Miscellaneous Blogs
Book Review: Blind Descent by James M. Tabor
Blind Descent by James M. Tabor takes the reader into the world of super caves, to perpetual night and the remarkable men and women who probe the depths as they seek to find the deepest place on earth. It is a world thousands of feet below the earth’s surface and miles from an exit. It is a world explored by slithering through passages that try to snag you, crawling along narrow ledges that may crumble beneath you, negotiating icy waterfalls and rivers that try to wash you away, ‘worming’ your way through delicately balanced boulders that could crush you, scaling vertical rock faces and diving through murky sumps and water filled passages – with no knowledge of what is on the other side.
If you think it is a peaceful place, think again, because Tabor describes how caves breathe as air moves through them. He explains how: “Little caves sigh. Big caves blow. Supercaves roar” (page 18), some like the noise of a jet engine! It is certainly not a world for the claustrophobic, the physically challenged nor the faint hearted.
This true life account of the quest to discover the deepest place on earth revolves around two very different men, their different leadership styles, two very different super caves and years of energy sapping exploration. Bill Stone, an American engineer, is portrayed as an abrasive, impatient and physically imposing man who is driven, some would say obsessed, in his exploration of the Cheve super cave in Mexico and desire to have probed the deepest. To by-pass pools and sumps Stone designed an early rebreather that allowed him to explore underground waterways that had been barriers to his progress; waterways that were totally unforgiving. One particular quotation, whilst in another Mexican super cave, called Huautla, typifies his determination after decades of exploration: “This is my last chance, maybe my only chance. I’m going to push this cave to the bitter end. No matter what.” (p.126)
The other cave explorer, a Ukrainian scientist called Alexander Klimchouk, is described as mild, considerate and painstaking in his planning as well as the safety of his team. Although expedition leader he typically delegated many aspects of the exploration of the Krubera super cave in the Republic of Georgia, and subsequent achievement of key milestones, to others. His scientific publications, work in creating caving societies, track record in inviting groups from other countries to work with him and sharing the accolades bestowed illustrates his desire to be inclusive. However, the account of these separate quests reveals that neither leadership style is without its problems. Sometimes others pay the ultimate price for the demands they make. Tabor recounts the tragic deaths of cavers and cave divers in the comment: “Cave diving, by itself, is extravagantly dangerous, but recovering dead bodies from caves is even worse. For one thing, divers usually die not in benign places but in the more dangerous parts of caves”. (page 82)
As a recreational diver I find it difficult to imagine the challenge faced by Gennadiy Samokhim who performed a free dive, through a sump, at over 6,000 feet deep within the Krubera cave, with no knowledge of how far the sump extended, what snags were present and what lay at the other end. Similarly, those cave divers who man-handle their air tank along tight passages where: “It takes not much force at all to yank the mouthpiece from between your teeth, and if that happens, in what is almost certain to be zero visibility, your chances of finding it again before you drown are not so good.” (page 33) What is common in both accounts is the meticulous planning, physical endurance, commitment and bravery to probe… that extra few feet.
The Cheve super cave, at almost 5,000 feet deep, is described as having remarkable and beautiful features as captured in some of the colour photographs presented. Indeed, many of the descriptions of particular features like Giant’s Staircase, a boulder strewn ramp with a slope like an Olympic ski jump, a 100 foot cascade of water named Nightmare Falls and a clear aquamarine pool called Swim Gym reflect the variety and grandeur of the cave. However, at the end of an exploration Bill Stone likened: “…coming up out of Cheve to ascending El Capitan, (the famous rock climb in Yosemite National Park, USA) through a waterfall, at night.” (page 52)
In contrast Krubera, at over 7,000 feet deep, is described as: “an ugly cave, tight, wet, freezing and unrelentingly vertical” (p.226-227). Negotiating the ledges in Krubera was like: “crawling under your car (while half submerged in flowing water) for thousands of yards.” The water running through the system was just above zero centigrade.
Many of us will have strolled through floodlit tourist caves and grottos, protected by numerous health and safety walkways, for a few minutes. The explorers in Blind Decent spent weeks underground in energy sapping work and cold where the psychological demands are often as great as the physical. Claustrophobia, anxiety attacks, insomnia and hallucination were not uncommon. Indeed, a feature that sets Blind Descent apart from similar books is the exploration of the different psychological pressures the cavers faced as well as the personalities of Bill Stone, Alexander Klimchouk and of the impact of unrelenting toil and stress on their team members.
