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Diving and Dragons…
The motivation to dive tropical waters is obvious: exceptional reef-life, colourful corals, great visibility…and warm water. The motivation to dive more temperate waters is not so obvious: visibility is not great and the water is… cold. In Norway, I had to try diving in temperate waters because I never really had; I wanted to learn more Norwegian and to see if I could make new friends through scuba diving, and I thought I could maybe catch a fish or harvest scallops because it was legal to do that there while scuba diving. In Tasmania, the motivation in theory was much simpler: weedy and leafy sea dragons, kelp, and pot-bellied sea horses.
Easy enough. But there was still the cold water aspect (even though you feel fooled by its tropical appearance) and low visibility. A fear of diving colder water was established by my previous experiences in Norway where I struggled with the extra weight. Not knowing what it was like to dive with more equipment was initially a plus in Norway, but it eventually became prohibitive for me. The dry suit was OK (except for the one time that I ended up upside down…), but I really disliked the weight that went with it and lugging my equipment out to the dive sites. Once I had to scramble/hop over boulders, which was not so bad on the way out, but endless on the way back. I did see the longest pipefish that I have ever seen in Norway, as well as beautiful colourful collages of creatures on the fjord walls, but the weight was what kept me from diving more.
I put off the Tasmanian dive in the name of holidays, weather, and our camping schedule (also timed for the weather), but I had to try at least once to find a weedy sea dragon (weedy and leafy are not to be confused, and weedy is the more common in Tasmania) mostly because I did not know when I would ever get back to Tasmania. What helped was that my friends had already put effort into this event by scouting around for a dive shop and, more importantly, a dive buddy. The buddy, Farhan, had been diving in Tasmania but was from mainland Australia where the options are significantly warmer. Although he thought it was worth it and had some places in mind for shore dives, he also admitted that because of the temperature he had not been diving in over a year. We finally decided on a dive day based on the air temperature and lack of wind. And that there were only a few days left to maintain my pride amongst my diving friends.
My dive in Tasmania was a two-day event of sorts. One to get prepared for it, because I was not travelling with a 7mm wet suit, and one to dive it. I classified the purchase of a new wetsuit as my worst pre-“swimabout” event, but a 3mm wetsuit was nothing compared to finding a 7mm rental that fit. I struggled to get several one-piece wetsuits on and in the end settled for a two-piece. I got 10 kg of weights to go with that (we erred on the heavy side), and then I was ready for day two, the dive, all for the price of 20 Aussie dollars. The first visit to the shop indicated that it would cost 30 dollars and 20 for every tank after that. On my final trip to the shop, it was only 20 dollars, and well if the equipment doesn’t make it back within 24 hours, we will work something out.
The guys at the shop were also motivating because they were enthusiastic about diving Tasmania (as well as super patient with the wetsuit). Of course, they said that the diving was awesome. We cased two local sites, the north and south end of Blackman’s Bay just a short drive outside of Hobart. The south end turned out to be more protected so it was a little calmer for entry and exit.
I got the 7mm wetsuit on even while sweating in the direct sunlight. Step one. My dive buddy lifted the BCD and tank onto my back, and I entered the sea with the intention of putting my fins on while floating at the shore. I tried to put my fins on, without success, but then I could not stand up again to try to put them on in an upright position. A good reminder not to gain 10 kg. Again, my dive buddy rescued me – lifted me by the BCD – and mission accomplished. I was floating, and my fins were on.
The final step. I really wanted to take a couple of photos underwater, but as I was bobbing around a bit out of control at the surface, I wondered if this was a good idea. A comment a friend had jokingly made “Will that rig get stuck in the kelp?” kept running through my head. I have no idea what our non-diving helper was thinking. Somehow I got settled, and I remembered the last time I spoke out loud, “I am not taking the camera” and the attractive dive guide challenged me, “Why not?” So I manned up and took the camera. Once underwater, everything was OK. I still felt like I was diving in slow motion and lumbering rather than swimming because the wetsuit was very inflexible and big. I didn’t really feel any water until the end of the dive, so it worked. I was totally over-weighted though and never quite got my buoyancy right on such a shallow dive.
