a glass,
sengers throughout the day. They are located on dashboards,
slightly dusty case, bracelets and necklaces made of natural
spreading their unique fragrance, which only grows stronger
stones were laid. Wayan, who is the “Leader of the Ceremony”,
with each subsequent hour.
runs the shop with his wife, and according to the inhabitants
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The guide brought us to a place that I can compare to a botanical garden. There are many species of trees, shrubs, flowers and plants such as papaya, vanilla, cocoa tree, coffee, cinnamon tree or ginger.
through individual stations. The place is magical, green with an intense colour of moss growing over rocks. The fine rain bounces off the large leaves of the trees and falls noiselessly to the ground. We enter under the waterfall wearing bathing suits and wrapped in sarongs, the water is icy, fantastically refreshing... finally, after leaving the waterfall, we sit crosslegged wet and happy in a in a specially designed place, and Wayan sprinkles us with water from a holy source, sticks rice to our foreheads and gives everyone a few grains to eat. After a visit to the waterfall, we go for a delicious coffee. The guide
40
of Bali, he was chosen and anointed by God to perform cer-
brought us to a place that I can compare to a botanical garden.
emonies and help people. That day, Wayan and I went to the
There are many species of trees, shrubs, flowers and plants
temple with a waterfall. We tied sarongs on our hips, and in
such as papaya, vanilla, cocoa tree, coffee, cinnamon tree or
our hands we held thank-you baskets prepared for us by his
ginger. The place is phenomenal, it smells of soil, flowers and
wife. Today we are on the same road with a group of won-
coffee. We walk through narrow alleys paved with small peb-
derful people, friends who came with us to Bali. Before we
bles. We watch, touch and taste the fruit that we pick right out
reach the waterfall, we climb a dozen or so high stone stairs.
of the trees. We stop before a small canopy, where a woman
We stop along the way, in different places, with spring water
in the prime of her life stirs the coffee beans with a metal
flowing straight out of the rocks. Together with the thanksgiv-
spoon in a cast-iron frying pan on a small furnace. The air is
ing baskets, we offer our intentions and express our gratitude
filled with the aroma of freshly roasted beans, which are later
for this extraordinary, shared experience. We light incense
crushed in a special vessel resembling a mortar. It is served
and meditate, we try to imitate Wayan, who guides us in focus
from an drip coffee maker and has a rather sour taste. Kopi
ADVERTISEMENT
Luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, and it is obtained in a rather unusual way. First, animals called civets (the local name is luwak) are fed with coffee beans, which subsequently are subject to digestive processes in the animals' digestive system, and then excreted in the faeces as a whole. The beans are carefully excavated from the faeces, dried, roasted and ground, and then brewed and served in beautiful cups. Putu works in a café overlooking a garden belonging to a plantation. He tells us where we can sit, relax and order coffee. He comes up to us after a while and asks if we want to place an order, and then he adds – "You Europeans have a cappuccino, and we have a cacuchino, I invite you to tasting". On site, you can try coffee kopi luwak, several kinds of tea and cocoa. Drinks are served in small glasses, carefully described. to be continued
PERFECTDIVER
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DAHAB „HEALTH RESORT” viewed a little differently
Text and photosKrzysztof Brudkowski
a negative impact on the colour and atmosphere of the city
We can read many slogans that tell us about diving in Egypt’s Dahab, located on the Sinai Peninsula. They usually describe the dive spots there as magical, iconic or famous.
known to us from earlier trips? We decided to check it out, hoping to return to the known places and people, and to escape, at least for a while, from the overwhelming news of our neighbours' tragedy in Ukraine. We made our last trips to Dahab long before the pandemic. At that time, the unique atmosphere of the city and the diving sites we visited made a very positive impression on us. Since
A
42
then, expeditions to other regions of Egypt, the Canary Islands s for the town itself, we learn from the Internet that
or the Dominican Republic have provided us with many new
it used to be a Bedouin village, but today it is a cosy
experiences. Before leaving, we wondered if now the magic of
resort or a small tourist town. However, do those en-
this world, which is above and under the water, would fade?
couraging, often delightful statements aimed at encouraging
After landing in Sharm EL Sheikh, with a stopover in Kato-
newly minted divers to buy a trip are not far from the truth?
wice (that's how Air Cairo flies now), and a forced one-hour
Or maybe the time of the pandemic has made fundamental
stop behind the wall of Sharm in order to collect a few buses
changes in the activities of local diving centres so that the
and coaches for a "convoy", after 1.5 hours of driving, we ar-
business has collapsed, and the outflow of tourists has had
rived at Happy Life Hotel at 7 a.m., being exhausted of that
travels
trip. Part of our team went to sleep off the flight, but the other part, the most thirsty of dives, immediately checked into the Lagona Divers base to plan diving attractions. It immediately became apparent that the local law now required a “welcome dive”, regardless of the level of certification and experience of the diver, which is of course an extra charge. It was comforting that it also served as an orientation dive on the house reef, so some of our team immediately did this and another dive, visiting the house reef in the north (towards Moray Garden) and in the south (not further than Golden Blocks). Whoever slept through the time of that first diving had to start another day with this dive. The advantage of the chosen option of staying at Happy Life Village Hotel, and not at the hotel of the well-known diving base Planet Divers, was that the time saved on trips to diving sites could be used for other forms of entertainment, snorkelling or blissful laziness on a sun lounger. In fact, that's exactly what happened, because we had almost all the famous dive spots at hand. To the right of the hotel beach there are
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We were looking forward to this moment. Will there be anything to admire underwater? Is it better, because the pandemic caused that fewer divers have come here, or is it worse, because the climate is changing, and corals are dying due to water temperature and other stressful factors. Such doubts and questions bothered us until we entered the water. Already the first dives on the house reef gave hope that we would not regret our choice of place, because the encountered diversity of marine life was delightful and almost made you dizzy. Small yellow-headed morays, clownfish, which are not afraid of curious and strange-looking newcomers from another planet, shy as always octopuses, elegant ray-finned fish and large puffers, or the multitude of popular reef fish (anthias) accompanied us at almost every block of the reef when we headed towards Golden Blocks. We also saw something new in every place. On Caves, we met a beautiful red scorpionfish and watched shrimp, and at the end of the dive, we traditionally watched the navey dive places called Moray Garden, Triple Pools, Umm Sid,
44
blue depths from inside one cave, scaring off some big puffers.
Caves, and to the left Golden Blocks and Southern Oasis.
We were very happy that nothing had destroyed our old
Having checked efficiently the completeness of the equipment
friend big gorgonia, which majestically spreads out at a depth
in the base and having packed everything on a pickup, it was
of about 18–20 meters on Golden Blocks. These golden blocks
possible to enter the water after a short while.
are two towers made of hard corals in golden sand colour,
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Already the first dives on the house reef gave hope that we would not regret our choice of place, because the encountered diversity of marine life was delightful and almost made you dizzy.
which can be seen even from the shore. Almost all of the most
this case with El Bells took place also classically, descending in
interesting marine life around these formations is concentrat-
a narrow chimney to the depth of 32 m and gradually ascend-
ed here, with which are invariably fascinated. We can find here
ing with a longer stop over my favorite place called a saddle,
both anemones and clowns fish, pairing specimens of red sea
over which a 3-minute safety stop is usually made.
bannerfish (heniochus intermedius), my favourite red reef fish
The whole most colorful marine life focuses here actually on
(anthias and pseudoanthias), as well as soft corals resembling
this fragment of the reef, which at some point lowers to about
broccoli (litophyton arboretum). On a sandy slope covered with
5–7 m, creating an arched formation resembling a saddle in
seagrass leading to Golden Blocks, we have one of the most
cross-section and for which crowds of snorkelling people come
interesting encounters of the last dive, about which I will tell
here, usually blocking the divers' entrance to El Bells. A large
you in a moment.
group of them accompanied us this time too.
