For those of you who scuba dive regularly – you will know what I am talking about. Diving in South Africa is more than the sum of its parts.
Arriving at the dive centre or launch site – the sight is very familiar around the country: the divemaster is assisting clients with their equipment while the skipper finishes preparing the boat. Your dive buddies are milling around, slowly kitting up and sipping coffee. Laughter and excitement fills the early morning air. You are immediately welcomed into the fray.
That early start is not always an easy thing. Your bed seems so warm and comfortable, but once you reach the ocean you remember for the hundredth time why you would be foolish enough to get up. It’s a fresh morning, the beach is quiet and the sun is just starting to gain some momentum in the sky. Colours are brighter and the smell of the sea is invigorating.
Once the practicalities are out of the way and the divers are aboard the boat, the fun really starts. Divers have their own jokes and many stories; the boat ride out and back is filled with those. New divers are introduced to this close knit group while more experienced divers sit back and relax with a contented smile, as the boat cruises steadily towards the dive site.
The trip can be a bit like a game drive with sightings of dolphins, seals and whales raising the level of excitement on the boat. Divers have a tremendous respect for the ocean realm and realise how privileged they are to be witnessing an amazing natural display.
The dive itself is always thrilling – with good visibility, cameras click and smiles can be seen from behind regulators. It is a different planet underwater and those who have experienced this weightless wonderland know how precious it is. Divers surface soaking wet and smiling. This is why they got up this morning.
If the conditions are less than ideal, well not much changes – there are still photos to be taken and adventures to be had. Divers still surface grinning and the jokes keep coming. The trip back is still filled with chatter of delightful things seen and photos swopped. This is still, after all, why they got up this morning.
On a calm day, this is my favourite place to be; in a wetsuit, on a boat gliding over a tranquil ocean. The wind whips my hair and I feel refreshed and inspired. So many people aren’t even out of bed yet. I know that when we get back to shore, there will be rinsing of gear and packing away, showering and logging of dives. Then the group will head off for a delicious brunch and a good dose of story-telling.
If only every day could start this way.
