Month: November 2015

Dark Chamber?

cbartazo
P1050761
Will you dare the dark chamber?

The World War II wrecks in Calamianes is certainly a dive destination that deserves more than one visit, and each time you go you see something different.  To see all the wreck requires more than one dive in itself.  I had the opportunity again six weeks ago to savor the mysteries and secrets in a wreck in Dimalanta Island.

So, will you dare? Definitely the  dark holes and chambers are too irresistible. The urgency of what’s beyond keeps the blood pumping and rushing. Wrecks in the depths are truly engaging. Again, will you dare?

Going Solo on Diving Trips

cbartazo
P1040636
The marine world is worth every time and resources spent!

Generally, diving is a buddy sport but with other priorities at our disposal sometimes one might not be available for the other. Practically, it doesn’t mean we always need to bring one for that next dive trip, impasse is out of order. Secondly, traveling alone (even for women) has become common nowadays so it should never be a hindrance. For me, I do not allow this reason to stop me from doing what I love. Every dive trip is an opportunity to meet people, new discoveries, new learning and new sightings. Here are few tips to share whenever you went alone for that much needed travel to that small paradise you have been dying to dive, and even if your diving friends cancelled last minute, remain confident that you will definitely get a blast underwater!

  • Plan ahead and choose an independent-friendly destination, where they can accommodate one diver and can arrange to join with others who are also booked for the day. Let them know you are alone. I went solo for my open water certification and met my dive instructor on the first day of lessons yet there was no hassle, I just fit in. Two years later, I went solo again confident enough for my advance open water course!
  • Always choose an accredited dive shop where safety is their foremost concern, verify their existing system in case of emergency especially if on remote location.
  • Always talk to the divemaster ahead and let the diveshop know your interests and plans on the trip – a wreck to explore, a sandbar off the coast, sharks or cetacians in the area, etc. Your level of skill is also important as they can always arrange and get a better chance of finding a complementary dive partner. Last March, my DM joined me with a 67 year old Japanese, I felt comfortable listening to his stories filled with wisdom. He followed suit getting up to the boat with his gears on just like me, he didn’t do it in the first dive!
  • Confidence is of paramount importance underwater, hone self-rescue skills to help you stay safe no matter whom you are diving with. Know your limitations on the other hand.
  • Do not prearrange too many activities before you go, one of the best parts of solo travel is having the freedom to do more interesting spur-of-the-moment activities with people you meet during the trip.
  • Give your itinerary to a friend or family member back home and let them know you went alone.

Let your love for the depths never cease and let your passion lasts a lifetime!

Round Clam

cbartazo

P1050656In the corner of my eye, sighted this unique bivalve slightly open camouflaging among marine plants. It has unusual form unfamiliar to the best known bivalve such as oysters, clams, mussels and scallops. Just like its sisters, this lowly specie sits in a corner waiting for its prey.  it has round valve shells, though its hinge is somewhat hidden. It quickly closed up at a faint shadow and movement.

There are over 30,000 species of bivalves including the fossils one, all of them live in the water, most of them in the sea or brackish waters. Have you ever encountered this round clam?