We cannot forget about Blue Hole, which is a vertical deep
This place of the reef is usually very well lit. Sun rays, re-
well that is the most famous dive site in the Red Sea, not only
fracting in perfectly transparent water and reaching the coral
because of the impressions that accompany the dive, but also
walls create fantastic scenes and well reflect the colours of
because of the large number of accidents that took place here,
not only corals, but also the multitude of all busy marine lives.
and we are reminded of this by the plaques commemorating
Swimming among a huge number of fish, mainly composed of
our colleagues who took their last breath here, underwater.
red reef fish, provides an unforgettable experience. The beauty
We used to do two dives here. The first was to descend
of this place is well reflected in the photos of my friend Bruno
along the "bottomless" wall near the Arch, the famous exit
Waligora (I encourage you to find his website on the Internet).
from this well, which is located at a depth of 52–57 m, and
Fortunately, on the surface in this place nothing has changed
which can be entered by technical divers. Our team had to con-
for the worse as for the service offered for divers. On the shore
tent themselves with admiring the outlines of this giant dark
you can choose from a number of Egyptian pubs, where divers,
bow "hanging" for a short moment at 40 m. The second dive in
as well as other people, including the always fascinating freed-
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ivers, wait for diving and discuss their impressions. Then you
at a safe distance from the boat, and now we were supposed
can choose something to eat, or drink a strengthening Egyptian
to be really alone.
"tea" with vitamin C or a fantastic fruit smoothie.
Golden Blocks to use less gas mixture, to the first block, and
to our individual choice, some divers chose the famous Can-
not going deeper than 20 m, we would hang around the area,
yon, and the others preferred to dive alone, that is, without the
and then we would go back to the hotel pier, where diving usu-
care of an Egyptian guide, on the house reef at the hotel. This
ally begins. It turned out that it was a great idea. At some point,
solution is good, especially for photographers and divers who
as we swam out from behind the block, we saw a turtle, which
like to watch marine life. Fortunately, we formed a team with
became a grateful subject for photography. The multitude of
an experienced photographer from Germany, whose aim was
reef fish no longer impressed us, so we focused on searching
to relax through diving and we spent together the next dives
for other attractions. We were looking at stingrays while they
on the house reef. At some point it turned out that we had only
were huntig lionfish, and we enjoyed every nudibranch we
one dive left out of the purchased package of 10 dives, but due
could find. That's how we ended our dive trip.
to the required time called "no fly", we could only do it early in the morning on the day before departure.
46
We agreed that we would sail across the surface towards
In the following days we explored other places according
So far I have not mentioned anything about the town of Dahab, its climate, pubs, e.g. Friends, Nemo or Ali Baba or the
The next morning (at 6.00) the divemaster told us that he
popular Chicken House. Who does not know this must see for
had a cough and a runny nose (hotel air conditioning can be
himself what this famous other Egypt looks like. To enthusiasts
tricky!) but, fortunately, nothing prevented us from diving just
I only need to mention that the pedestrian area in the center
the two of us. After quickly preparing the equipment, loading
is expanding and gaining a granite pavement, and the atmo-
it onto a pickup truck and agreeing on a dive plan, we were
sphere of small shops and pubs is invariably the same. We just
ready for a new adventure. I dived in the Red Sea before with
have to return to the diving resort as soon as possible. I wish
only one companion, but it was a night dive on a safari and
we could do it, both you and me.
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47
sponsored article
Dive with GOOD DIVE in Lake Niedack WHY? Because it is a ribbon lake and is precious on the scale of Poland. It is located in Kociewie, in the municipality of Zblewo, at the northern end of the Tuchola Forest. It is an ideal place to try diving and an amazing place for divers who enjoy the shallow littoral and the animals that live in it. And although we can dive from 0 to 30 m deep in the lake, the vast majority of divers do not go deeper than 5 m. Because from spring to late autumn, there is a veritable plethora of fish here. Hundreds of perch we swim into as they move away. Tench swimming in small groups, pike in numbers of up to a dozen on a single dive, common rudd, common bleak, single catfish and crayfish. All these fish can be encountered on one dive, although catfish are the hardest to see. The bottom is covered with lush vegetation, green meadows so to speak. Among other things, water soldier and various types of pondweeds can be found here. And, most importantly, there are no cultivated fields around the lake, and the land, apart from the Twardy Dół centre, is uninhabited, which is why underwater visibility is so good. At the worst time of the year visibility reaches up to 4 m, while at the best time of the year visibility is as high as 14 m. It is a good place for the rubbish search competition, as there is very little or none. If they are found, it's fresh ones recently thrown in by someone inconsiderate. The lake is looked after by members of the Good Dive diving school.
48
sponsored article
WHAT ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DIVERS? It is very pleasant. The hangar where you will find the kingdom of Good Dive Base stands right by the lake. They are very well equipped and prepared. They rent equipment (everything) for both wet and dry divers. You can easily rent a dry suit here, fill a cylinder with air or nitrox and even do an intro on a rebreather. The entrance to the water, when diving from the beach, is about 5 m from the base. If you wish to dive on the other side of the lake, Good Dive will organise this – there is a small zodiac available. And best of all – you can come here with unannounced and without reservation. The base fee is only 20 PLN. Twardy Dół is an ideal place for the whole family to relax. The Good Dive school also specialises in diving and training for children. Camps for children are organised here every year. The local and only resort offers accommodation and a restaurant. It is surrounded by forests, and there are opportunities for cycling, jogging, fitness, Nordic walking, kayaking, and hiking. In autumn, the Good Dive base together with the Twardy Dół centre offer a discount on accommodation for divers and people who just want to start their diving adventure.
573 443 818 biuro@good-dive.pl www.good-dive.pl PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
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under the ceiling
Diving in the old NUTTLAR lime stone mine Text and photos KURT STORMS
IT IS TIME AGAIN TO GO DIVING IN AN OLD LIMESTONE MINE. THIS TIME WE ARE GOING TO SAUERLAND GERMANY. THERE IS A LITTLE TOWN CALLED "NUTTLAR". NUTTLAR IS A DISTRICT OF THE MUNICIPALITY BESTWIG IN THE NORTHERN HOCHSAUERLANDKREIS (NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA) AND HAS ABOUT 1700 WINHABITANTS.
50
F
rom the middle of the 19th century Nuttlar lived mainly from slate extraction from the local mine. Five men founded the Gessner company in 1857 and through
constant modernisation the business developed favourably, so that in 1878 it was approved for underground mining. This was the beginning of "the Nuttlar slate mine". The number of employees rose to about 100 in 1900; children and young people also worked there. Slate mining did not
under the ceiling
Briloner Str. 48a D-59909 Bestwig Germany from Brussels it is 3:30hr drive
have any negative effects due to the "First World War", as the
flooded. These passages have a length of 12 kilometres and
arms industry needed slate for insulating the electric moulds.
the maximum depth is 14 to 30 metres.
But due to competition from cheaper slate from Spain and the use of Eternit, slate mining stopped in 1985. It is an enormous labyrinth of mile-long tunnels and large
The drive to Nuttlar takes 3:15 hours from my home town. Together with my wife Caroline and my regular buddy Willem Verreycken, we left at 6:30am for our dive site for today.
spaces. After the closure, the electricity was turned off, caus-
The drive went smoothly, and once we arrived we were pleas-
ing the pumps to stop, so the water reached its maximum
antly received by the owner, we got a briefing, about the oper-
level after 7 years. Of a total of 5 floors, the 2 lower ones are
ation, where the compressor is to possibly fill between dives.
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under the ceiling
The mainline is clearly visible everywhere between all the stuff we come across. In between, Willem turns to take a photo. We have only just left, and are already as happy as a child.
52
They fill here air, Nitrox, Trimix and O2 for the rebreathers.
move from their places. It is a spacious corridor, but you have
Once this briefing was given, we went back to the car to take
to be smart not to touch another wagon to avoid a Silt-out.
the right road to the entrance of the mine, where there is a large parking for 7 cars.
We follow the line where we have to place a 'cookie' in between, the water is cold at 8 degrees. So I am obliged to put
The entrance to the mine can be easily recognised by the
on my heating. The view is extremely clear. There are pipes
yellow container. Here we get our second briefing. What we
and cables everywhere so that light bulbs could be provided
have to pay attention to, where we have to sign in and out.
with electricity.
Once this briefing was over, we could get ready with excitement.
