News
Toomer does Bikini – Part 1
A couple of years back, I had the most incredible Christmas. It wasn’t snowing, or even slightly cool.
It didn’t last for a mere one day either.
My Christmas present, to myself, was a trip to Bikini Atoll with Pete Mesley on his Lust 4 Rust Itinerary.
Bikini diving is not good diving, it’s not even great diving! Bikini is sell a kidney, a lung, your granny, the kids, anything diving. Bear in mind, this is where the ‘Yanks’, the ‘Frogs’ and yes, even those really cool British, blew the holy hell out of everything, and I mean everything. We’re not talking piddly hand grenades, machine guns, bazookas and all that panzy stuff, we’re talking mushroom cloud laying mother****** stuff! Even wilder than an AK47! You get my drift?
I have dived Red Sea, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Caribbean, Mediterranean, America, The Maldives….. but Bikini Atoll is mind blowing. Whether you like wrecks or not, this is the best diving there is. Period!
The Americans used Bikini as a testing ground for their nuclear capability. It was not just meant for testing, but to also show the Russians what they were capable of. I guess it worked. The reason the US Army used Bikini was simply that it’s remote. The fact that they only had to ‘shift’ a few people off their paradise islands made life easier too. Funny how they always pick paradise to blow up!
And this leads to the reason why the wrecks are in such good condition – it’s VERY far away. If some of our British wreck hero divers got their little paws on these wrecks there would be sweet FA left. It would all be in some plonker’s garage or on his mantelpiece. Yes, I have a flea up my arse about raping wrecks with historical value; I want my son to see some treasure one day, but just like sharks, I guess that will not be possible. I’m off my soapbox now! Phew!
The itinerary, thanks to my new best friends Peter McCamley and Andy Macgorrispghterphrtes (or something like that) Gillespie, went like this. We flew from London to Abu Dhabi, then to Tokyo and then on to Guam where we had an overnight stay. Then on to Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and finally Kwajalein. Travel time so far, and that’s just airport and flying time – about 35 hours.
Kawajalein Island is essentially a US Army base. On landing we are met by 3 police officers and 3 deputies. This is a major league military base and they are taking no chances with a bunch of hairy arsed techies, especially the one with the earrings and tattoos! We are all interviewed, stamped and signed through security. After the rubber gloves, we are escorted to the luggage area and then to military vehicles (not tanks I’m afraid) and driven to the ferry departure zone.
Now, I’m pretty sure most of us have seen a ferry, yes? It’s normally big! Like full of cars and trucks and people ‘n that! Not on Kwaj. The ferry is a teeny weeny little boat that is inproportionate length and breadth wise. Like, it felt like it would fall over. And with 11 techies with rebreathers, cameras, videos, scooters, suits, fins, yada, yada, I was worried that we’d actually survive the trip to Ebeye Island, where our vessel awaited us, at all (we did of course, or otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this!).
Now I know I haven’t got to the diving at all yet, but this is an expedition man and you will have to join me and meet some of the people prepared to risk their house on financing a trip like this and also the tools prepared to pay around 7 grand to follow them. Yes, 7 grand! Not 7000 lire or sisterty or even Zimbabwean Dollars. No, that’s 7000 of the Queens finest British Pounds.
As we neared Ebeye we started to make out the lights and shape of our boat, ‘Windward’. If you’ve read any of my previous articles you will recognise that I classify excitement and fear on bodily functions. On seeing the steel hulled monster I think I did a little wee! Oh my God! We are gonna spend two weeks on this. No wonder Pete was so confident. Sure, this is one ugly boat, but sweet mother of God, this is an expedition boat. Actually, it’s not a boat, it’s a SHIP! It’s the Mothership! As we stepped (scrambled and fell) onto the boat we were met by our crew, the skipper, our guides, gas mixing panels that Buzz Aldrin would have had fun playing with, a crane and…… a recompression chamber!
What followed was lots of open mouthed wandering, a briefing over a cool Tsingtao beer and some proper introductions to each other and the crew. I could tell immediately that we were going to have some fun. Pete then showed us to our rooms, well room. Because this is a working vessel not a gin palace, we shared a large dorm style room. But what a cool room it was. A wonderfully cool, airconditioned room with lots of storage space. 12 bunks each with personal lighting, Chinese copy Yves St Laurent bedding and a cubby hole for all our junk. I was in heaven. After settling in, we were introduced to Manggo, our chef. This man (along with Chris the skipper) provided gourmet meals for the whole journey.
The following morning we woke to the sound of Haskell pumps filling trimix and O2 for all the rebreathers on board. No open circuit on this trip I’m afraid – at 10 cents or so a litre, helium in twin 12’s is just not an option. After a quick briefing, Brian, the wonderful gentleman responsible for our gas and general safety, gave the shout that ‘the pool’s open’. Last time I did a check out dive it was on a bit of sand and involved me showing a Divemaster, with success thank God, that I could hover, remove my mask and share gas. The Lust 4 Rust check out dive was a little different.
Our check out dive site was on a 220 metre monster called the Prinz Eugen. Her props clear the water, she lies at a very shallow angle and yet her nose is at 34 metres. You can’t believe the size of this thing. And because of the viz, which is a good 30 to 40 metres, it makes the Scapa wrecks feel small. She lies upside down and you can easily swim under her decks. It takes a few moments to orientate your brain and then it all starts to make sense. Guns, guns, guns and more guns. Andris, Robin and I dropped into the water midships and were immediately mesmerised. No mask skills here. Just buoyancy, and it better be good as we are introduced to the Bikini rusticles ( like icicles but not cold and made of steel) dripping down the wreck, scratching at your loop, your suit, your skin. Clingy, orange particles blur your vision at the slightest movement. Of course this doesn’t deter McCamley from getting the first ‘video of shame’ appearance as a stealthy Mesley catches him squeezing through a tight restriction, knocking hell out of the viz. There were to be quite a few of these hilarious videos by the end of the trip.
We did some limited penetration and found ourselves in the officers dining room, where there were chairs and tables scattered all over the back of the room and one lone one standing guard – unreal. I immediately grabbed my spool and laid a little bit of line down a passageway. My buddy Andris was keen to follow and we did a little reckie. Unfortunately I saw that the walls were moving in front of me. A quick helicopter turn, a big laugh from Andris and we were out. But it doesn’t end there; as we explored the bridge lying in the sand on its side, we were buzzed by a couple of reef sharks and then a little white tip. Could this get any better?
Well……. You’ll just have to find out next time when I will give you the lowdown on the Nagato, the Saratoga and lots of other incredible metal.
Paul is the Director of Training at RAID. To find out more about the courses that RAID offers, visit www.diveraid.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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