Taking the camera sometimes gives me a distraction from my nervousness anyway. We swam across the top for a few minutes and then descended. Farhan assumed the role of an experienced dive guide anyway even though he had only been diving a few times in Tasmania. On the beach, we agreed to go for as long as we could tolerate the cold. I predicted this would be somewhere around 40 minutes.
No decompression minutes were registered on my dive computer at any moment during the dive. And yet we found plenty of creatures to look at even though I had no idea what we were really looking for or where to look. The first creature we saw was an enormous ray on the sandy bottom. I was not ready with my camera, and I thought that would be my one chance to photograph a ray. I was still working on regulating my breathing, trying to convince myself, now feeling like a gigantic, unbendable sponge, that it is just like diving in tropical water.
A little further along and not very long into the dive, Farhan pointed to a big-bellied seahorse under a ledge. I was starting to like this dive. They have serious bellies, and in the vocabulary that a long time friend uses for pot-bellies on humans, you could say that they have quite a “Joe”. How they elegantly swim through the sea with that is hard to imagine until you watch it happen. Their version of blubber perhaps to keep warm? But the word belly in the common name detracts from their truly mythical creature appearance.
The seahorse refused to face us, and again I worried that this would be the only one that we would see. I was wrong both times. I can not remember the final tally on the number of rays we encountered because once I got good at looking around me instead of at my equipment, rays were really everywhere, especially buried in the sand. I had to periodically remind myself that we were in less than 10 meters of water for the entire dive.
I do remember how many pot/big-bellied seahorses we found. Three. Two of them I managed to photograph while facing me, but they did want to lead me on a chase. I tried to wait for them to come to me, but my first couple of shots had to do. I have to admit that photographing these seahorses was much more satisfying than pygmy seahorses at 25 meters because not only could I get them in focus under stress, but I could still find them easily in the photograph once I took it.
It was worth it to examine the habitat more carefully as the kelp for one (although there are many types of sea plants to examine) is where the animals are, just as in a coral reef. The kelp is like a magnified plant and hardly seems real – almost like the ocean produced its own source of flexible plastic/rubber until it hits the sunlight. Like a vampire, it takes on another form when taken from the water and left in direct sunlight. The Aborigines took advantage of this transformation and created beautiful water bearing vessels. The kelp was thick like a jungle underwater, and I wasn’t sure that anything less than a real machete was going to cut through the “rubber” if I got myself or my camera tangled in it. We didn’t take a machete, but we did have a modest dive knife just in case. I was looking intently for invertebrates, including cephalopods. Octopus was common to eat, and we had found cuttlefish bones on the beaches. I only found some tunicates and sponges but no anemones!
The dive was at 44 minutes, and I thought, “OK, I can make it to one hour.” Suddenly, out of nowhere, shot a fish with an intricate pattern on its skin. It looked like a type of cowfish; later I found out that it was, but the female of the species. A gurnard perch looked more like a mechanical toy or a futuristic starship, suspended in mid-water raising and lowering its great back fin like a hazard light flashing on and off – dinka-dinka-dinka. It zoomed past as if it were racing to make a traffic light and disappeared into the greeness of low visibility… Nearly another 40 minutes went by, as I was hypnotized at what I could see in a three-meter dive. But then the water started to seep in, and I finally started to notice that I was cold.
I was exhilarated when we surfaced, and somehow my plan to just walk to the shore when my feet could touch the bottom actually worked this time. I could never manage this strategy in Norway and instead would end up beached on the rocks waiting for the others to strip me of the steel tank and weights. But the weight belt somehow twisted itself around me so that I could not release it myself (kind of a good thing to know for next time). My dive buddy took his equipment to the shore, and then he helped me remove mine. The first thing I checked on my dive computer was the temperature. 15°C! Then the time, which was 81 minutes.
A sticker from the dive shop validates the dive: Blackman’s Bay, Tasmania, Australia. The dive was a spectacular success and cost a mere 20 Aussie dollars. And I got to do it while staying in luxury accommodations for free that came with homecooked meals… It was fun (we survived first and foremost), and both Farhan and I felt inspired to do more diving in Tasmania. My time was up though. I keep wondering if I will get back to Tasmania, as it is a long way from anywhere. Almost like Raja Ampat. But I still have not seen the sea dragon…
Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
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