The mainline is clearly visible everywhere between all the stuff we come across. In between, Willem turns to take a pho-
Wim and I put our Bail-out on the waterfront, and here we
to. We have only just left, and are already as happy as a child.
took our first glimpse in the direction of the water, wow, how
Willem swims in through a small passage and we end up in
clear was my first thought and we continued to get ready. Me
a beautiful room as big as a house. The walls that cover this
and Wim both dived on our Rebreather. We spent some time
room are beautiful, which makes the link that these were made
getting the Rebreather ready for diving and going over the
by sawing and not by blowing up black powder. It is an enor-
tests. Today I am diving with the Divesoft Liberty SM.
mous labyrinth, in which you can spend hours. The splendour
Once in the water and having done our S-drill, we descend
of the past is shown to its best advantage here. The carriages,
below the surface and our dive begins. The agreement was
the rails, this gives you even more respect for the people who
that we would do a dive of about 2.5.
once worked here. When we get back to the top after 2,5 hours,
After a few minutes, we arrived at a junction where several cars were shunted around, not knowing that they would never
we have only seen the first part, but we are satisfied. Immediately we are making plans to explore the deeper part.
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under the ceiling
INFO SLATE MINE The slate mine (Schieferbau Nuttlar) is open from April to mid-November on weekends. In winter, the mine is closed due to the hibernation of the bats. Reservation is compulsory. A maximum of 12 cave divers can enter per day and a day ticket costs €69. GOING INTO THE MINE WITHOUT A CAVE DIVING LICENCE Would you like to go further down into the mine but don't have a cave diving licence? Or do you doubt that cave diving is something for you? Here you can have a fantastic experience under supervision. Under strict guidance you can go further in a small group where there is no ascent possible. Floating above the rails, you dive along tubes, cables and old materials. The gas planning is conservative, the experience is great! However, there is a prerequisite for participation. You have to have a preliminary technical basis. This means that you dive with a double set, long hose and lights, but also that you master all the procedures such as gas sharing and valve turning. So it's not for everyone, but an absolute must if you have the level. So you don't have to go to France or Mexico for your first unforgettable cave diving adventure! Sport divers without a cave diving licence can also enjoy this underwater world under supervision. You will be accompanied by an experienced cave diver from the Nuttlar. It is compulsory to dive with equipment that is suitable for cold water, i.e. separate breathing systems, a suitable suit and some diving experience. There is no possibility to rent equipment on site. The cost is 69€ per dive. Don't forget to bring your valid medical certificate, your certification and a valid diving insurance, which will be checked before you dive. If you already have your certification, and you want to dive with a guide, this can be done in addition to the normal entrance fee for 50€ per person extra. You get a guide who dives with a maximum of 3 participants. STAYING IN THE AREA There are many possibilities to stay overnight. A good hotel is Gasthof Sauerwald, which is only 3 km away. Don't want to dive but still want to visit the mine? This is possible in the form of a dry tour in the non-flooded part. A 2hr tour costs 23€, a 4hr tour costs 33€ and a 7hr special tour for photographers costs 65€. These prices include a small snack and a drink. Website: www.schieferbau-nuttlar.de
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events
BALTICTECH 2022
It was 2007. Various conferences and
The weather was not favourable, but
The first TKT (Tri-City Technical Confer-
diving fairs were held in several Euro-
against all odds, after breakfast on Sat-
ence) was attended by 170 participants
pean cities. There were no such events
urday, the lectures began. Already then,
and 11 companies.
in Poland, and yet the potential in the
in the break between presentations, the
sense of good divers and interesting
guests could get acquainted with the of-
The following year, 2008, was the sec-
dive spots was significant. The number
fer of invited companies and equipment
ond conference, also held in Jastrzębia
of wrecks in the Baltic alone reaches
distributors. In a separate room you
Góra. This time more than 230 people
hundreds, if not thousands.
could see heating for dry suits, under-
took part, and among the foreign guests
water scooters or lighting.
Nick Touissant, Alessandro Fenu, An-
Sharing knowledge, experience and
drew Georgitsis had their presentations.
fears from various types of dives has
The special guest of the first Conference
become an end in itself. Already in 2007,
was a well-known and respected instruc-
The next conference – Baltictech 2009
returning from the Technical Conference
tor and wreck diver – Richard Lundgren.
– gathered nearly 400 people, including
from the Czech Republic, the partici-
He presented two projects. One about
18 speakers and 30 exhibitors.
pants talked about organising a similar
the destroyer Erich Giesse and the other
meeting in Poland, and in March they
about the Polish destroyer Grom.
began to work hard to turn the idea into
a logistical point of view, the organisers
action. At that time, the idea was to or-
At the end of Saturday there was
were looking for another location for the
ganise the Tri-City Technical Conference.
a screening of Sławek Paćko's films that
Baltictech Conference 2010. They chose
They were interested in the facility in Jas-
talked about the exploration of The
Gdynia. It turned out that organising
trzębia Góra – a holiday resort that guar-
Caves of Florida, and the time of the in-
such a meeting, with invited guests, with
anteed an appropriate standard for the
tegration of the participants began.
interesting lectures at a high level, with a presentation of the latest solutions in
logistical organisation of the conference.
56
In 2010, there were changes. From
On Sunday there were 2 more presen-
the equipment, perfectly met the expec-
23 of November 2007 was set as the
tations, including the one about decom-
tations of both visitors and exhibitors.
date.
pression by Dr. Krzyżak.
500 people took part.
events
In 2011, it was decided that future Balt-
how this conference had evolved over
During this year's Baltictech Confer-
ictech conferences would take place ev-
time, how much it had changed and
ence, an amazing attraction for partici-
ery two years. Technical, wreck and cave
grown.
pants will be the opportunity to test the equipment in the water. On Saturday,
diving were widely treated, but freedivers and diving travellers also had their place
In 2019, the 9th edition gathered hun-
a multifunctional swimming pool with
there. In 2013, lectures were conducted
dreds of divers again. Speakers simulta-
a movable bottom belonging to the
simultaneously in 3 different rooms.
neously presented their topics in several
AMW (Naval Academy) will be available
rooms. Recently, more and more people
on the premises.
In 2015, the 7th edition of Baltictech was
have switched from open to closed cir-
organised in Gdynia, in the Pomeranian
cuit. Baltictech turned out to be a great
Baltictech is one of the three largest
Science and Technology Park. It gath-
opportunity to see and compare the
meetings of technical divers in the
ered over 600 guests.
most popular units at one place.
world. The other two are held in Austra-
In 2017, due to its round, 10-year anni-
The next edition due to the Covid-19
ence takes place periodically, every two
versary, it was a unique event, one of the
Pandemic has been postponed from
years in Gdynia and is dedicated to div-
most important events in Europe. The
2021 to 2022.
ing issues.
lia and the United Kingdom. The confer-
two-day meeting gathered 750 participants, 39 lectures and 39 exhibitors. It
It is officially known that BALT-
became very international, and the pre-
ICTECH 2022 will take place at
sentations took place simultaneously in
a new place. On 26–27 Novem-
3 different rooms.
ber 2022 we meet at Oksywie
THE NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED! Don't wait and buy your ticket now:
www.baltictech.com
in Gdynia, in the building of the The speakers Tomasz Stachura and Łu-
Main Library of the Naval Acad-
kasz Piórewicz told the story of the or-
emy, ul. Śmidowicza 69 (en-
ganisation of the first event, from which
trance to the parking lot from
10 years had just passed. Undoubtedly,
Jana Grudzińskiego Street).
it is the largest event in Poland dedicated to wreck and technical diving in the
It was necessary to look for a place that
Baltic Sea. Interestingly, they showed
would host a larger group of guests.
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
57
planet earth
CAN CONTACT WITH A CEPHALOPOD BE THERAPEUTIC? Text Dr hab. Prof. UAM Hanna Mamzer Photos Wojciech Zgoła
Human relations with the animate world are based on consumption in the broadest sense of the term, which is why very few who order octopus rings in a Mediterranean restaurant are aware that they will be consuming a dish prepared from the arms of animals endowed with extraordinary cognitive abilities.
