News
Scubaverse Interviews Rodney Fox, the Great White Shark Adventurer and Protector
When Scubaverse photography editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown headed off to South Australia to collect images for their latest book, they decided that a meeting with scuba diving and Great White Shark legend Rodney Fox was too good an opportunity to miss…
In this interview, we found ourselves talking to one of the great pioneers of shark diving. For anyone who is unfamiliar with this incredible man, perhaps we should introduce him with a brief bio. Over 50 years ago, in 1963 in fact, Rodney Fox was a young, free-diving, spear fisherman who set about defending his spear fishing champion title off the coast of South Australia when, without warning, he was hit at full, striking speed by a large Great White Shark. The attack was relentless and went on for several minutes as Rodney tried to defend himself, and only after grabbing the shark’s eyes was he released. Despite needing 476 stitches and having every one of his ribs broken, Rodney survived the attack, and yet still went on to become one of the great exponents of shark conservation and protection. He was the consultant for the film Jaws and it was after seeing the damage to people’s perception of these animals that he realised he needed to help them and set about trying to convince the world that the Great White Sharks were not wanton killers.
We had been using Adelaide as a hub for our various diving excursions around the coast of South Australia and had arranged to meet up with Rodney and Kay Fox on our only free morning. Despite using sat-nav, we managed to get lost in the suburbs of Adelaide looking for Rodney and Kay’s house. We were a little embarrassed to be a few minutes late for our visit with them, but we found their house and made our way to the door. We were aware that they had just returned from a long-haul trip to China and that it was very generous of them to have agreed to see us at all. We need not have worried in the slightest, as Rodney opened the door and greeted us with a huge smile and showed us into their lounge. Kay appeared and said that they were aware we were English and so she had just been out to buy tea and cake, “to make us feel at home.”
Rodney and Kay Fox
We settled down and instantly felt at ease with these two pioneering ocean explorers who had been role models to us for many years. We were there to discuss the stories in Rodney’s book “Sharks, the Sea and Me”, which is full of amazing tales from an age of underwater discovery, and also to talk about the great white shark expeditions he, and more recently his son Andrew, have been running for film-makers, underwater photographers and shark lovers for 50 years.
N&C: When you first assisted in the production of the film Jaws did you ever imagine just how much it would affect people’s perception of the Great White Shark?
RF: No I didn’t, not at all. I had been working on producing a cage that I could use to get into the water with the sharks, so that I would be able to study them in an effort to try and understand these amazing, iconic creatures. When Hollywood approached me to help out, I saw this as a way of helping to fund my research work. It didn’t occur to me at the time that the movie would be such a huge blockbuster that would instil in the public an absolute fear of being eaten alive by these “mad, crazy, man-eating monsters.” Now, of course, anyone who works with these incredible animals will realise that this perception is such a long way from the truth.
N&C: What would your reaction be to those who say your shark trips are encouraging man-eating behaviour in the great white sharks?
RF: Firstly, I would point out that the trips, as you call them, are expeditions which are designed to educate people about the sharks and to give them an insight into the behaviour and beauty of these superb animals. People like the tingling excitement of fear which they may experience when they are in the cage, but this only enforces their appreciation of just who and what these animals are. You can see and appreciate the great white sharks by watching the television, but it is only by being there and experiencing the awe and magnificence of these apex predators that you can fully appreciate the animal. The expedition has been thought through and designed to educate the general public, and we are confident that we fulfil this brief exceptionally well. The finest ambassadors for the great white sharks, all over the world, are those who have taken part in one or more of our expeditions. These expeditions are not for those people who just want to “tick the box” and then move on. If you want a real life experience, then you have to be there and be a consummate part of it. Rather than just dip people in the water on a day trip, you actually get time to spend at the Neptune Islands, over several days, and hence you get to properly experience it.
N&C: You also bait the sharks; does that not endorse the fact that humans equal food in the sharks’ minds?
RF: Without the bait, there are no sharks for the people on the expedition to encounter. We do not feed the sharks, but rather use a constant flow of fish blood into the water, and sometimes use large pieces of fish on the end of the line to attract the sharks closer to the boat. It is very rare that the shark catches us unawares and takes the piece of fish. The sharks still need to actively hunt to be able to survive.
N&C: What is the Rodney Fox Foundation?
RF: Many people’s perception of sharks is of an evil wanton killer. The word “shark” itself has become one that is right up there with “Devil”, but more recently we have seen huge numbers of people in the waters of Australia rallying against the government’s cull of the great white sharks, and I believe the tide is turning. When we set up the foundation it was a means to help cover the costs of the research into and promotion of a better image of the Great White Shark. Our guests are paying towards the foundation for various reasons, but mostly it is used to support our research. There are various levels of sponsorship and Andrew, my son, is currently reworking the way in which we do this. Andrew is now undoubtedly the most knowledgeable person in the world on all things great white. He took over from me 15 years ago and I can safely say that he has seen more great white sharks than anyone else, anywhere.
We are very lucky indeed, as our next stop was on a tour with Rodney and Kay’s son Andrew Fox out to the Neptune Islands to experience the South Australian Great White Sharks for ourselves. Before we left, however, we asked Rodney to sign our copy of his book. His dedication to us made us very proud and it began with “to another adventurist couple”. We can only hope to follow in some of their pioneering footsteps and achieve a fraction of what this very special couple have done!
To read more about Rodney’s marine adventures, grab a copy of his book “Sharks, the Sea and Me”.
To find out more about Rodney Fox visit www.rodneyfox.com.au.
To find out more about Nick and Caroline visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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