Swimming in the Surge with Team Switzerland 9`16`2014
This afternoon on the Sea Fox we were joined by Team Switzerland: Tanja, Bettina, & Salome. All of which were students completing their first and second dives of the PADI Open Water Course.
Showing up early, they drew their gear and assembled their SCUBA equipment under the watchful eye of their instructor. The trades were light and the surface conditions were ideal, despite the large southern swell.
Dive 1 was at Angler’s Reef. Having mastered the skills in the pool, they demonstrated their proficiency to their instructor. Weight system/SCUBA unit remove and replace, tired diver tow, and cramp release were all completed on the surface whilst half-mask flood and regulator recover and clear were completed on the bottom. The southern swell brought visibility down to 20ft, at best, but didn’t hinder the student divers from maintaining perfect trim and outstanding neutral buoyancy. A huge turtle, trumpet fish, Long nosed butterfly fish, and a school of porcupine fish made guest appearances for the students. Much to the delight of their instructor, Team Switzerland was able to pull off a 45 minute with a 3-minute safety stop to boot.
Koko Craters was the site for Dive 2 and the surge was more noticeable this time, but that didn’t deter Team Switzerland. Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent, full-mask flood & clear, and alternate air source stationary were completed with Swiss Army Knife precision. While diving they noticed other aquatic animals getting pushed by the force of the surge. A turtle, giant moray eel, and a huge school of trigger fish couldn’t match the trim and control of the students. With coolness and control, the students glided effortlessly through the water. The alternate air source ascent was completed at the end of the dive with ease.
Not bad for a day in the classroom, right? Bettina and Tanja, we’ll see you tomorrow. Salome, we’ll be seeing you again Thursday!!!
Much love to the crew! Captain Kellan, Ashley, Carlos, and Bryan.
Dive Stats:
Angler’s Reef & Koko Crater
39ft – 45 minutes & 38ft – 43 minutes