58
T
hey are highly mysterious crea-
taining hemocyanin instead of the iron
tures, with a complex structure,
present in hemoglobin. Octopuses are
intricate behaviour, and uncom-
molluscs distinguished by their great
mon abilities. Classed as cephalopods,
ability for complex movements. They
octopuses, as their name suggests, have
learn based on individually collected
eight arms “growing out of their head”.
experiences as they are solitary animals,
In fact, they have six arms for grasping
spending time in pairs only during the
food and two for locomotion (walking
mating season. Thus, they do not pass
on the bottom). In addition to these
on knowledge from generation to gen-
eight limbs, they have three hearts, one
eration, as the parents only take care
pumping peripheral blood throughout
of the hatching of the larvae from eggs.
the body and two (known as branchi-
One is tempted to ask, however, what
al hearts) with which they pump blood
would happen if octopuses passed on
through the gills. The heart, which is re-
knowledge between generations, like,
sponsible for pumping blood through
for example, cetaceans? How much
the body, does not do so when octopus-
would their intelligence have developed
es are swimming. Thus, they tire quickly
and how cognitively proficient would
and therefore greatly prefer to walk on
they be? Scientific studies indicate that
the bottom. Their blood is a greenish
these mysterious cephalopods have
blue colour due to the copper-con-
a short – and long-term memory, which
planet earth
enables them to find their way efficiently
as they are able to change the texture
face of all his troubles, returning to his
through labyrinths. The results of Rob-
of their skin.
childhood memories, the happy time
in Crook's study, published in “Science”
The unusual nature of the complex
when he and his brother swam in the
2021, indicate that the way octopuses
behaviour of octopuses was brilliant-
ocean, the protagonist felt that in order
experience pain physically and psycho-
ly demonstrated in the startling 2020
to regain his mental and emotional bal-
logically is similar to that of mammals1.
documentary film “My Octopus Teach-
ance, he should return to those youth-
Octopuses exposed to pain at specific
er”, directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James
ful encounters with water. To immerse
locations in the aquarium (where they
Reed. A year later, the film won an Oscar
himself in it again and thus understand
were injected in one arm with diluted
(for best feature-length documentary)
his needs. Following his intuition, he be-
acetic acid), later avoided these lo-
and numerous other awards and nom-
gan regular dives in the Atlantic Ocean,
cations in return for settling in those
inations. The documentary drew the
around Cape Storms (in South Africa).
areas where the researchers relieved
attention of audiences to the kind of
Aiming to regain his 'connection' with
their pain (they were given an analgesic
relationship octopuses are able to build
nature and himself, he dived without
injection). Although solitary, octopuses
with humans and how humans are able
a suit, which he considered a kind of
communicate with other individuals by
to relate to these animals. The film is
artificial barrier separating him from
changing the colour of their skin and
the story of the therapy that the main
the natural environment. Thus, be-
are able to communicate their moods
character and narrator, Craig Foster, has
coming part of the ocean, immersing
to each other, including threatening
had for himself, somewhat by accident.
himself in the underwater world, swim-
behaviour. Adapting their colour to the
Foster, an overworked filmmaker in
ming through kelp forests, he came
environment also allows them to hunt
whose life a number of emotional prob-
across an unusual structure formed of
effectively while protecting themselves
lems accumulated in a short period of
colourful shells and stones. It was an
from predators. It is even more effective
time, became ill with depression. In the
octopus-built shelter. This encounter
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
59
planet earth
Although solitary, octopuses communicate with other individuals by changing the colour of their skin and are able to communicate their moods to each other, including threatening behaviour.
fascinated Foster so much that he reg-
viewer. It shows trust, interest, and the
attacks? How to deal with the death of
ularly came to stay with the animal. The
desire for contact with oneself, but at
the animal? Does man have the right
octopus, distrustful at first, slowly began
the same time it provokes sadness, fear
to interfere in the natural world, even
to get used to the diver and one day de-
and reflection on the further fate of the
if he has good intentions? These and
cided to touch the man's outstretched
octopus. Living in a natural body of wa-
many other questions are posed to the
hand. So began a healing relationship
ter, the octopus is exposed to threats:
viewer by the authors of the film, forcing
for the man, full of emotions and di-
attacks by predators, exhaustion, dis-
the viewer to dive into their reflections.
verse sensations, based on mutual
ease, and ultimately death, which is, on
The moment when the octopus first
trust and respect between the human
the one hand, the stage that ends the
touched Foster's hand with its arm be-
being and the animal and its ecosys-
life of the individual, and on the other
came a turning point in the relationship
tem. The relationship was evidently
hand, the moment that begins the cir-
– at least from the human protagonist's
forged by the octopus – meaning that
culation of matter in nature, and thus
point of view. Craig Foster had waited
the octopus consented to the human
gives another life. Meeting an octopus,
26 days, and he interpreted the octo-
touch – in fact, it touched the human.
the protagonist of the film experiences
pus's touch as acceptance, which also
Craig Foster's relationship with the oc-
dilemmas: should he feed the sick octo-
allowed him to understand how much
topus evokes complex emotions in the
pus? Should he protect it from predator
he needed acceptance from humans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Polish Diving School
OCTOPUS in Hamburg +49 176 48664595 60
mariusbebel@icloud.com
planet earth
The world of animals often becomes
of a book describing the biography of
tions. By diving into the ocean, Foster
a source of such positive feelings for hu-
a pig treated as a companion animal,
was given the opportunity to immerse
mans, due to the fact that animals judge
"The Good Good Pig") talks about oc-
within himself and his thoughts, and
differently than humans, build relation-
topuses. The authors of these popular
ultimately through this he found con-
ships based on different characteristics
science or even pop culture messages
tact with his loved ones. This is how fol-
and behaviours than humans. Although
have enormous power to influence
lowing a childhood memory helped the
perhaps using the term 'animals' is too
mass audiences – they are able to ed-
protagonist to deal with an existential
much of a generalisation, linking or-
ucate about what kind of animals oc-
crisis. The octopus was both a teacher
ganisms from very diverse taxonomic
topuses are. And although for most
and a friend. And diving was a form of
groups. This problem was highlighted
people octopuses are a food ingredient
occupational therapy.
by Peter Singer in "Animal Liberation",
or an attraction in water parks, where
pointing out that such broad generali-
they are caught from the wild because
I would like to thank Marta Stawska-Pu-
sations cause us to lose important dif-
they cannot reproduce in captivity, it
chalska for help in editing the text.
ferences – small but important.
turns out that they can also be a friend.
Craig Foster has managed to estab-
In Craig Foster's case, an octopus ac-
lish a peculiar and poignant relationship
cidentally encountered during a dive
with the octopus of a very emotional na-
became the object of the protagonist/
1
ture. Similarly, Sy Montgomery (author
narrator's own projection of his emo-
0042(21)00197-8
https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
61
knowledge
I STARTED DIVING BECAUSE I WAS SCARED Text Magdalena Sokołowska Photo BEEDIVER Bartosz Pszczółkowski
Fear is a certain feeling of anxiety and tension. It is a natural feeling and has already accompanied our ancestors by warning them of predators and other dangers, allowing them to attack or escape quickly.
T
oday, we understand the fear better, but at the same time the
gans
anxiety may appear in greater
— tingling or feeling cold in the hands
numbers of situations where we are not
and feet means that the blood has
really threatened, because the subcon-
been directed to the muscles that
scious gives us an idea of a threat that
are more important in the face of
is not really there.
danger
When we experience anxiety in our
— difficulty concentrating is associated
body, some biological changes take
with decreased blood supply to the
place. Being aware of their existence, we can deal with "false alarms" more easily: — dizziness is associated with rapid and deep breathing — the heart beats faster to deliver more
62
oxygenated blood to important or-
brain and more to the muscles — trembling is also caused by increased blood supply to the muscles — sweating is just a reaction cooling the body so that it does not overheat — stomach problems occur because the
knowledge
No one would have thought my fear would turn into a dream to meet a shark face-to-face in the water. Photo BEEDIVER Bartosz Pszczółkowski
blood is redirected from the digestive
I was swimming in the lake, I thought
hypnotised, I watched the life of under-
system to other parts of the body
a shark was going to appear out of no-
water creatures and learned more and
Fear is really your ally, and it's trying
where and attack me. The same thing
more about sharks. For several years,
to protect you from danger, but it can
used to happen when I was swimming in
watching sharks on TV, then searching
also keep us from having unforgettable
the pool. I was looking around to make
for information on the Internet, un-
adventures. If you're even a little afraid
sure if there was no shark swimming at
consciously my fear was decreasing,
of something, your subconscious gives
me. Every time I went into any water,
and curiosity was growing, which even-
you reasons not to do something.
my imagination knew no bounds. In
tually turned into passion. I've come
My adventure with diving is a con-
addition, I often had bloody nightmares
to the conclusion that it's worth getting
sequence of my fear of sharks. I do not
with sharks in the lead role. My anxiety
to know the "enemy", getting to know
know a diver who has not watched the
was very irrational.
them. It was hard to pull me away from
film "Jaws" from 1975. No one expect-
When I was a child, there were no TV
ed this work to have worldwide conse-
channels such as National Geographic,
quences. This film portrayed sharks as
Discovery Channel or Animal Planet,
No one would have thought my fear
mindless killing machines that attack
and nature programmes could only be
would turn into a dream to meet a shark
everything and eat people. Since then,
watched at weekends on Polish Televi-
face-to-face in the water. I already had
everything has changed in the shark
sion. One day I came across a program
tremendous knowledge, and my friends
world. Before the film was made, no one
about underwater life, where, among
knew I was a shark freak. I even made
treated sharks as a great threat, people
others, sharks were shown and their diet
presentations about them at classes at
sailing in the seas and oceans did not
was described. Human flash was not in-
my university (Poznań University of Eco-
care much about them.
the glass of the shark tank at Sea Life Aquarium in Barcelona.
cluded in it, but I still had my doubts.
nomics) – the topic was to be the role
I saw the film "Jaws" before I even
However, I was waiting for programmes
of a leader, except that my leader lived
went to my primary school. I watched
presenting the underwater world and
underwater.
it myself, without the supervision of my
the terrifying sharks. When the satel-
When my colleague became a diving
parents – a big mistake that had huge
lite dish appeared in the house, nature
instructor, the next day after passing the
consequences. From that moment when
channels became my favourite, and as
exam, he called me and announced that
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
63
knowledge Photo Sylwia Kosmalska-Juriewicz
I would be doing a diving course with him to fulfil my dreams (it was Bartosz Pszczółkowski cooperating with Perfect Diver). It was with him that I saw my first shark, an oceanic whitetip, on the reef of Elphinstone in Egypt. The experience of diving with my first shark aroused a desire to see other species. Then I spent my savings on diving trips where I could see different species of sharks. I've been to Egypt a few times, the Maldives a few times, the Philippines, Thailand, Fiji, and many other countries where you can't see sharks, but you can go diving. In Fiji, where I experienced typical diving only with sharks, I used the visualisation method (mentioned in the PADI textbooks). Before I went into the water, I imagined possible scenarios – what could happen underwater and how I should react. Of course, my imagination was still in full swing and I imagined what would happen if I was bitten by a bull shark or tiger shark, which is known for liking to try everything with its jaws. The shark number 2 on the list of the most dangerous sharks in the world was half a meter away from me, and I wanted to hug it (which of course we never do while diving). Underwater, I have seen: Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Lemon Shark, Blacktip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Whale Shark, Bull Shark, Nurse Shark, Tiger Shark, Thresher Shark. Another of my dream species is hammerhead shark (in the Bahamas). Sharks are constantly trying to fight against their bad reputation, and divers are making a big contribution to portraying sharks as beautiful, harmless creatures, needed for the underwater ecosystem of the world, which also affects our life on the surface. Thanks to diving, I was also able to learn another method of overcoming anxiety: "going into deep water". In this experience, I was also accompanied by Bartosz, whom I visited at that time in Sardinia, on the Capo Photo Magdalena Sokołowska
64
knowledge
Photo Sylwia Kosmalska-Juriewicz
Galera. I flew quite spontaneously, ex-
that we are not in danger. The more we
what happens to us, but we have
pecting easy, pleasant diving on shallow
expose ourselves to fearful situations,
a choice of how we look at the re-
reefs. I was surprised when the first day
the less fear we will experience.
ality.
of the dive I received a large and pow-
Visualise the entrance to the water
erful torch as part of my compulsory
and all activities learned in the course.
equipment. I did not read on the Inter-
You can also breathe consciously – take
net what dives were offered there, and
a slow deep breath through the dia-
they were dives in grottos and caves that
phragm – making a "balloon" out of your
I had never dealt with before. I had no
belly, hold it for a moment and exhale
choice but to overcome all the difficul-
slowly. Repeat it several times focusing
ties of these dives.
only on your breath. Don't be shy to tell
Diving is like discovering another planet, that is why it is no wonder that we are often accompanied by fear.
your Dive Master about your concerns, ask for safety information. What should you remember from
When you feel fear of entering the wa-
this article:
ter, remember that it is only your sub-
— dear parents, be careful on what your
conscious that exaggerates everything.
children watch, because it may cause
Books, films, courses, gaining knowl-
trauma to them
edge, should be used to learn about
— fear may be our ally
a given topic and get used to potential
— fear can be dealt with by knowing ex-
fear. Then there is practice – conscious,
actly its cause, using exposure to the
gradual exposing oneself to fear. We
fear factor, visualisation, conscious
learn in small steps that we are able to survive unpleasant sensations and
breathing — we do not always have influence on
Photo Adrian Juriewicz PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
65
planet earth
SHARKS Text Anna Sołoducha
Photo Red Sea Diving Safari
in the 1975 Steven Spielberg-directed film... but did they gain
INTELLIGENT. THEY HAVE SHORT AND LONG-TERM MEMORY. SOME HAVE STEREOSCOPIC VISION, WHICH ENABLES THEM TO JUDGE DISTANCES PERFECTLY.
notoriety as a result? Sharks have been roaming the oceans for 400 million years and are undeniably the rulers of this realm. They are known as excellent hunters, sow terror and often inspire fear. What is really myth and what is truth? What lies behind the iconic characters of the movie “Jaws”? Contrary to popular belief about sharks, they are among the most harmless predators on the planet. Statistically speaking – the number of sharks, their frequency of occurrence and
B 66
confrontation zone compared to the number of beaches, surf-
inocular vision makes the animal able to orient itself
ers and, above all, divers, can practically rule out any danger.
better in three-dimensional space, with a more precise
It is the media that has created the image of the 'killers' that
sense of the depth of the visual field. They are some of
create so much fear in us. Fears of water, darkness, depth, and
the fiercest predators in the ocean and, at the same time, some
unknown environments. It is history that has taught us to be
of the most sensitive sea creatures. They played a starring role
cautious, that has created a survival instinct. For more than
planet earth
Photo Red Sea Diving Safari
10,000 years, humans have been fleeing and fighting preda-
And most importantly, but not at all easily – we always have
tors. However, what every person in whom a shark inspires
to look sharks straight in the eye. Sound abstract? Maybe it is
fear needs to understand is that it is not the shark, but the
abstract, but it is effective! Indeed, if we find ourselves in such
situation we find ourselves in – which we ourselves in fact cre-
a situation, we instinctively look for an escape route. The shark,
ate – that is a threat to us. As divers, swimmers, surfers, anglers
on the other hand, often starts to move. And us? We start to get
– we are entering their environment, their oasis, their refuge,
nervous. That's when we have to remember – we position our
their home. It is often the case that the shark smells the bait
body upright and look the predator in the eye. By remaining
and takes us – humans – as it's source. What should be done
calm – the shark's interest will slowly begin to diminish. Im-
in such a situation? What should you keep in mind to feel safe
portant! The shark is looking for fleeing prey. Therefore, since
around these predators? The first time I came across shark
we are not fleeing – we are not interesting Sharks rely on
diving guidelines was in South Africa. There, a dive with blacktip
sight. It is taken for granted that if a shark is circling around
sharks awaited us. Before entering the water, we were given
us – it will definitely attack. The reason, however, is to find the
very precise instructions on how to behave during the dive.
aforementioned eye contact. The animal is curious, but it keeps
As human skin shines underwater like fish scales, it is very
an appropriate distance. It wants to watch us – that is why it
important that our hands are not visible. We must not make
swims up. When the shark calms down (because the truth is
sudden movements, because when we start splashing with
that it is more nervous than we are) it swims up even closer.
our fins – the sharks will immediately swim up. It is import-
And this is where our imagination goes wild. The brain suggests
ant to maintain a vertical position (i.e. any position other than
the worst possible scenarios – we start to see frames from
horizontal) at all times. However, the theory that by adopting
the movie "Jaws" in our mind. Our body's defensive reaction
a horizontal position we become more like a seal, fish, or tur-
is to move our hand – so as to drive the predator away from
tle – the object of shark desire and potential prey – is wrong.
us. This movement of the water causes it to hit the gills which
Sharks have excellent underwater vision and can also distin-
makes the shark start to retreat. We must remember that the
guish colours. They have a large brain and are not primitive.