If I have a criticism of the book it would be in relation to the absence of simple illustrations depicting the main route through the super caves. The book does provide almost forty colour photographs, many providing spectacular images of caverns and waterfalls, passages and sumps. However, it is difficult to visualise the convoluted routes that the explorers followed and the position of key features between established camps. It is clear that the caves were surveyed with modern 3D technology. Simple diagrams of the route between one camp and another, one key feature and another would help the reader to place the discussion within the cave system.
Blind Descent will certainly give you an insight into the world of super caves and extreme cave diving; even if few of us follow.
- Blind Descent (2010) New York: Random House
- By James M. Tabor
- ISBN 978 1 4000 6767 1 286 pages
About James M. Tabor
James was born in Virginia. USA, raised in Connecticut and studied in Vermont where he now lives. He has published several books:
Forever on the Mountain (2007); The Deep Zone (2012); Lethal Expedition (2012); Frozen Solid (2013) and Antiques & Willmot (2014).
His writing has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Smithsonian, The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. He is a former contributing editor of Outside magazine and Ski magazine.
For a full list of his publications see www.jamesmtabor.com
Find out more about Professor Fred Lockwood, who is also a published author, at www.fredlockwood.co.uk.
If you ever wondered what’s the exciting buzz around the RAID Diver Agency, we can tell you right here!
The prestigious Royal Thai Marine Police have chosen RAID as their trusted agency for their Underwater Operations Course.
This intense and rigorous course is designed to equip the force with the specialized skills and expertise needed for all underwater operations, ensuring they are totally prepared for the challenges of their critical missions.
With RAID‘s comprehensive training, the Royal Thai Marine Police will be well-prepared to handle the demands of their underwater tasks.
Why RAID? Truly Different?
The RAID philosophy is we are divers, not Recreational or Technical, just divers.
We all start with our first breath underwater with limited knowledge and experience. How much theoretical knowledge individuals may want is a personal choice.
However, when it comes to practical experience, there should be no difference to the required skill foundation and learning the fundamentals of diving is crucial.
With the roots of RAID International being founded in a technical background, the ethos is to provide all divers with solid fundamental skills of diving buoyancy, hover & trim which provide a robust platform for any future training in whatever direction they decides interests them.
How do RAID do that?
RAID conduct all dive skill training how you would use it practically. Perfect buoyancy with good hover and trim position.
Other agencies teach you to sit on the bottom and do skills! Do you go to the bottom every time you want to clear your mask?
Dive training in a class of its own.
RAID FREe-Learning.
No smoke and mirrors with RAID, there is nothing to hide.
Everyone can access any and all of RAID course theory and skills manuals online and downloadable without any charge or commitment.
Truly FREe-Learning
You bet that wasn’t popular with the book selling agencies!
If that wasn’t enough, additionally, all the skills videos, are available on YouTube with FREE access.
The core of RAID‘s ethos is to provide all divers with solid fundamental skills of diving buoyancy with perfect hover & trim providing a robust platform for any future training.
To enable that, RAID Professionals must have skills honed to the highest level, always performed with consummate ease and completely naturally.
To access the whole FREe-Learning library completely without any commitment or cost, simply register with RAID by scanning the QR code.
No one will contact you, you are free to download and peruse whatever you want to.
Should you decide you would like to know more or would like to take a course contact James at RAID UK and he will direct you to your local RAID centre.
RAID UK
James Rogers
www.diveraiduk.com
info@diveraiduk.com
+44 191 4324644
RAID – A Global Agency
RAID has Regional Offices around the world all fully embedded in the governing bodies of diver training.
WRSTC Member USA, ERSTC Member EU, Worldwide ISO Certified, RTC founding member.
RAID Dive Centres are in all corners of the UK!
All ready to offer divers and beginners a friendly welcoming new standard of service. Whether you are ready to take your first breath or an experienced exploration diver, make visiting a RAID Dive Centre your next step.
Here are just a few suggestions.
Bay Divers
Swansea
www.baydivers.co.uk
+44-7859-018970
West Coast Diving
Kilmarnock
www.westcoastdiving.co.uk
+44-7904-539512
SevernTec Diving
Dive South
RAID – Holiday Destinations
Looking to take a dive trip with your club or personally, here are just a few popular RAID dive holiday destination ideas for the UK based diver.