gills are the most sensitive organ – not only in sharks, but in
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
67
planet earth
Photo Red Sea Diving Safari
68
all fish. Even the slight pressure that the water exerts on the
usual situation (because they do happen), we need to observe
gills causes the shark to immediately move away. In the case
the animal and try to predict its behaviour. Some sharks swim
of such behaviour between sharks, this means that another
towards the boat, others keep their distance. Those that are
shark will attack it out of fear, or it is simply establishing a hi-
curious are in a different mood than those that avoid us. They
erarchy in the herd. Such movements are therefore definitely
can be ignored from the boat, but not in the water. A shark that
not advised ;)
is a few metres away from you is different from the one that is
Each species has its own body language, and each individual
close by. The one that swims up feels good, is lively or trusting.
within the species differs from one another. Males differ from
If it trusts the individual in front of it – it does not run away,
females through size and hormones. Young animals are livelier
but 'glides'. Gliding means that the animal is relaxed. Lowered
than the older ones. No single shark or situation is the same.
pectoral fins indicate the same; they certainly do not indicate
This is why it is so important to respond to each according
an attack ! On the contrary! It is a sign that the shark will swim
to their psyche. There are times, for example, when sharks are
away. When it swims with its mouth closed, we say that it is
withdrawn and need to be calmed down. It is paradoxical that
holding its breath and we don't know what to expect, it is not
such a large animal is afraid, even though they surpass us in
relaxed, but it will not attack. So, as you have already noticed
strength and speed. But they don't know this. Looking at us
– if we know the body language of a shark, we understand its
from their perspective – they just don't know who they have
behaviour. Our misinformation about these predators comes
in front of them.
mainly from films and novels... The most famous myth is the
Sharks are not thick-skinned, they assess risks, they act in-
assumption that sharks are attracted to the smell of human
stinctively. If they don't like something – they will give us a sign
blood! Nothing could be further from the truth! Our blood com-
before they react, they are cautious. If they don't understand
pletely does not "turn them on";) Also if you injure your heels
the situation – they will swim away instead of reacting. In an un-
from fins or shoes and blood pours... no worries. No one who
planet earth
Zdjęcie Pro Dive
lives in the deep sea will be interested in you. It is also often
with millions of sound-absorbing dermal denticles, which gives
thought that sharks are constantly eating, and in fact their food
them the ability to silently approach their prey... The denticles
represents about 2–3 % of their body weight on a daily basis.
also reduce the density of the water, which makes the shark
Which does not mean that they are constantly hungry! When
move very fast. The shark's skin has another property – a so-
it comes to intelligence, on the other hand, sharks are very
called lateral line organ which extends from the head to the
aware of their body and the three-dimensionality of objects.
tail. This is a 'gift' from evolution that enables it to recognise
They recognise structures and can avoid them. They can also
water movements. This makes the shark able to sense an ap-
turn around and feel the touch of parasites. They learn by ob-
proaching fish, which is why it also hunts at night. It is able
servation and have an excellent memory. An interesting fact
to detect changes in the electric field and thus sense the pulse
is that sharks have more than 5 or even 7 senses! They are
of its prey. Also noteworthy are its teeth, which are extreme-
great example of how predators improve with evolution. They
ly sharp and grow back quickly. The shark's skeleton, on the
certainly deserve recognition and respect. In addition to their
other hand, is very light and made of cartilage. They are truly
excellent sense of smell, they have many perceptual organs, as
remarkable animals. However, it would be hard not to mention
exemplified by their skin and its flattened scales. It is covered
the attacks on humans – which of course do happen. There are
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
69
planet earth
We need to start perceiving sharks differently, to discard the myth of monsters from the deep. Fear of them is created by the media. Photo Activtour archives
from only a few, up to a dozen a year. In fact, sharks do some-
small mouth, they are mere bites. Serious attacks are very rare.
times attack, but that's because WE are the ones teasing them,
Large sharks, like the great white shark, attack 3–7 times a year
upsetting them, and testing how they will react. Sharks defend
and such attacks only rarely end tragically. The hysteria that
themselves against what they perceive as aggression. We dive
most often occurs is usually unjustified.
all over the world. In very many places we encounter these
We need to start perceiving sharks differently, to discard the
animals because, like us, sharks like temperatures above 17°C.
myth of monsters from the deep. Fear of them is created by
So, if there are some accidents, they occur in Florida, South
the media. In the case of attacks – the word aggression is often
Africa, or Australia. The number of sharks is not higher in these
used, thus emphasising that they are dangerous. This is not
places, but there are more aggressive species. There are more
true. Sharks do not attack us to hurt us. They do not perceive
than 500 species of sharks in the world, of which only 12 can at-
us as prey. They do not want to kill us or hurt us. They attack
tack. Of this dozen, about 5–6 species can actually threaten us.
when they are stressed, whether it is a situation where only
The others do not really attack. Some of the more aggressive
the sharks are present, or a human is present. Sharks do not
species are bull sharks, tiger sharks and great white sharks.
know that our skin is thin, they do not want to hurt us. Any
Interestingly, the most frequent attacker is... the blacktip shark!
attack is a result of the situation they are in. If a shark takes an
However, its bites are not dangerous because it has a very
interest in a shoal, and a diver is nearby, it will be considered part of that shoal. A shark in this situation may attack, even though the human does not match the size of the rest of the prey. When a shark looks for prey, it has an image of it in its mind. If it smells it – it expects to prey. It looks for a suitable animal, emitting such smell and making 'fear' noises. Humans definitely do not fit into this image. Our scent mixes with that of the shoal, but we do not match visually. When the shark sees us, it gets lost. It is interested in the sounds and smell, but the image surprises it, so it won't take a chance, because after all, we could be dangerous. Sharks are predators and underwater they are second to none. They get to their prey in no time and tear bone and
70
Photo Łukasz Metrycki
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Termin Cel wyprawy
Photo Łukasz Metrycki
muscle with their teeth, but they certainly do not feed on humans. They are distrustful and wary. They rarely swim up to us. As I mentioned, accidents occur in exceptional situations when humans and animals meet at the wrong time. They inflict most of the wounds with their gums, checking what they are dealing with. It can be dangerous, but a shark only approaches us when curiosity is stronger than fear. It feels our fear and, by attacking us, wants to see if it knows the surface of our body (in the case of us divers, mainly neoprene). This is why injuries are not deep. Serious wounds only happen when the shark grabs our hand, and we pull away. Then the tissue breaks against the teeth and a deep wound is caused. If, on the other hand, we do not move – the shark swims away. Of course, we have to approach a great white a little differently
30.11.2022
Galapagos Galapagos - nurkowa wyprawa życia
from a blue shark. But the principle is always the same. It all depends on the situation we find ourselves in. And believe me – sharks really are likeable You will read about the species of sharks, the regions in which they are found, as well as the dangers that threaten these magnificent animals and
WIĘCEJ WYPRAW >>
what will happen if sharks become scarce in the next part of the article 'SHARKS'.
www.activtour.pl 607 777 538 PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
71
planet earth
SWIFT SWALLOWS Barn swallow
Text and photos Wojciech Jarosz
"A swallow is a black dagger, torn from the breasts of the wind. A sudden anchor od sadness, from an invisible yacht..." – this is how the text of one of the most recognisable Polish songs begins.
and intensity. So I wrote once about the ocean birds that spend weeks and months on the waves, and sometimes about the small inhabitants of the rushes. The direct reason for choosing swallows as the protagonists of this text was the inspiring observation of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), which established their nests under the planks of a bridge over one of the lakes in Poznań (the one that is the closest to my house). Swimming around this platform on the recently fashionable SUP board, I was even surrounded by swallows flying in a group to their nests with a supply of food for their flightless young and by those who left the colony for another portion of insects.
I
72
The very nesting on the water, which is not the norm for
recall these words because, apart from an extremely ac-
barn swallows, most often applies to sand martins (Riparia ri-
curate description of the characteristic morphology of
paria), which dig their minks in the river slopes (just like river-
swallows, it uses comparisons that strongly refer to water
kingfishers!). Before swallows were so strongly synanthropised
issues – wind, anchor, yacht. But that is not the only reason
(they decided to live in the vicinity of man), they built their
why I decided to look at these wonderful birds in Perfect Diver.
nests on rocky walls, steep cliffs and similar places. Now, in
Swallows can simply be found over the water, and this is
Europe, far from people, there are sand martins, barn swal-
the basic argument why we want to talk about them here, after
lows and common house martins (delichon urbicum) that have
all, in our bird cycle there are descriptions of species related
specialised in the use of man-made buildings as nesting places.
to water. This relation to water can have a different character
Barn swallows usually stick their clay cup-shaped nests inside
planet earth
House martins
buildings, such as barns, sheds, stables or pigsties (hence the English name: barn swallow), while common house swallows, as the name suggests, create their much more closed structures outside buildings in window recesses, under cornices, wall hoods, etc. Why would swallows have the idea of choosing such a living environment? One of the basic reasons mentioned by experts in swallow habits is the high availability of flying insects (the basic food of swallows), which often accompany animals kept by humans. For the same reason, swallows are eager to live in the vicinity of water reservoirs – after all, you can always meet insects there! It is also worth mentioning how these birds get clay, preferably the well soaked one, which they use to build their nests. This material is easily available primarily on the banks of water reservoirs, to which swallows eagerly fly from the immediate and House martins
distant vicinity. It is estimated that in order to build a nest, a pair of swallows must go for material well over a thousand times! There is another situation when lovers of aquatic and underwa-
the destruction of the said nests is associated with bad fortune
ter activities may encounter swallows, both in large and even
that brings various punishments to those who dare do it, for
very large groups. When the breeding season is over, the swal-
example, getting freckles on their face... There are many more
lows gather for departure. They like to spend time, especially at
superstitions and symbolic meanings. All because swallows have
night, in reed fields. This is probably where one of the Polish old
been close to humans for a long time. In the culture, not only
folklore superstitions came from, saying that swallows spend
folk culture, there are many references to swallows, to recall, for
the winter in the mud of a lake bottom, with their tails inter-
example, Słowacki ("Kordian"), Sienkiewicz ("Janko Muzykant"),
twined and forming long ropes. It was also believed that when
Staff ("Droga") or Shakespeare ("Richard III").
winter is driven out by spring, the first person to see a spring
It would be good if swallows were still with us, and unfor-
swallow is to be lucky and successful throughout the year. Hous-
tunately that is not so obvious now. In many countries, the
es where swallows have their nests are considered happy, and
number of barn swallows or house martins is falling dramat-
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
73
planet earth
Barn swallow
ically (e.g. in Hungary), and in Poland, which, together with
Sand martins
Bulgaria, is home to the largest number of swallows from among European countries, there are also changes that may
they form together with river martins. In total, there are 85 spe-
have a negative impact on the swallow population. Changes in
cies in the family. In addition to our close cousins, there are
the agricultural landscape are to a large extent the cause of the
exotic swallows, such as saw-wings, Mascarene swallows, tree
disappearance of swallows. In villages, old buildings that used
swallows, purple martins, rough-winged swallows, tawny-head-
to have many angles, cracks or exposed roof beams, and have
ed swallows and others. The body type is usually similar, the
been a dream place for swallows so far, are being modernised
colours are usually repetitive, with some deviations. Our barn
or replaced by new ones. The said buildings were also a fa-
swallow has, for example, a rusty forehead and throat areas,
vourite place for wagtails, black redstarts, common redstarts,
the black-and-rufous swallow is all red on its bottom, while the
starlings, and even owls.
red-rumped swallow has red only on the back of its head. Our
Of course, swallows can also be found in smaller and larg-
sand martin is definitely more brown than black, but the saw-
er cities. The biggest ones, too. Window niches of residential
wings are all black. Interestingly, sexual dimorphism among
blocks are very willingly inhabited by common barn martins,
swallows is generally absent – females and males are often
but due to fecal contamination of the glass, their nests are often
indistinguishable. The multitude of species means that almost
removed by people living there. If Dear Reader were to wonder
every corner of the world with the right climate has its swallows,
whether there is any other solution leading to a clean window
which can often be admired during distant trips and journeys –
apart from chasing away swallows (and we should remember
apart from Antarctica, they occur on every continent. European
that these are legally protected animals), I would be pleased
species usually migrate to wintering grounds (sometimes even
to inform you that there is. There are special shelves for swal-
10,000 km!), e.g. in Africa, and return to the same areas in sub-
lows available in pet shops, which provide space for a nest
sequent seasons, which in turn means that at different times
and preventing contamination of the facade or window. It is
of the year you can encounter the same birds in different parts
worth remembering that where there are swallows, mosqui-
of the globe. An interesting fact about these migrations is that
toes, midges and other insects, which these birds eat in huge
swallows breed in the far north, e.g. behind the Arctic Circle in
quantities, our lives will be much less difficult. Therefore it is
Scandinavia, travel further south than Central European birds,
worth hosting "the sisters of the storm" (quoting the chorus of
which stop in the sub-Saharan part of the Dark Continent.
the song mentioned at the beginning).
74
Watch swallows during your next aquatic activities! Perhaps
Finally, a handful of information on the biology of these
you will have a chance to see how they drink water in flight,
birds. Swallows, from a taxonomic point of view, belong to the
or with what efficiency these great pilots maneuver just above
order of the passeriformes and the family hirundinidae, which
the surface catching more and more insects.
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PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
75
events
ALL THE TRASH IS OURS! The underwater trash too! Last year there was a record that we hadn't seen for years. More than 300,000 volunteers relieved nature of 442 tons (!) of waste in the 28th Clean Up the World Action - Poland! This number also included divers who, together with us, cleaned up Lake Bystrzyckie and Lake Ciecz from the garbage lying there. Unfortunately, this is proof that we still produce rubbish and we do it a lot. This year, for the 29th time, we will go out to clean Poland of the garbage in nature. Will you join us?
a picture of scattered garbage, with a critical comment, usually directed to the one who threw the garbage there. And what about the wild underwater dumps? Despite the fact that often on holidays we rest only a few meters from the lake where someone a moment earlier threw home renovation remains, it does not seem to bother us. The reason for this is simple: "what eyes do not see, the heart regrets not". A wild dump can directly threaten our health, but since it is deep under water, we are just not aware of it. THE DIVER WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH Only when a group of phenomenal volunteer divers enters the water, collects what lies at the bottom and pulls it ashore, we (diving laymen) open our eyes with amazement. Bottles, food packaging, electronics, household appliances, paint cans, tires... Without you, divers, the secrets of underwater garbage would remain undiscovered, still poisoning the environment. So I am going to ask you, Dear Readers of Perfect Diver and all the divers who will read this news, to help us
WHAT LIES AT THE BOTTOM?
look at the bottom of Polish waters and to make the mani-
I ended my last article in Perfect Diver with the ominous-sound-
festo of non-littering in nature resonate widely also from the
ing headline "hard work ahead of us", because despite the im-
surface of the water. It's time to say out loud: all the trash in
pressive results of last year's edition, there is still a lot to do.
the whole world is ours; this left by man in nature and this
So, Dear Readers, the time of hard work is coming, and we
cleaned up by man. There is no another type of trash on our
are once again flying the flag of the Clean Up the World Ac-
planet.
tion and... we go underwater. In Poland, the awareness of
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underwater littering is rather low. We focus more on what is
THE 29TH WORLD CLEAN UP ACTION – POLAND!
visible to the unaided eye. Therefore while walking in a forest
This year, for the 29th time, we will go out to clean Poland of
we come across a wild dump, it immediately arouses our in-
the garbage in nature. The Clean Up the World campaign
dignation. I often see posts on Instagram and Facebook with
started on 22 April and will last until the third weekend
events
Finally, I encourage you to be an Ambassador of Non-Littering. Together, let's propagate the problem of littering in nature, among friends, colleagues, in the media and social media. Why? Because the voice of many sounds louder and travels further. But also because the Clean Up the World Action is not about cleaning all the time, but about making litterers stop littering. So keep repeating the slogan
WSZYSTKIE ŚMIECI SĄ NASZE 29. AKCJA SPRZĄTANIE ŚWIATA-POLSKA FINAŁ AKCJI 16-18 WRZEŚNIA 2022
of this year's action: "ALL TRASH IS OURS" and invite others to do underwater cleaning together. Let us discover the shameful truth hiding at the bottom of Polish lakes. Grzegorz Mikosza Chief Coordinator of
www.naszaziemia.pl
facebook/naszaziemia instagram/naszaziemia
the World Clean Up Campaign in Poland
of September (16-18 September) when the traditional Grand Finale will take place. Similarly to last year, one day of the Grand Finale, Saturday, 17 September, is scheduled for underwater cleaning. And we will do it together with our Partner – Perfect Diver Magazine. So follow the information – also on our social media channels: @naszaziemia.pl – where we will soon publish more details (also regarding where we will clean and how you can join us). However, if you plan to go underwater by the end of September and clean up a reservoir, you can easily register your underwater action on the www. naszaziemia.pl/ssp2022 website. Your results will be entered in the official report of the 29th action and you will receive a certificate of participation.
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
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tips & curiosities ACADEMY
HOW TO BECOME A BETTER DIVER?
Text Wojciech A. Filip
Photo Tomasz Płociński
A KNOWLEDGE CHECK AWAITS YOU AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE – DO IT TWICE: BEFORE AND AFTER READING THE MATERIAL! FROM TIME TO TIME, PERFECT DIVER PRESENTS SIMPLE TIPS TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE YOUR DIVING TECHNIQUE. THEY CAN BE USED BOTH BY THE BEGINNER DIVER, AS WELL AS THE VERY EXPERIENCED TECHNICAL DIVER OR INSTRUCTOR.
Which gear element impacts almost everything we do underwater? Our hero: The crotch strap – our gear’s most crucial piece of material The crotch strap is a standard element of rigs that include a harness and plate, but it can be successfully used in many traditional jackets. The purpose of the crotch strap is to hold your gear on your back in such a way so that it cannot move towards the
Here’s the deal: by spending 15 to 30 minutes, you will
diver’s head. In other words, whether your head underwater
improve:
is directed towards the surface or the bottom, it cannot cause
´ your position underwater
your gear to shift.
´ buoyancy control
78
In this article, we will separately discuss the impact of the
´ reduce gas consumption
crotch strap on beginner and advanced divers. No matter how
´ increase rescue safety
advanced you are, I recommend reading the entire material,
tips
& curiosities
ACADEMY
as many consequences of using the strap are common for
If your crotch strap is too loose, it will cause the entire gear to move along your back towards your head, preventing you
all divers.
from raising it. You will automatically start holding your breath,
BEGINNER DIVER
which will change your buoyancy. Shifting gear means shifting
You will feel safer on the surface, also at sea with higher
the weight, which in turn will impact your position (to maintain
waves
control, you’ll start falling into the unwanted “seahorse” posi-
Without the crotch strap or with one that is too long, when you
tion). With your head stuck under the gear, your orientation
inflate your BCD with gas, instead of “pulling” you as high as
will be limited – you might lose contact with your team or miss
possible above the water surface, it will only move the gear up,
any signs given to you. Buoyancy control is also related to the
while your head will remain close to the water. Correct crotch
next item concerning gas consumption.
strap length eliminates the problem. You will reduce your gas consumption You will improve your buoyancy control
With stable gear positioning on your back, you should have
A properly adjusted crotch strap allows you to take any posi-
no problem with raising your head and breathe more easily
tion underwater freely. You can stand on your head easily and
(see the advanced divers part to learn why getting rid of CO2
use it to peek into a shipwreck or another interesting place
translates to lower gas consumption from the cylinder). The
PROPERLY ADJUSTED CROTCH STRAP – HIGH, COMFORTABLE POSITION ON THE WATER SURFACE.
CROTCH STRAP TOO LOOSE – LOW, UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION ON THE WATER SURFACE Photos on page Christian Caruso
PERFECTDIVER
No. 4(22)/2022
79
tips & curiosities ACADEMY
ability to raise your head freely at any time during your dive – this is the same movement you make to open up the airways when providing first aid; it makes you breathe effortlessly. Being able to control your position freely, open airway and the possibility to control the environment also translate into less stress and all this results in significantly lower gas consumption – even up to 30%. Simply adjust your crotch strap properly. If your gear shifts towards your head, you will lower your chin to the chest and partially obstruct the airway, increasing your gas consumption.
Photo Michał Motylewski
ADVANCED DIVER
Transporting and stabilizing the victim is way easier when
Contrary to what you might think, it is most often the advanced
a properly adjusted crotch strap length prevents the gear from
divers and instructors who can be seen with their crotch strap
shifting towards the head and the head itself can be easily
loosely dangling or even missing.
tilted backwards at any moment.
Here are some less obvious problems that can be easily eliminated by adjusting the crotch strap properly.
Stabilizing position and buoyancy control in multiple stage cylinders diving
Underwater and surface rescue
During multigas dives with multiple stage cylinders, the diver
When transporting a diver inside a shipwreck, cave or in open
should be able to assume the same positions as a OWD diver,
water, we use the so-called “sandwich”, where the rescue diver
still having a really good time. Think how many technical divers
is on the back of the rescued. During rescue we should keep
have you seen standing on their heads bejeweled with stage
the victim’s airways open. On the surface, whatever procedure
cylinders?
we use, we should open the victim’s airways (tilt the head back), give a series of rescue breaths and make sure to avoid secondary drowning, which means we keep the airways open and the head above the water.
80
This is no joke. Such position is part of rescue operations in caves and some shipwrecks. If the crotch strap has the proper length, it will stabilize the entire gear, preventing it from sliding towards the head,
A crotch strap that is too long, when coupled with a non-stan-
rapidly changing the trim, and the diver can easily change their
dard regulator configuration could block the victim’s head in
position as they wish without the risk of loosing control. The
a position that would prevent the airways from opening (due
more gear you have on you, the more important crotch strap
to the victim’s gear shifting high up their back).
adjustment becomes.
Rescue operation – oxygen poisoning victim. Even if we as-
If the crotch strap is too short (DPV d-ring between the
sume that during rescue it is enough to only minimally open
legs), then during diving with a DPV you may experience
the airways to prevent barotrauma and full respiratory action
a sensation of your trunk constantly lifting, which is danger-
will be restored on the surface, an overly long crotch strap may
ous during DPV dives in confined spaces. Moving the d-ring
needlessly complicate the rescue operation on the surface,
to the diver’s belly will significantly improve the position. In
preventing rescue breaths prior to removing the gear.
many harnesses, this can only be achieved by extending the
tips
& curiosities
ACADEMY
PHOTO OF
crotch strap, because the DPV d-ring is usually sewn and locked on the strap.
THE AUTHOR DURING A MA-
When doing boats dives with large 2×18 or 2×20
NY-HOUR DE-
twinsets, fasten the waist strap after passing it through
COMPRESSION
the crotch strap, leaving maximum freedom until you
AFTER DIVING
get into the water. This is because large sets with the
ON “HMHS
appropriate crotch strap length prevent you from seat-
BRITANNIC”
ing comfortably on the gear bank with your gear on. Leaving your belly strap only loosely secured for the time when you are getting prepared for entering the water is very helpful. Fasten the strap before entering the water! Gas consumption and inert gases narcosis The more complex the dive, the more important unrestricted breathing becomes, and its control largely depends on CO2 retention. An increase in CO2 level not only increases respiratory rate and the associated gas consumption, but also the risk related to a more “dynamic” course of inert gases narcosis. Increased CO2 levels may accelerate oxygen toxicity. Looking straight ahead, or keeping your head high up, causes the airways to open, which translates to increased safety at every stage of the dive.
HOW TO ADJUST YOUR CROTCH STRAP?
Photo Krzysztof Niecko
A more detailed description, with photos and additional information, can be found in the article “Harness adjust-
material you are interested in:
ment” in Perfect Diver issue 9 – just click and print the
https://issuu.com/perfectdiver/docs/pd_9_issue/68
Photos Bartek Trzciński
81
tips & curiosities ACADEMY
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
An excessively short crotch strap may cause:
It is important to understand that proper length means neither
´ problems with putting the gear on both in the boat and in
the shortest nor excessively loose crotch strap. After reading
the water
the entire article, read the following list and try to answer the
´ difficulties in penetrating shipwrecks
question: “why does this happen?”.
´ assuming a vertical position when using a DPV
I encourage instructors to perform a similar analysis, extended with very precise but easy to understand explanations
How to become a better diver?
you may give to your students during your courses.
Your diving quality is impacted by three interdependent factors 1. Knowledge
An excessively long crotch strap may cause:
2. Experience
´ increased gas consumption
3. Gear
´ “seahorse” position
If you improve your gear’s functionality, it will have a positive
´ problems with opening up the airways during rescue
impact on your diving experience, thus enhancing the comfort
´ difficulties in swimming backwards
and safety of diving.
´ increased levels of inert gases narcosis ´ assuming a position with lowered knees
Adjust your gear to perfectly match your body and it will support all your diving ideas!
Photo Tomasz Płociński
DO YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS? Visit the Tecline Academy we will choose, adjust, show how to test your gear, but we will also improve your setup from any manufacturer! See you there! WAF
https://teclinediving.eu/tecline-academy/#/
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