Egypt
Maldives
Bali
Thailand
South Africa
Click to contact the Regional Office for a full list of dive destinations in that region.
EGYPT
Pharaoh Dive Club
Roots Red Sea, El Quseir, Egypt
info@pharaohdiveclub.com
www.pharaohdiveclub.com
+20 10068 22000
Multi award winning centre offering special ‘Dive & Stay’ packages
Scuba Dreamer Diving College
Park Regency, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
www.scubadreamer.it
info@scubadreamer.it
+20 122 7150550
Based at Park Regency & Beach Promenade providing a full 5* package
MALDIVES
Fehivina Dhangethi &
Dhodhi – Dhiffushi – North Male’ Atoll
www.scubadivinemaldives.com
scubadivinedhangethi@gmail.com
scubadivinedhiffushi@gmail.com
+96 07913075
Range of accommodation options available
Jerrys Dive Club
Rasdhoo, Maldives
www.jerrysdiveclub.com
hello@jerrysdiveclub.com
+960 772 7876
Stay at Jerry’s Guest House
BALI
Prana Dive
Kabupaten Karaangasem, Bali, Indonesia
www.pranadive.com
info@pranadive.com
+62 813 3877 5345
Why not stay with us at Teratai Boutique Resort
THAILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
Adventure Mania
Sodwana Bay, South Africa
www.adventuremania.co.za
info@adventuremania.co.za
+27 82 653 7824
Adventure Mania takes pride in providing personalised, eco-conscious dives that highlight the beauty of protected coral reefs and marine life. This family diving business, nestled within a Marine Protected Area, offers a diving experience that is as educational as it is exhilarating.
Adventure Mania’s expert instructors and staff have a deep-rooted passion for ocean conservation. They not only guide divers through breathtaking underwater landscapes but emphasise the importance of marine preservation. Teaching diving with Adventure Mania goes beyond imparting technical skills; it embraces fostering a respect for the ocean.
ScubaCo
Durban, South Africa
www.scubaco.co.za
info@scubaco.co.za
+27 79 779 4242
ScubaCo is a boutique RAID Dive Centre operating on the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline of South Africa. ScubaCo are specialists in both shark and reef diving as well as featuring the annual Sardine Run migration as they are so well positioned to offer the best of the best.
Many clients enjoy our wonderful packages with ScubaCo Guest House accommodation coupled to amazing dive options – Shark Diving, Big 5 Safari & Diving the Sardine Run.
This destination is a must for every Diver and should be on your bucket list for dive travel.
Make sure to add Aliwal Shoal to your next Diving holiday and let Tamara and her team take fantastic care of you while in South Africa.
Dive & Travel the RAID way
When you see the RAID emblem at a dive centre around the world you can be assured that the highest standards of diver training are being provided, knowing all RAID professionals have met the testing criteria to achieve their professional rank.
Gemma and Ian chat to Dawn Kernagis. Dawn joined DEEP in 2023 as the Director of Scientific Research. DEEP is an ocean technology and exploration company with a mission to ‘Make Humans Aquatic.’ DEEP’s undersea habitat and submersible systems, combined with multi-phased diver and human performance training, will create the next evolution of subsea science, research, and exploration capabilities. Dawn is a NASA-trained NEEMO Aquanaut, Explorer’s Club Fellow and Women Divers Hall of Fame Inductee and who is also tasked to establish DEEP’s first US presence in North Carolina. Dawn has also been a diver with numerous underwater exploration, research, and conservation projects since 1993, including the mapping and record-setting exploration of some of the deepest underwater caves in the world.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-kernagis-995383152/
The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90. “Beyond Technical” Narked at 90 If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements https://www.narkedat90.com/. There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is BIGSCUBA2024.
If you are interested in the INSTA360 action camera we discussed then please click this link: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRAI8S
We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast. Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends. Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone +44 7810 005924 or use our social media platforms. To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:
We are on Instagram @thebigscuba
We are on Facebook @thebigscuba
We are in LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/
The BiG Scuba Website www.thebigscuba.com
Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba
Visit https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe – Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.
🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀. ISSN Number 2752-6127
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News1 month agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest