Perfect Diver Magazine 28 issue

diving freediving passion knowledge

No. 28 4(28)/2023

JULY/AUGUST

Price 12,50 € Tax included

THRESHER SHARKS FROM PHILIPPINES

ACTRESS KAROLINA GORCZYCA AND DIVING JAPAN IN MACRO LENS

1

available in 5mm or 7mm

2

the foreword

Wojciech Zgoła Editor-in-Chief

W

here from and where to did the common

couraged by the title "Diving, or how to get to know

threshers come around the Philippines?

yourself better". This text corresponds to Isadora's

In this edition we have two articles on

article "Diving and self-confidence", which is another

that subject and both are very interesting. While div-

one in the so-called "Women's corner".

ing in a given dive spot, these beautiful and majestic

Dominik Dopierała, with whom we will stay

fish changed the place and even the depth at which

together for some time, makes his debut on our

they could be found.

pages. Dominik has prepared short and informa-

The warmest period in Europe continues, and in

tive articles for us relating to training, courses and

the middle of the holidays we put into your hands

diving programs. We start the cycle with the material

the 28th edition of our bimonthly magazine. You will

"Where do the boundaries of adventure end?".

find a lot of interesting subjects in it.

I don't know about you, but I really like puffins.

A few pages further, once you have finished your

I managed to admire them in the distant Lofoten,

trip to the Philippines, Japan is waiting for you in

and in this edition Wojtek Jarosz brings them clos-

a macro lens, but with the full of humour and cul-

er, in his own style. It gives us a fun look – be sure

ture clash story by Marcin Trzciński.

to find it out in person :)

If you want to get to know the diving side of

Finally, a pinch of knowledge about adhesion and

Karolina Gorczyca, a theatre and film actress, you

cohesion and why we feel we want to go to the toilet

are welcome. Karolina started diving recently and

during diving.

that passion really drew her in. In that conversation

The issue closes with a comprehensive (not to be

there are both a fascinating encounter with a shark

confused with long!) article by Wojtek A. Filip about

and a look at your own traumas.

peeing during diving.

Przemysław Zyber is still fascinated by caves of

And this edition is completely closed by the cover

Mexico, and Łukasz Metrycki shows us Horka and its

on which you will find information about Cleaning

secrets. We also have another view of UK dive spots.

the World on September 16th in Wągrowiec – we are

More and more companies celebrate their round

celebrating the 30th anniversary of the action and

anniversaries. We managed to talk to Dennis Stivala

we cordially invite you to join us and help us collect

– the director of the Bare Dry Suit Factory in Malta.

litter from the bottom of Lake Durowskie.

Another material is presented to us jointly by authors gathered around We Well Diving. We are en-

Enjoy your reading!

Did you like this issue? Give us a viral coffee buycoffee.to/perfectdiver Visit our website www.perfectdiver.com, check out Facebook www.facebook.com/PerfectDiverMagazine and Instagram www.instagram.com/perfectdiver/

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

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table of contents

10

26

34

TRAVELS 10 16 26

Philippines, four o'clock in the morning, just before crowing of cocks Encounter with a thresher shark Japan in macro lens

OUR CONVERSATION 22 48

Diving. A different state of consciousness – interview with Karolina Gorczyca At the BARE dry suit factory – interview with Dennis Stivala

UNDER THE CEILING 34

4

Mexican Caves

62 KNOWLEDGE 50 54 62 68 69

Diving, a way to get to know yourself Where are the boundaries of an adventure?

A Dive into Confidence Adhesion and cohesion... or why you should spit into your mask Why do I have the urge to pee when diving

FRESH WATER 40 44

HORKA Quarry. Alles klar (?)

Diving in Great Britain. CHEPSTOW

Publisher PERFECT DIVER WOJCIECH ZGOŁA ul. Folwarczna 37, 62-081 Przeźmierowo redakcja@perfectdiver.com ISSN 2545-3319

editor in chief

Wojciech Zgoła

photographer

Karolina Sztaba

world geography & travels

Anna Sołoducha

underwater archaeology advertisement english language translators

Szymon Mosakowski reklama@perfectdiver.com Agnieszka Gumiela-Pająkowska Arleta Kaźmierczak Reddo Translations Sp. z o.o.

Piotr Witek

legal care graphic design and composition

40

Lawyer Joanna Wajsnis Brygida Jackowiak-Rydzak

the magazine was folded with typefaces

Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky), Open Sans (Ascender Fonts) Noto Serif, Noto Sans (Google) printing Wieland Drukarnia Cyfrowa, Poznań, www.wieland.com.pl

distribution dive centers, online store

PLANET EARTH 58

preorder@perfectdiver.com

Black-and-white, and yet colourful divers from the north

TIPS & CURIOSITIES 70

I need to pee... cover photo

Adrian Juriewicz place

Philippines model

Thresher shark

www.perfectdiver.com

70

The Editorial Office does not return unsolicited materials, is not responsible for the content of advertisements and reserves the right to shorten, edit, title the submitted texts and select illustrative materials. Reprinting of articles or parts thereof, copying only with the consent of the Editorial Board. Editors are not responsible for the form and content of advertisements.

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Donation is voluntary.

PayPal.Me/perfectdiver PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

5

editorial team

WOJCIECH ZGOŁA

ANNA SOŁODUCHA

Passionate about diving and pure nature. He likes to say that he

A graduate of geography at the University of Wrocław, an incorrigible

travels by diving. He learned to swim when he was less than 6 years

optimist... permanently with a smile on her lips 

old. At the age of 15, he obtained a yacht sailor's license and has

I have been diving since 2002, which is more than half of my life 

been diving since 2006. He has completed over 750 dives in various

I started diving in Polish waters, to which I willingly return during the

regions of the world. He wrote and published many articles.

year – and it gives me great pleasure! :) I must have come to Activtour

Co-author of photo exhibitions. An advocate of leaving the place of

by destiny and I have stayed here for good... for over 10 years! I am

residence clean and unblemished. Diving promoter. Since 2008 he

passionate about fulfilling people's dreams by preparing diving trips

has been running his own website www.dive-adventure.eu. Based on

around the world!  Personally – I fly and dive in different seas and

extensive experience, in 2018 he created the new Perfect Diver

seas whenever I can, because it is one of the loves of my life

Magazine, which has been successfully published regularly every

the beginning of the existence of the PD magazine, I have been trans-

two months in Polish and English for over 4 years.

ferring my memories of diving trips to paper, sharing my passion

Since

with others and I can't stop writing ;) 2023 permanently in the PD editorial office – hoping to bring her some "fresh blood" ;) A diving dream come true: Galapagos! Still ahead of me… Antarctica! If I don't dive, I choose skiing, tennis or strong rock sounds! ;) The motto that I really like is: "Be realistic – start dreaming"! :) anna@activtour.pl; www.activtour.pl;

KAROLA TAKES PHOTOS

SZYMON MOSAKOWSKI

Karolina Sztaba, and professionally Karola Takes Photos, is a pho-

Student of archeology at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in

tographer by education and passion. She is currently working at the

Toruń. A beginner diver starting his adventure with underwater

Trawangan Dive Center on a tiny island in Indonesia – Gili Trawan-

archeology. A lover of photography, nature and basketball, and re-

gan, where she moved to live four years ago. She photographs above

cently also diving.

and below the water. In addition, she creates photographic projects against littering the oceans and polluting our planet with plastic ("Trapped", "Trashion"). She cooperates with NGO organizations dealing with environmental protection and actively participates in pro-ecological actions (coral protection, coral planting, cleaning the world, protection of endangered species). She is also the official photographer of Ocean Mimic – a brand that creates swimwear and surfwear from rubbish collected on the beaches of Bali. She cooperated with many brands of diving equipment for which she created advertising campaigns. In 2019, she became the ambassador of the Polish company Tecline.

She has been a technical diver for two years.

ADVERTISEMENT

Polish Diving School

OCTOPUS in Hamburg +49 176 48664595

mariusbebel@icloud.com

KLAUDYNA BRZOSTOWSKA

SYLWIA KOSMALSKA-JURIEWICZ

Has more than 8000 dives on his account. He

PADI diving instructor and videographer. She

A traveller and a photographer of wild nature.

has been diving for over 30 years, including over 20 years as a technical diver. He is a professional with great theoretical and practical knowledge.

He is an instructor of many federations: GUE Instructor Mentor, CMAS**, IANTD nTMX, IDCS PADI, EFR, TMX Gas Blender. He participated in many diving projects and conferences as a leader, explorer, originator or lecturer. These included the Britannic Expedition 2016, Morpheus Cave Scientific Project on Croatia caves, GROM Expedition in Narvik, Tuna Mine Deep Dive, Glavas Cave in Croatia, NOA-MARINE. Professionally, he is a technical director at TecLine in Scubatech, and a director of training at TecLine Academy.

spends most of his time in the water documenting a fascinating underwater world. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in the field of Fashion Design in Łódź and Film studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, trained as a tailor, and with a love of nature and a large dose of adrenaline. She loves everything related to water.

Her diving adventure began with a backpacking trip in 2016. During her stay in Thailand she dived for the first time and from then on she got hooked on at this sport. Spending the last years and most of her days under water, teaching and showing the beauty of the underwater world in Asia, she believes that diving means unity – unity with own

A graduate of journalism and a lover of good literature. She lives in harmony with nature, promotes a healthy lifestyle: she is a yogini and a vegetarian. Also engaged in ecological projects. Sharks and their protection are especially close to her heart. She writes about the subject in numerous articles and on her blog www.blog.dive-away.pl.

She began her adventure with diving fifteen years ago by total coincidence. Today she is a diving instructor, she visited over 60 countries and dived on 5 continents. She invites us for a joint journey with the travel agency www.dive-away.pl, of which she is a co-founder.

mind, nature and unusual creatures. @waterographyk

ŁUKASZ METRYCKI

LAURA KAZIMIERSKA

KURT STORMS

A diver since 2007. I always choose holiday

Laura Kazimierska is currently working as PADI

Belgium Military, underwater cave explorer and

destinations by asking myself: okay, but is there anywhere to dive?. Underwater photography is still new to me, but with each dive I learn something new.

"From the moment of birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders [...], but he only has to dive under the surface of the water and becomes free" – J.Y.Cousteau

Course Director at TrawanganDive Center on the Indonesian island of Gili Trawangan. Founder of the Divemastergilis portal. www.divemastergilis.com @divemastergilis For over 7 years she has lived and discovered the underwater world of Indonesia. She is not only an avid technical diver, but also the face of the Planet Heroes platform and the ambassador of the Ocean Mimic brand. She actively contributes to the promotion of the protection of corals and the natural environment of fish and marine animals by taking part in scientific projects, campaigns against ocean littering and cooperating with NGOs in Indonesia. @laura_kazi

active technical/ cave/ rebreather diving instructor for IANTD. He started his diving career in Egypt on vacation, and his passion continues. Kurt is also the founder and CEO of Descent Technical Diving.

He dives on several CCRs such as AP, SF2, Divesoft Liberty SM. Kurt is involved in the creation of the document about the new salt mine in Belgium (Laplet). This project was featured in the news on Nationale TV. Privately, Kurt's true passion is deep cave diving.

His wife (Caroline) shares her husband's passions and also dives in caves. In his free time, he visits Belgian slate mines, and when he is not exploring, he takes his camera to document the dives.

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+48 502 138 403 http://www.deepdivingslesin.pl/ baza-nurkowa-honoratka/

constant cooperation

WOJCIECH A. FILIP

constant cooperation

WOJCIECH JAROSZ

JAKUB BANASIAK

AGATA TUROWICZ-CYBULA

A graduate of two Poznan universities, the Acad-

Diver from 2008. Passionate of the Red Sea and

Since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming

emy of Physical Education (coaching specialization – handball) and the University of A.Mickiewicz, Faculty of Biology (specialty of experimental biology). He connected his professional life with this first university trying to influence the direction of development of future professionals on the one hand, and on the other planning and implementing research, pushing laboriously in the right direction of the stroller called science.

In his free time he spends his time actively – his main passions are sailing (sea helmsman), skiing (downhill skiing instructor), riding a motorcycle, recreational diving and many other activities, as

protecting dolphins, sharks and whales. He dives mainly where you can meet these animals and monitor the level of their well-being. Member of Dolphinaria-Free Europe Coalition, volunteer at Tethys Research Institute and Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, associate of Marine Connection. For 10 years he has been involved in research on wild

a marine biologist and I managed to fulfill that dream. I did a degree in oceanography, where I recently started my doctoral studies. My diving adventure began when I was 12 years old. I love observing the underwater life up close and I try to show other divers how fascinating the underwater, Baltic creatures are.

dolphin populations and audits dolphinariums.

Together with the team ”NO! For the Dolphinarium” he prevents dolphins from captivity and promotes knowledge about dolphin therapy unsaid or concealed by centers which make money on this form of animal therapy.

our authors

well as photography, mainly nature.

pelagic ocean predators. Devoted to the idea of

TOMASZ KULCZYŃSKI

ISADORA ABUTER GREBE

MARCIN TRZCIŃSKI

ALDONA DREGER

For Tomek, diving has always been

Enthusiastic diver, scientist, and

A graduate of the University of War-

Zodiac Libra. Enthusiast of a healthy

his greatest passion. He started his

wildlife conservationist. Isadora is

saw. An underwater photographer

lifestyle, fond of active leisure. Lover

adventure at the age of 14, develop-

researching the biological signif-

and filmmaker, has been diving

of the underwater world and under-

ing into a recreational and technical

icance on shipwrecks for marine

since 1995. A co-operator at the

water photography. HR employee,

diving instructor, a first aid instruc-

ecosystems. Driven by curiosity,

Department of Underwater Arche-

and after hours SDI diving instructor,

tor and a diving industry technician.

she wants to learn about nature,

ology at the University of Warsaw.

Vital Mentor, Diet coach. Thanks to

Currently, he runs the 5* COMPASS

as well as “how to become a better

He publishes in diving magazines in

her passion for psychology, work-

DIVERS Pobiedziska Diving Center

diver”. Being still in the beginnings

Poland and abroad.

ing with people and the ability to

near Poznań, where he passes his

of her diving-career she is enjoying

The owner of the FotoPodwodna

listen, she knows that everything

knowledge and skills to beginners

the path of overcoming obstacles

company which is the Polish repre-

starts in the head. He highly values

and advanced divers, which gives

by learning from more experienced

sentative of Ikelite, Nauticam, Inon,

the ability to communicate without

him great joy and satisfaction from

divers, using adequate configura-

ScubaLamp companies.

words underwater. Water helped

being part of their underwater ad-

tion and practicing.

www.fotopodwodna.pl,

her discover completely unknown

venture...

@isa_diving_nature

m.trzcinski@fotopodwodna.pl

mobility possibilities, and overcoming her own limitations, as well as learning something new in the natural environment, in the context of communing with nature, helped her rebuild her mental condition.

Author of the website: https://aldonadreger.pl and https://wellbeingproject.pl Partner of the diving school: https://wewelldiving.pl

our authors

DOMINIKA ALEKSANDEREK

PIOTR STÓS

PRZEMYSŁAW ZYBER

DOMINIK DOPIERAŁA

A multi-task unit: she combines

Photographer, biologist, storyteller,

My adventure with photography

He has been diving forever, he does

passion for literature, skiing, diving

SSI Instructor Trainer. He considers

began long before I started diving.

not remember his first dives. The

and psychology. In Nautica since

it his duty to teach diving at every

From the very first dive I dreamed

only thing he remembers is that

the Big Bang. In the company, she

level. Since the dawn of time, he has

that I would be accompanied by

diving has always been his passion.

deals with everything, and in addi-

been associated with Nautica with

a camera. As I became more adept

He spent his entire childhood on

tion, she is a diving guide, an expert

an inseparable umbilical cord of

at diving, my photography gear

Polish lakes, which he still prefers

on human needs – that is, the head

co-ownership. He nests on the Cro-

evolved as well. From a simple go-

to distant destinations. With great

of marketing, she initiates and leads

atian island of Vis, on safari boats

pro camera through a compact and

success, he turned his passion into

long-distance expeditions. He still

in Egypt and where under water it

SLR camera to a full-frame mirror-

a way of life and business.

thinks that Croatia is the most beau-

is beautiful as the world long and

less camera. Now I can't imagine

Curiosity of the world and constant

tiful in the world. Works at Nautica

wide. He works at Nautica Safari.

diving without a camera. I have

striving for perfection are the main

Safari.

nautica.pl

the impression that underwater

features that definitely hinder him

nautica.pl

Piotr.Stos@nautica.pl

photography gives meaning to my

in life. Professional diving instructor,

diving.

photographer, filmmaker.

www.facebook.com/przemyslaw.

Creator of the DECO Diving Center,

zyber

PADI Course Director, TecTrimix In-

www.instagram.com/przemyslaw_

structor Trainer TECREC.

Dominika.Aleksanderek@nautica.pl

zyber/ www.deep-art.pl

MICHAŁ CZERNIAK

PIOTR KOPEĆ

AGNIESZKA ROMAŃCZUK

JACEK TWARDOWSKI

A graduate of the Poznań University

...better known as Wąski.

Professionally, I am a long-term

Aquarius by birth. Underwater pho-

of Technology, financier, the audi-

Professionally, the main health and

practitioner in the field of human re-

tography enthusiast.

tor. A diver fascinated by theory

safety specialist, fire protection

sources management with 25 years

Sailor, lover of underwater arche-

diving – physics and physiology. In

inspector and first aid instructor.

of experience in renowned corpo-

ology and wreck diving. TDI SDI

love passionate about history in

Privately, husband and father of his

rations, 8 years in Singapore. I have

diving instructor. Professionally, he

underwater archaeology Ancient

daughter. A member of the Bellator

also lived and worked in Europe

builds housing estates and holiday

Rome, active Centurion in the group

Societas, where he is called St. Mar-

and the USA. For many years I have

homes.

reconstructionist Bellator Societas

cin, because every year he plays

been passionate about psychology

Partner of the diving school:

(Rome I century BC). He dreams of

the character during the name day

and psychotherapy, the problems

https://wewelldiving.pl

attending at least once underwa-

of the street on November 11 in

of professional burnout and coping

ter archaeological research a then

Poznań. Of course, for many years

with change. I completed postgrad-

describe everything in a series of

an avid diver. He loves technical div-

uate studies in psychotherapy and

columns.

ing, especially those on wrecks and

obtained a Professional Diploma in

It can be found as often as under

everything related to activity above

Psychotherapy from The School of

water in Japan, whose culture and

and below water :)

Positive Psychology in Singapore.

history he has been fascinated by nearly three decades.

sponsored article

PHILIPPINES

FOUR O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING, JUST BEFORE CROWING OF COCKS Text Dominika Aleksanderek

Photos Piotr Stós

The bell towers of churches shoot into the sky among rice fields.

The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia outside East Timor, and the only one in the world (outside the Vatican) where divorce is prohibited by law. In San Pedro Cutud on Good Friday, the faithful crucify themselves in remembrance of the Lord's Passion. And on the same day, on the other side of the Philippines, on the tiny island of Siquijor, a healing festival takes place, during which animistic shamans gather and perform their rituals at the highest point of the mountain.

A

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country full of contrasts. It is crowded, colourful and

life hides – just plunge into the ocean a few meters from the

loud. Getting off at the airport in Manila you can get

shore. When preparing the trip, we wanted to show the diversity

Asia in the face. Silence lasts only on empty beaches

and FEEL the places visited, knowing in advance that such an

and under water... This is where the incredible abundance of

archipelago of different worlds is impossible to grasp during

sponsored article

a short journey. For years, the Philippines was thought to consist of 7,107 islands, but in 2013, thanks to the newly formed government organisation NAMRIA, dedicated to creating maps and statistics, another 500 were discovered, scattered over a huge area between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

There is a good word that describes the Philippines – immensity. So – to the point. Let's get a taste of the Philippines.

More than 7,500 islands spread over a huge area means very different weather – quite different weather is on Romblon, and different on Luzon. Typhoons most often land on the eastern Visayas islands. The best period to travel to this part of Asia is from November to April.

Then the air humidity is relatively low, there is rarely rainfall, at night the temperature does not exceed 28 degrees, during the day 27 to 36. So if you want to spend part of the winter somewhere where you do not need to collect brushwood, a trip to the Philippines is the best choice.

In the Philippines, diving is a standard item on the menu. When preparing the trip, we were like children in front of a confectionery exhibition – what to choose from this menu? We knew the Philippines wasn't a one-time thing.

So we tried the top ranking – the three best places between which you will not have to travel for a long time. The winners were the common threshers from Malapascua, the clouds of sardines from Moalboal and the volcanic island of Apo. Armed with what seemed to us – complete – knowledge, we flew to Manila in late autumn. And then we re-

nambulist figures emerged from the

member a series of lush landscapes,

beach houses onto the square under

unknown smells and chaotic associa-

the palms. Our guide, flashing his teeth

tions. Because pitifully little we usually

dazzlingly in the light of the flashlight,

remember, despite the photos and the

presented a short briefing. It sounded

exchange of memories...

more or less like this: the weather is not favourable, we are sailing for about an

First there were common thresh-

hour against the waves, we are heading

ers. Nobody thought that after a tiring

to the Monad Shoal spot to watch the

journey we would be eager to get up

common thresher and there is a chance

at 4 am. In the deep darkness, som-

that we will be the only boat there. "So

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

11

sponsored article

The usually skittish common threshers swam close, making circles around us, leering at us and letting us watch them for almost 40 minutes!

and all the senses to capture at least a little of this splendour.

it's going to swing a lot?" – someone asked miserably. "Yes, and

nomenal dance of huge shoals of sardines wandering along

you should drink plenty of water." "And will this help?" – we

the coast in search of food. Such an event can be witnessed

asked. "No," he said, and sent us a friendly smile.

in South Africa. But, although South African Sardine Run holds

In the Malapascua area, we did 4 dives a day, and because we still didn't have enough, we moved to Cebu, to Moalboal, on the north side of the island.

A real rarity awaited us here – Sardine Run. It is a phe-

12

Oh, still, it was worth it! The usually skittish common thresh-

the title of the largest "sardine run" in the world, Cebu's Sar-

ers swam close, making circles around us, leering at us and

dine Run holds a strong second place. In addition – unlike

letting us watch them for almost 40 minutes! We admired

South Africa, where the phenomenon only occurs for a few

their silvery skin and grace, with which they curled their long

weeks in the period from May to July, when the temperature

tails and disappeared into the distance, only to emerge liter-

is around 19°C, sardines in Moalboal stay on the beach all

ally a meter behind us after a while. This dance was repeated

year round. Originally, sardines lived off the island of Pes-

during the morning dives only once. Other dive sites around

cador, 20 minutes from the mainland, but migrated to the

the island, although of course they could not match it, provided

shore about five years ago. Nowadays, sardines swim literal-

us with the first satisfaction in searching for colourful nudi-

ly a stone's throw from the beach! Here, everyone perfectly

branchs, of which there is abundance in the Philippines. Al-

understands the income it brings from tourism and fishing

though Malapascua seemed to be a complete paradise, it soon

tamban and tuloys – because that's what the locals call them

turned out that you could raise the stakes by adding the island

– is strictly forbidden. Millions of small fish form powerful

of Kalanggaman to the pot. Stunningly beautiful! The photos

shoals that float in the sun's rays, just below the surface of

are just a substitute, but – we tried – with a drone, a phone

the water. Diving into this rippling mass is like entering an-

sponsored article

us with a wave of tides. I admit that our hunting instincts were arouses – we chased them between three and ten meters, until total air consumption, finishing of memory cards in the cameras and calf cramps…

As the third dive site, we chose Apo Island – a tiny island off the shore of Negros. The waters around it were established in 1982 as a marine reserve, closed to fishing. Thanks to this, we have a perfectly healthy, spectacular reef with over 400 species of corals, a multitude of fish species, two species of sea turtles, several species of clownfish, a lot of nudibranchs, mantis shrimps and sea snakes. This dry information, obtained before the trip from Internet forums and in guidebooks, completely does not reflect the wealth that we were lucky to come across. We watched countless coral formations and structures, in shades ranging from cream to yellow, beige and brown, the reef seething with bright anemones (yes, here they were in truly fluorescent shades). Every now and then turtles passed us unhurriedly. The guides flawlessly led us to the places where boxing shrimps and octopus pulsating with colours lived. They signalled each attraction by tapping the pointers against the cylinders, and after the photographers had gathered, one could enjoy communing with all these mysterious creatures. The next dive we did on Coconut, supposedly the most difficult dive on Apo. At the briefing, we received information that the current

other dimension. Sardines form a compact front, protecting themselves from predators, and their synchronous movements are always one fin movement ahead of us... They owe their silvery colour to the presence of stratum argenteum – a layer of skin located under transparent scales, consisting of light-reflecting guanine crystals. Crystals come in two different forms, each polarising light from a different angle. So the fish becomes the perfect mirror! The scales on the back of each sardine, in turn, are a reflection of all the years that the fish has lived – the ones squeezed together means a harsh winter, larger and more loosely distributed – abundant summer. On the heads, each "bunch" of sardines has a specific pattern, composed of black spots, thanks to which the fish in the shoal can be more easily recognised. And this whole perfectly synchronised team is circling around, teasing

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

13

sponsored article

14

would be ranging from strong to very strong. Negative entry

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DIVES IN

and after a while we hit the highway. When flying over the

THE PHILIPPINES

reef, we noted the presence of shoals of horse mackerel and

Almost every dive in the Philippines is done from a boat. The

mackerel swimming with open mouths against a strong cur-

boats from which we dived are traditional Filipino bangka,

rent. They looked like metal, polished trinkets. Pathetically,

a symbol of the warm waters of the Pacific. They are narrow,

we tried to take pictures of a large snake in black and white

long and equipped with stabilising bamboo floats on both

stripes, but it only flew past us, and we glided, almost with-

sides, giving them the appearance of blue spiders. The Filipi-

out moving our fins, like in a big roller-coaster, the landscapes

nos call bangka water butterflies. These boats do not reach the

appeared in front of my eyes and disappeared around the

shore, so getting on the boat is usually "wet". However, at the

corner… However, I experienced ecstasy over "Jacuzzi" spot,

prevailing temperature of 34 degrees, this is not an inconve-

where the paradise reef suddenly breaks off and passes into

nience. First, in diving shoes, you need to walk a short distance

a patch of undulating black sand, from which small bubbles of

(in the water reaching the belt) to the gangway, and then – lean-

gas emerge – the effect of the action of the nearby volcano.

ing on a bamboo stick held by the staff like a handrail – climb

I swam in this veil of bubbles, falling into a state close to hyp-

neatly on the deck. All equipment and even personal belong-

nosis, catching bubbles and laughing until the regulator fell

ings are carried by the crew. They also change the cylinders

out. "Adults" – I thought (in complete contradiction to what we

after each dive. At greater waves, the bangka stand quite far

have known for centuries about the behaviour of adult people)

from the shore on the buoy and are reached by small, flat-bot-

– "do not behave this way".

tomed "taxis". On the boats there are comfortable benches,

sponsored article

space for photographic equipment, water dispensers and toilets with quite low walls, but with a beautiful view of the ocean. After a limited briefing, you jump into the water from the bow. The jump is made from a higher height than on Egyptian boats (about 1.5 meters), but after two entrances it does not make any impression.

Guides, as everywhere in the world, are different. When they know what interests us (it is enough to say that we are looking for macro objects or – that we are not interested in them at all), they look for various creatures and re-

valves, keep this in mind when packing equipment and take

joice like children when they manage to show, for example,

the adapter with you.

a miniature snail in sapphire colour. There are real specialists

Finally, a warning: once you get to the Philippines, you

among them who can find the only gorgonia with a seahorse

will inevitably return there. There are more places than we

on the whole wall. And sometimes we come across beginner

will be able to visit in our lifetime. Such a journey allows us for

guides, and we show them the specimens we pass. However,

internal calibration and increases mindfulness, but above all,

without exception, everyone is smiling and tries to be as help-

it joyfully vibrates our hippocampus. Let it vibrate , we are

ful as possible. In Asia, in dive bases, cylinders mainly have INT

not going to cure it !

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

15

travels

ENCOUNTER WITH A THRESHER SHARK Text Sylwia Kosmalska-Juriewicz

Photos Adrian Juriewicz

Change is the only constant in life Heraclitus

T

he sun was setting as the blue and white trimaran unhurriedly approached the coast of the tiny Philippine island of Malapascua. The easterly wind carried a re-

freshing breeze that tangled our hair and offered solace after a hot day's journey. It is low tide today, the captain is mooring the boat a considerable distance from the shore, blades of sea grass are sticking up above the surface of the water. We continue on in the small boat sent to pick us up from the resort.

16

travels

The island of Malapascua, located in the Visayas Sea, is only

Our cosy hotel is also situated on the beach, with stunning

2.5 km long and about 1 km wide. There is no harbour, but

views of the sea and coconut trees, whose jagged leaves peek

there is white coral sand onto which you step straight from

through our windows.

the boat.

Malapascua is not the typical 'instagram' island that influ-

In addition to the coconut trees on the first shore-

encers will choose for holiday just to take iconic snaps in some

line, which give the place a truly exotic feel, comfortable

popular celebrity-famous location. Tourists choose this loca-

poufs and wooden tables have been laid out on the sand.

tion for a completely different reason. Namely, Malapascua

This is what local restaurants look like in this beautiful

Island is visited by divers from all over the world to dive

place. After successful dives, divers can relax on the com-

in the area with a special species of shark, known as the

fortable poufs while enjoying delicious dishes served by

thresher shark. This unique shark is found in tropical seas and

a local chef, seasoned with a pinch of stories about the

can be found in various parts of the world. However, nowhere

underwater world.

in the world have I seen it as up close while diving as here.

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

17

travels

This is the fifth time we have returned to the Philippines, and

streamlined bodies can weigh up to 250 kg and measure up

each time we have visited Malapascua Island to experience

to 4 m in length. Almost half of the fish's length is made up of

diving with these beautiful animals. I have seen the outline of

a long, slender tail, shaped like a scythe. This extremely beau-

the silhouette of a thresher shark a few times, for example in

tiful part of the shark's body is not used for decoration, but for

Egypt during a diving safari. However, this encounter lasted

hunting. Using the tail, which acts like a whip, it stuns its prey

only a few seconds.

(small fish) before eating them. Although the shark ventures

Thresher sharks are excellent swimmers, they are extremely agile and have a great endurance. Their beautiful, sleek,

18

into the depths of about 500 m below the water surface, it usually stays between 15 and 30 m deep.

travels

Until recently, to dive with thresher sharks you had to get up before dawn; at 4.30 am there was a gathering at the dive centre, followed immediately by a trip out to sea.

We arrived at the dive site called Monad Shoal (underwater plateau) at around six o'clock, on our way we could admire a beautiful sunrise.

The captain would moor the boat to another boat that had arrived earlier, and one by one we would jump into the water, dive down to thirty metres deep, and there on a specially designated rock shelf wait for the shark to come by. Each time we visited Monad Shoal, where the sharks would swim in to indulge in the grooming treatments offered by the little fish cleaners, we were very lucky and saw not one, but several thresher sharks.

Sometimes they would circle in front of us, and sometime they came out of the depths and swam over our heads.

As with any shark dive, there are certain rules to follow. It is not allowed to interfere with the 'cleaning station', also the use of flash and constant light is forbidden. Sharks are very timid and artificial light could scare them away.

Filmmakers of the underwater world will agree with me that, without strong light, it is difficult to record or take good

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

19

travels

The thresher shark appears and disappears, circles and swims away, only to reappear a moment later. (...) He comes very close, he is at arm's length, I can get a close look at his beautiful, dark, round eyes.

manager assured us that there was no need to get up at four o'clock to dive with the thresher sharks. All we need to do is head out for a dive after breakfast to encounter these majestic creatures. It will certainly please all those who like to sleep longer.

We arrived at Kimud Shoal at eight o'clock in the morning, jumping into the water with a slight concern as to whether the sharks would actually show up. Is it too late to dive with

pictures at a depth of thirty metres. That's why, until now, we

thresher sharks, given our previous experience and dives at

have not been entirely satisfied with our filming efforts involv-

Monad Shoal?

ing thresher sharks. Until now...

20

We arrive at the 'cleaning station' located at the depth of

What a huge surprise we had during our stay on

15 m after 10 minutes of swimming in a gentle current. We

Malapascua Island in May, when it turned out that the

swim over a sandy bottom with corals growing out of it, the

thresher sharks had changed their location and were no

reef is healthy and hides an abundance of life.

longer coming to Monad Shoal. According to the information

We arrive at what looks like the end of a cliff, below which

given to us by the dive centre manager, the reason for their

only the immensity of the ocean is visible. We hover on the

disappearance was the arrival of the tiger shark, which is the

reef hooks and wait, swayed by the gentle current. Visibility

largest representative of the requiem shark family. Its pres-

is very good, exceeding 30 m. After a while, a shark emerged

ence effectively scared off the timid thresher sharks.

from the depths, its beautiful, slender body shimmering in the

Thresher Sharks have found themselves another location

rays of the morning sun. Enchanted by what we see, we almost

called Kimud Shoal which is also visited by other large animals

stop breathing and behold the shark as if hypnotised. Some

such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The dive centre

shout out of happiness into the breathing apparatus others

ADVERTISEMENT

wave their arms in a sign of triumph. It is an immense happiness to be able to observe these beautiful creatures from so close up in their natural habitat.

The thresher shark appears and disappears, circles and swims away, only to reappear a moment later. The sun's rays dance on its skin, creating a rainbow glow. He comes very close, he is at arm's length, I can get a close look at his beautiful, dark, round eyes.

He swims towards us and rubs against the camera, the light is good for taking photos and videos. Suddenly a second and third individual appears, circling and coming from different directions. This magnificent shark show lasted over an hour, our calm breathing and shallow depth resulted in us staying a little longer under the surface than we had planned. Immensely happy, moved and, above all, surprised by so many sharks, we returned to the boat.

The new location of Kimud Shoal, where the sharks have now appeared, is much better than Monad Shoal because we can see them here not only at dawn, but also later in the day. We have the opportunity to observe the sharks between at a depth of 10 to 15 meters which makes it possible also for people with an Open Water Diver level to participate in the dive, which was not possible before. We are also able to take better pictures with the ambient light.

Off the coast of Malapascua Island, there are plenty of dive sites to visit during your stay on the island. Both large animal and macro diving enthusiasts will find something to enjoy here.

This journey was full of encounters with both long-lost friends and the magical creatures that inhabit the Visayas sea. Being in their realm has been a real privilege for which I am immensely grateful.

Od samego początku każda obudowa SEACAM była wykonywana ręcznie, aby połączyć mechaniczną precyzję i ergonomiczny design.

Z wielką ambicją nadal dążymy do najwyższych standardów jakości i innowacji, inn aby wspierać wyjątkowych fotografów w urzeczywistnianiu ich wizji

our conversation

DIVING A DIFFERENT STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

INTERVIEW WITH KAROLINA GORCZYCA, A THEATRE AND FILM ACTRESS, GRADUATE OF THE PWST IN KRAKOW, WOMAN OF THE YEAR GLAMOUR, ALSO A DUBBING ACTRESS, AND RECENTLY A WOMAN DIVING AND DISCOVERING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WATER SURFACE Interviewed by Wojciech Zgoła

Wojciech Zgoła: I found out that you dive, I wrote to your

heard the question what 5 places I would visit if I could,

Agent, who passed my message to you, and you prompt-

regardless of the money.

ly replied that you could talk about diving for hours.

Karolina Gorczyca: That's true, I like diving and I can talk

WZ: And what did you answer?

about it for hours.

KG: You know, since I started diving, I only think about places where I could go underwater. (laughs) And it's a bit scary,

WZ: I would like to thank you here, Karolina, for your

because diving wins over works of art, monuments, etc. But

quick response and for the meeting, and also I'd like

I guess that's the passion of diving...

to give you the latest edition of our Perfect Diver Magazine. Have you heard of us?

WZ: It got into your blood :)

KG: I haven't heard yet, but I'd like to read it.

KG: Exactly. Before that, I did triathlon for 6 years. I swam, cycled and ran. I ski. I walk in the mountains, I did yoga,

WZ: Enjoy reading! Tell me, when did you start diving?

I even jumped with a parachute twice. I'm an athlete type.

KG: Not a long time ago. Less than a year. But I loved it.

But I do not know such any other sport that would so quickly

I started at the beginning of last year's holidays. First in Deep

"cut you off" from everyday affairs, as diving. It takes you

Spot, then I finished a course in the Baltic Sea, but I did not

“here and now” into the Zen zone.

like it very much. There I descended to 30 meters ending the AOWD course. It was grey and green all around, without an-

WZ: And here the natural question arises, why did you

imals, only some transparent, single fish. And the tempera-

start diving?

ture 4 degrees C! Somehow I was so sad that our Baltic Sea is

KG: I started diving because my friends persuaded me to.

so uninteresting.

One of my close friends told me about diving as a different state of consciousness. Breathing and meditation, how it is

WZ: But in the Baltic Sea we have a lot of wrecks and the

done underwater in another reality. That's why diving always

population of grey seals is reviving...

seemed so magical to me. And last year, Anka Kazejak, my

KG: I am not interested in the wrecks yet, I think I have not

friend director , started training and she said: come to Deep

yet matured to do the wrecks, and I have not met the seal, al-

Spot, why don't you take a dive. I was at such a point in

though I have read that there are indeed more and more of

my life that I needed to calm down and cut off from the

them, which is comforting. However, I am the diver for whom

problems of this world, although I was damn afraid of it. For

nature and visual effects are important:)

me, being cut off from the air meant suffocating and dying.

Although I swim well, it does not matter in diving. Another

WZ: Did you dive somewhere else in the world after the

thing is that I had always been afraid of what is underwater,

course?

of the depths and of the sea animals. Maybe it's childhood

KG: Yes, I was on a diving safari in Egypt and stationary in

traumas and the result of watching shark movies?

the Maldives. I am fascinated by reef gardens. I have recently

22

our conversation Photo Franek Przeradzki

breathing through your nose all your life? What if you choke there if you accidentally take a breath through your nose?

The first 5 meters was a big event for me. However, what was amazing was what I started to observe next. Humans and their brains are something so incredibly flexible that the second time (after the first experience of 5 meters) it suddenly allows you to descend to 10 meters. The border of fear suddenly shifts to another place. And with each subsequent step, it moves further.

WZ: I'll make an interjection here. When you swam during a triathlon, you swam crawl and probably a classic breaststroke. So you didn't have a problem with submerging your head under water?

KG: No, I didn't, but I didn't particularly look into this dark abyss either.

WZ: I ask this because there are people who have a mental block with putting their head under water. You didn't have such a blockage.

KG: No, I didn't. I swim well, I was taught by Sebastian Karaś WZ: Well, the movie "Jaws" and the like, did a lot of harm

himself! I feel very good swimming.

by threatening us with sharks. And did you watch it as a little girl or as a teenager?

WZ: And then what?

KG: Actually, as a little girl. I was a few years old. And prob-

KG: Another descent on Deep Spot. Discovering that I have an

ably this trauma remained in me and that was my attitude.

impact on my traumas. That really turned me on. Of course,

One of my three biggest traumas is sharks (along with my

it's about the traumas that we can control somehow. Diving

children's illness and war). I have no control over the fear

showed me that I can control my head, and not vice versa.

of war and children's illness, but I can overcome the fear of

After the discovery and mental breakthrough, I began to dis-

sharks. So I set myself the goal of dismantling this trauma.

Cross the border of anxiety.

WZ: It should be easier for you, you're an actress. Theatre and film seem to help with such things. In overcoming yourself and your weaknesses.

KG: I think that fear is fear and it does not matter if I am an actress, I would not look for any relationship here. I think that every person has their own fears that they face and try to deal with them. Returning to sharks, I thought to myself that when I look into the eyes of such a shark in the natural environment, which I had been so terribly afraid of all my life, nothing in my life would break me or would frighten me anymore. And diving came to me right then, at a more difficult moment in my life.

WZ: You decided to dive in the pool. Did you do an OWD course?

KG: Yes, I decided and did two courses in the Baltic Sea in total. I have a license to dive up to 40 m. At the very beginning, I wondered how it is possible to change the way you breathe.

How can you breathe through your mouth when you've been Photo www.instagram.com/ karolinagorczyca_official/ PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

23

our conversation

cover other things that diving gives.

KG: It is great fun. In childhood,

It is this cutting off that we have

I lived opposite the pool, so it

already talked about, calming down

was there that I learnt to swim.

and taking advantage of this state of

I believe that this is one of the most

isolation from all external stimuli.

important human skills and I repeat this to my children. When it comes

WZ: And do you happen to feel

to professional work, I am waiting

that when you go under water

for a role offer in which I will dive.

and even if you want to think

I will have a limited number of

about what is on land, you just

competitors :)

can't? An unpaid loan, a stressful conversation...

WZ: Going back to the shark...

KG: Yes, I don't think about it under-

When did this face-to-face en-

water:)

counter take place?

KG: I took my first course on holi-

WZ: This is amazing. I've been

day, and in December I met sharks

diving for several years and I still

in the Maldives.

have the same.

KG: That's what's so addictive about this sport. Once you experience it, you want to go back to it, quiet your mind, hang in the water and feel

That's what's so addictive about this sport. Once you experience it, you want to go back to it, quiet your mind, hang in the water and feel freedom.

freedom. Passion is something that you do for yourself and experience

WZ: Where those nurse sharks or others? Because sometimes you can dive in a place where you expect a shark of a particular species, but id does not always work.

KG: They were Tiger sharks. In my

it spiritually. In diving it is delightful that there are no mental

case, we dived in a place where tiger sharks were supposed

compulsions underwater. You achieve, you can say the Zen

to be. In that spot , the locals throw out some fish leftovers.

state.

Previously, I'd watched a lot of videos on Instagram, about sharks and how to behave in their presence. Such a tiger

WZ: And is this peace destroyed when meeting a shark?

shark is really a killing machine. 2 seconds and you're done.

Did you manage to look the shark in the eye?

We went underwater, minutes passed, we were actually fin-

KG: In Egypt, I felt freedom on the reef. It occurred to me

ishing our dive. The instructor had even unfastened the buoy,

that I could use it all. The group was swimming by, and I, like

and suddenly we saw a huge tiger shark. It could have been

Nemo, swam on the reef, plunging into the reefs, watching

about 5 meters long. It swam slowly, grandly. It was beautiful.

these Disney-like images, feeling the freedom...

Fortunately, I did not die. I had rocks behind me, to which I stuck. There was another smaller shark circling above us.

WZ: I already know why you were born in the Zodiac sign

All the other divers were full of delight, holding webcams,

of Pisces ;)

cameras, they almost went crazy, and I was totally petrified.

KG: Yes, precisely. Maybe that's why it suits me so much.

The shark was not pleasant. It made a round, circled and

Water has always accompanied me in my life. I was afraid of

devoured the leftovers dropped. It seemed aggressive and

it but it attracted me.

excited. I looked at the instructors. They were calm. The shark wasn't swimming away, and I wanted to look it in the eye. It

WZ: Well, I just read that you have always wanted to be

made another round and the moment it started swimming at

an actress since you were a child. Truth?

me, for a short while before it turned, I had eye-contact with it.

KG: That has never changed.

For me it seemed like a very long moment, and it was maybe a second, maybe two. It was amazing! I'd been waiting for this

WZ: Is it fun to discover diving at some point? As you are

moment. It was almost a spiritual experience for me.

an actress, you have already had a good track record

24

of various roles and among them there were those

WZ: If you have trauma and you break it, it's actually

related to water, for example in "Swing" or "Love on the

easier to face problems.

catwalk". Did the fact that you were swimming and liked

KG: Exactly. You remember that difficult moment and you

water in this sense help you in your roles?

know that overcame it. You control your own head.

our conversation

Photo www.instagram.com/ karolinagorczyca_official/

come. First, a dry suit course. Now I'm diving in Mares gear and for now only in wetsuit. And do you recommend lakes?

WZ: Well, to see pike at close range or catfish, it's also nice. The more so because large pikes do not run away from divers too much.

Concluding, as we could talk like this until late in the Photo www.instagram.com/ karolinagorczyca_official/

evening, I have to tell you, Karolina, that it is very nice to listen to you. I can immediately see that you have re-

WZ: And did you meet other sharks afterwards?

cently started diving and that you are passionate about

KG: Yes, I saw nurse sharks on the second day in the

this underwater world.

Maldives. There were many of them, practically on every

KG: That's true. Now I'm looking for quick and not too expan-

dive. My breath increased, my heart rate increased, and

sive destination.

the instructor began to jump in the water with laughter.

Especially since on the boat I was the first willing to watch

WZ: I recommend the Perfect Diver magazine. We write

sharks.

about and show cool diving spots. Finally, tell us about your diving dream or dreams.

WZ: I'm glad you keep diving, that you managed to

KG: Certainly Australia and Indonesia. I would like to dive with

overcome the trauma. In the pages of our magazine

whale sharks. Poland somehow does not turn me on yet.

we wrote about the fear of sharks. I'll send you a link to the specific article afterwards. Are you interested in

WZ: Thank you very much for the meeting and for the

diving in lakes?

conversation.

KG: At the moment, no. Now warm waters. Maybe it will

KG: No problem, thank you too.

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

25

travels

26

JAPAN

IN MACRO LENS Text & Photos Marcin Trzciński

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

27

28

travels

I WAS SUPPOSED TO FLY TO THE JAPANESE INON COMPANY FOR TRAINING IN THE SPRING OF 2020. AND I WOULD HAVE FLOWN THERE, IF IT WERE NOT FOR A CRACKED TEST TUBE IN A LABORATORY IN WUHAN... AS A RESULT, EVEN GOING TO THE FOREST WAS EXTREMELY COMPLICATED, SO I COULD FORGET ABOUT TRAVELLING TO JAPAN.

B

ut Ofuna did not forget about me, and as soon as the

ready for such a sacrifice. Pressing ENTER on the LOT website

situation improved a bit, the topic came back like a boo-

became much easier thanks to this.

merang. But to tell the truth, almost 13 hours of flight

in one direction, a jet lag and huge costs, just to disassemble

***

a few lamps, solder some circuit boards and calibrate optics for

From further email correspondence with Takuya-san, who

five days seemed like a bit too much, but I had no other choice.

was responsible for my training with the Inon people, it turned

Help came from the least expected direction. From Inon itself,

out that I exaggerated a bit about those warm, oceanic waters.

which, of course, offers not only lamps and lenses but also

Apparently, in April, the water in Suruga Bay rarely exceeded

underwater camera casings. Completely unknown to us, but

16 degrees, which required the use of a drysuit. Fortunate-

why shouldn't I test them as part of the training? And, since

ly, Santi had already invented a super lightweight Avatar suit,

it also involves diving in the warm waters of the Pacific? I was

suitable for air travel, so I managed to manage that problem

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

29

travels

somehow. Now, only long hours on a Dreamliner separated me

The air escaped with a hiss through the inflator, and the

from the days of training, and another two hundred kilome-

water closed over me with a quiet splash. Finally! It began. We

tres from Ofuna, where the Inon office is located, to Cape Ose

floated for a while above the grey, monotonous gravel bottom,

– a Japanese paradise for macro underwater photographers.

reminiscent of the book "Nad Niemnem" until an enormous boulder field blocked our way, stretching in both directions

***

30

up to the limits of visibility. The visibility itself was not im-

A wide, gravel beach stretched along the central part of an

pressive, fluctuating within 10-12 meters, and the white, tiny

extensive bay, where over twenty diving centres had been set

particles floating in the water effectively spoiled the quality of

up. For years, our underwater photography focused Hamayu

possible shots. Takehiro, leading our trio, swam over the line

Marine Service had served as a testing base for Iona. It was

of boulders, and finally, we started to descend. However, at

precisely here that all their products received their finishing

the bottom, small stones still dominated. It seemed that the

touches before being introduced to the market. And Takehi-

entire promised macro world would indeed be very small

ro-san, who led the dives, could not imagine going underwater

here, hidden among the rocks and sporadically scattered

without his camera. I could not envision a better place.

patches of vegetation. Some movement from the left dis-

Due to language barriers, our conversation did not flow

tracted my attention from gloomy reflections on my innate

smoothly, so after exchanging smiles and deep bows several

"macro-blindness". A fairly large, maybe even 30-centimeter

times, we began sorting out the equipment. It went smoothly

tubfish, was rummaging at the bottom in search of breakfast.

because I had taken care of the most challenging part the pre-

An incredible fish. Its first three pairs of pectoral fin rays had

vious evening – customising the camera settings. Now, all that

transformed into imitating limb-like protrusions, allowing it

remained was to choose which lens to take for the first dive and

to run smoothly along the bottom. However, as soon as I ap-

assemble everything. After a short debate with Takehiro (with

proached a bit closer, the irritated fish spread its previously

Takuya acting as our translator) and a series of deeper bows,

arranged, blue-spotted fins along its body and swam away

I decided to go with the RF 100 f/2.8 macro lens. Just a few more

to a safe distance in its opinion. I had to approach it differently

minutes, and we finally entered the water from the beach.

to get a good shot...

travels

The moment of opening its mouth and capturing the prey merged into one brief, practically imperceptible blink of an eye.

I had just finished with the tubfish, which finally agreed to somewhat politely pose (although remained distrustful throughout), when Takehiro, who was waiting nearby, beckoned me with a wave of his hand. He pointed to something that initially I could not locate at all. Well, the rapid switch of scale was enormous, as the little yellow frogfish was perhaps only 4 centimetres long. Its dorsal protrusions swayed rhythmically in the water, imitating the movements of a leaf shielding it from above. At least it did not flee, so I could easily frame the shot. I had been observing it for quite a while when suddenly it became motionless, and only its eyes betrayed that it was still alive. They stopped darting around like Howard Wolowitz's at the sight of a "skirt" and focused on an unsuspecting shrimp approaching from the right. The yellow fish's body bent slightly, adjusting its position, and then with a sudden, fraction-of-asecond leap, it lunged forward in a silent attack. The moment of opening its mouth and capturing the prey merged into one brief, practically imperceptible blink of an eye. There was no trace of the shrimp; only the frogfish shuddered slightly and belched three times. Apparently, it was in a fishy counterpart of my favourite Tuscan "Podere dell’ Anselmo", and it seemed to have enjoyed it.

The bag with local "treasures" had opened for good, and Takehiro was sending me from one place to another, indicating increasingly intricate objects. I somehow managed with the seahorse, but I could not manage its pygmy cousin hiding in the shadow of the rock. I simply could not spot it, even though our guide was showing me its current position with a long pointer. The pygmy kept moving instead of staying

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

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32

in one place. Embarrassingly, it was too fast for me. Unfortu-

water world, did I notice clouds increasingly shrouding the

nately, I did not have enough time to devote to it sufficiently.

peak of Mount Fuji visible beyond the cape. As predicted ear-

Instead, I focused on a two-centimetre squid clinging to the

lier, the sunny weather started to deteriorate, although the

underside of a leaf. Apparently, the very hungry little creature

sun still occasionally broke through, illuminating the green-

was swaying with the rhythm of the water's movements, trying

ery surrounding the bay of the forest with narrow beams of

to catch something in the surrounding oceanic soup.

light. Somewhere at the very end of the peninsula lay a small

In a mysterious way, the air pressure dropped to a level

temple, hidden and invisible from this spot. I had planned

indicating it was time to head back. We slowly ascended to the

to visit it before my second dive, but first, I needed to eat

surface when my attention was drawn to a rhythmic move-

something. Watching all these underwater creatures hunting,

ment below. After a moment, I located it. A fairly large, maybe

I realised that since morning I had only eaten two sandwiches

an eight-centimetre long tunicate was bouncing amusingly

with egg paste, bought at a 7Eleven on the highway. They

in place, attempting to break through an obstacle in its way.

were particularly good, but now it was already afternoon,

Unfortunately for it, it was the seabed, so it had a lot of work

and my stomach was growling louder and louder. Luckily,

ahead. However nonsensical its efforts were, it looked fascinat-

our centre shared premises with a tiny restaurant, where

ing. The transparent "bag" revealed its interior with a clearly

a lady named Youko cooked various dishes. The choice was

visible "skeleton" string running the entire length of its body,

not easy because instead of the pictorial menu I had become

along with internal organs that I could not recognise at all.

accustomed to in recent days, there were pieces of paper

Finally, I broke the surface of the water with my head, but

with the names of the dishes written on them, hanging verti-

only a moment later, stunned by the richness of the under-

cally to separate the kitchen from the dining area. The letters

travels

looked like bushes. And to top it off, they were in a vertical orientation, but that did not make much of a difference to me anymore. I still could not understand anything.

Takuya accepted my categorical opposition to seafood with stoic calmness.

He ordered me カツカレ the Katsukare dish. A bowl of rice covered in curry sauce topped with large grilled slices of sirloin. Damn, it was good! I would have had seconds, but the portion was so enormous that I could not fit even a single more grain of rice. Maybe if I had about twenty more minutes to catch my breath, I could manage a small second helping, but soon we were going to hit the water. We planned to dive at the eastern end of the bay, the only place where vegetation won over the volcanic terrain, and it was said to be very green...

And yet, I wanted to go and see the little temple. This day definitely did not have enough hours. And they were passing by too quickly. I do not know what some normalisation centres would say about it, but at Cape Ose, there was definitely some kind of spacetime curvature.

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33

under the ceiling

MEXICAN CAVES Text & Photos Przemysław Zyber

Well-known worldwide for their beautiful underwater topography, which includes extensive corridors, narrow passages, wells, tunnels and chambers, numerous rock formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates, creating beautiful and picturesque underwater landscapes.

But let’s start from the beginning.

THE NEXT STAGE OF INITIATION The first time in Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula I was soon after I started my adventure with diving. Having AOWD qualifications, I was delighted to penetrate the wonderful cenotes and savour the Mexican atmosphere. However, every time we passed by the plate with the skull and the inscription "CAVE DIVERS ONLY" I felt that one day I had to acquire enough skills and practice that this plate would only be information, and not a warning. It took 3 years, 600 dives and a whole lot of

34

pod sufitem

certificates, until I finally got back to Mexico as a cave diver

rays of the sun no longer reach, and the fauna practically

and started a new chapter of visiting Mayan cellars.

does not exist.

The cenotes are fantastic, but being able to go deeper, further and explore narrower parts, I had the impression that

LET'S GO :)

I was discovering Mexico anew.

The routes in the cenotes are visited by dozens of divers a day,

In the previous article I illustrated the phenomenon of Mexican cenotes, a beautiful play of lights, powerful crypts

so the visibility is not always perfect, although the local waters are famous for their clarity. So how will it be in the cave?

and half-flooded corridors. In this issue we will descend into

I pass a plate with a dead skull and the inscription: "CAVE

the abyss deep, much deeper, exploring the caves where the

DIVERS ONLY" and a smile on my face. I say goodbye to the

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

35

under the ceiling

last rays of the sun disappearing behind my fins, because what

IT'S SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL!

calls me louder and louder is in front of me.

Dive sites are usually located deep in the jungle, so experiencing

My eyes open in amazement! I have already swam in

the amazing, tropical fauna and flora is an additional bonus in

many places and I know, what a good visibility is, but the crystal

the package! Diving in crystal clear water, with a very comfy tem-

clear water in the caves of the Yucatan knocks down. You don't

perature, significantly improves exploration. If you add to this

have the feeling that you're swimming – you have the feeling

unique rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites or underground

that you're flying in the air.

rivers – you will admit that it is worth trying it at least once.

Absolutely crystal clear water without a single speck is stunning.

I look around and I can't believe my eyes! Dripstone

routes and the opportunity to dive from different points. This

forms – stalagmites, stalactites and already connected col-

opens up the possibility of exploring different zones of the cave

umns, create a fairy-tale landscape. The purity of the limestone

and discovering new beautiful places.

rock and the reflected light of the flashlights – intensify the feeling of delight.

36

I will also mention that it often happens that Mexican caves have more than one entrance, which allows divers a variety of

HOWEVER, IT IS NOT A PLAYGROUND!

I already know why it is the Mecca of cave divers.

Beautiful rock formations, crystal clear water and the unique

The pleasure of penetrating these places makes time fly in-

atmosphere of the caves create an exceptional environment

exorably and you do not even notice when an hour has passed

for exploration. However, you should always be aware of the

and 1/3 of the gases in the cylinders are consumed hurrying

safety and risks associated with diving in this type of environ-

you to turn back.

ment, so it is extremely important to have the right experience

After a blink of an eye – another hour passes and you see

and certification before starting your adventure with cave div-

the first rays of the sun realising that this is the end of this dive.

ing. Cave diving is one of the most demanding types of div-

under the ceiling

(...) it often happens that Mexican caves have more than one entrance, which allows divers a variety of routes and the opportunity to dive from different points.

THE FIRST and at the same time the most beautiful for me photographically is a cave with fresh water, to the depth where the halocline is located.

The halocline, depending on the cave, is located at different depths. Sometimes it is already at 9 meters, and sometimes at 13. The water to the halocline is sweet and you can drink it with confidence. Anyway, the Maya still use cenotes and caves as a source of drinking water.

Why do I like to swim to the depths of the halocline the

ing. Narrowed spaces, lack of access to surfaces – a ceiling

most? Because fresh water does not dissolve dripstone forma-

overhead at all times, loss of visibility and potential traps are

tions. In fresh water, the variety of rock formations is incredibly

factors that make cave diving should always be done according

abundant. The ceiling is decorated with thousands of icicles,

to procedures. Safety should be a priority, so it is important

the columns poured like wax dripping from a candle, the bot-

to follow procedures, properly plan dives and prepare for var-

tom like a fighting porcupine.

ious emergency situations.

Therefore, inonly trained cave divers have the right to enter the caves. This type of diving belongs to the so-called technical

During these shallow dives, I practically do not move the camera away from my eye. The most difficult decision is: make a film or take a picture? There is no end to the euphoria.

diving, which includes advanced skills, knowledge and equip-

THE SECOND type of caves are those in which the halo-

ment. Cave diving is a serious undertaking, so it is important

cline passes through the centre, as e.g. in a cave called Eden.

to be properly trained and prepared.

When swimming on the border of fresh water and salt water,

MY DIVISION OF CAVES

there is a feeling of blurred, unfocused vision. Every slightest movement at the interface of fresh and salt water causes

Swimming in many Mexican caves, I personally see the division

a domino-like reaction. The water begins to mix, deteriorating

into 3 types of caves:

visual acuity. The feeling is unusual and interesting at the same

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

37

pod sufitem To dive in caves, you absolutely must have a cave diver certificate and appropriate cave diving experience.

38

under the ceiling

time. The more that salt water is 2 to 3 degrees warmer, so the

"Seba (it’s his nickname), and how would you divide the caves

jump from sweet 24 degrees to salty 26 degrees gives a huge

in Mexico?" Without thinking, he replied: into the backmount

difference especially in a wetsuit.

caves (i.e. it is high enough that you can swim in the rebreath-

Playing with halocline is great, the only downside is the dif-

er mounted on your back) and sidemount caves (where the

ficulty of taking pictures caused by mixing waters of different

ceiling is too low for the back set). After this conversation,

density and temperature.

I found that there are probably more such divisions, because

Unfortunately, below the halocline, the dripstone forms are already poorer. Both fresh water and salt water are crystal clear, only the moment of entering the halocline significantly limits visibility.

THE THIRD type of caves are those under the halocline

everyone looks at the caves explored a little differently, always from their unique perspective.

LET'S SUMMARIZE To dive in caves, you absolutely must have a cave diver certifi-

with only salt water. Dripstone forms practically do not exist

cate and appropriate cave diving experience. If you have one,

there because salt has dissolved them. The water is warmer

I highly recommend Mexican caves.

and as clear as fresh water. The rocks look like pumice stone.

To fully enjoy Mexico, I recommend a minimum stay of

They are sharp and often perforated like a sieve. Smooth white

2 weeks. Then you will find time not only to explore the caves,

walls and ceilings dominate. Sometimes there are some inter-

but also to dive in the Caribbean Sea (e.g. with sharks) and

esting places, but there is no comparison with shallow, fresh

explore the extremely interesting remnants of Mayan culture.

water.

Maybe you will succeed and get a taste of Mexican "mani-

Each of the types I listed above has its own charm and advantages.

ana". ("Maniana" – a relaxed, calm and slow approach to life; completely different from the European approach). That is

I recently encountered a surprising division that has not

why it is worth planning a few days to relax – this place is

occurred to me so far. I called a friend who had also been

simply conducive to this. In addition, Mexico offers so many

to Mexico a few times. The difference between us is that he

activities besides diving that there is certainly something

dives in a rebreather and I dive in a sidemount. I asked him

for everyone.

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

39

fresh water

HORKA QUARRY Alles klar (?)

Text & Photos Łukasz Metrycki

I

t is located about an hour away by A4 motorway from the Polish-German border in Jędrzychowice, so the distance from Lower Silesia is more than acceptable. According

to assumptions, the infrastructure itself is at a high level.

A large parking lot with several shelters randomly arranged, neat sanitary facilities with a shower, a bar where you can order hot drinks, soup, as well as standard sweet and salty snacks. On a day like this, falling on our visit, where the sun had no mercy, the amount of shade may not be enough and, on top of that, I heard from a regular visitor that the number of

Saxony abounds in beautiful dive sites, and due to its attractive location, it is a frequent choice of divers from Polish.

Many well-known quarries, such as Wetro (described by me in the 25th issue of Perfect Diver), Prelle or Wildschutz, are undoubtedly second in popularity to Horka, called the pearl of Lusatia.

visitors on that day was very small compared to how it can be there. Therefore, dressing in warmers and dry suits, I think, is not the most pleasant thing to do on Horka – at least for those who overslept and did not catch a bit of shade ;) From the organizational point of view, the entrance for the diver (including freedivers) is €15, the accompanying person €2, and the cost of filling the cylinders varies, depending on the capacity, from €8 for 10 L cylinders to €12 for 15 L. The base also offers accommodation in the form of several rooms in the resort, but also places for camping vehicles and tents.

40

fresh water

After

descending

the

next stairs – this time more pleasant, because already in the water – we immediately notice spectacular granite formations. The entrance itself is gentle, and then after a dozen or so meters we get to the pier at about 8 m, where we can check for the last time whether everything in our equipment is okay. This is quite important because, starting the dive along the wall on the left, we very quickly reach a depth of about 30 m.

At first, we saw a long table with... asparagus. There you will find everything and nothing, from various cows or squirrels figures, through mobile phones, to bottles and tableware.

Continuing the dive, we saw a road sign "limited to 30 km/h", as well as the remains of the quarry infrastructure from before the flooding, i.e. the remains of the building and fragments of pipelines. The water temperature at the bottom, at approx.

34 m, was 5–6°C, as expected. Unfortunately, a fly in the ointment that day was the visibility. I must admit that I heard a lot about Horka and its excellent visibility (supposedly reaching up to 15 m), but at the beginning – at the stage of registration in the base – we were brought down to earth. We were informed that due to the increased flowering and yellow dust – which also took its toll in Poland this spring – the visibility does not knock down and is less than 5 m. It is worth noting that despite this, flashlights on Horka are almost unnecessary – which is To get to the reservoir we have to cross a narrow and un-

attributed to the colour of the rocks – and even while we were

paved road leading to the parking lot of the diving base (the

brushing along the bottom, it was quite bright. After the dive,

sign "pedestrian crossing, with a diver in full gear" warns the

we took a well-deserved surface interval and took advantage

driver that a diver, like a doe, may suddenly jump out of no-

of the beautiful weather catching the rays of the sun in front of

where – not at all crushed by the weight of their twinset :)).

our shelter. Of course, we used the break to refill the cylinders,

There are quite steep stairs waiting for us leading to the en-

which we transported on trolleys intended for this purpose,

trance (interesting fact – separate stairs, in order to smooth

which are part of the base equipment. This is especially helpful

the traffic, lead to the exit) to the reservoir with several places

for two-cylinder sets.

where we can relax before entering the water after climbing so many steps.

For the second dive, we chose the route with the wall on the right. Holding onto the anchor line, we reached the main

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

41

fresh water

– artificial – attraction for divers, i.e. three sharks located at 18 m. Despite their menacing appearance, they are very friendly, photogenic and willing to pose :) After an extensive photo session, we continued our dive, penetrating the coves on the eastern wall, which with its three "toes", resembled the shape of the Greek Chalkidiki Peninsula. The depth we can reach there is maximum 14–16 m, and the underwater flora is immeasurably richer than that on the western wall visited during the first immersion. Whole formations of dense grasses and other plants were beautifully complemented by the rays of the sun entering the water. Just like during the first dive, we were not enchanted by the richness of the fauna, because apart from a few small perches, we saw nothing more. Until recently, you could meet a pike – a regular visitor, but unfortunately a few years ago it ended its days. It is said that it had visited Horka for several years (!)

To sum up, Horka is a very good proposition for divers from the south-western part of the Poland due to its location. Others – from further parts of the country – will not be disappointed either, because it is an extremely charming place with very good infrastructure. It is worth considering a 2-day stay and taking advantage of several accommodation options, especially since Horka allows us to do so. You can plan dives in

42

fresh water

different parts of the reservoir, spend a nice time with family or friends at the barbecue and stay overnight in a rented cottage or pitched tent. In terms of diving conditions – especially as far as visibility is concerned, you can certainly hit better than us and although I think that it was not bad, I hope that one day I will be able to visit this place and see the crystal clear waters promised by so many!

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

43

fresh water

DIVING IN GREAT BRITAIN

CHEPSTOW Text & Photos Tomasz Kulczyński

U

nfortunately, the site I am describing is no longer available for diving. I hope this will change in the course of time. I wanted to leave this information for the end, but

I figured you'd guess anyway because of the past tense I use...

Nevertheless, I encourage you to read on, as it will introduce you to a place that is currently shrouded in mystery, and the activities taking place there could make a good background for a sci-fi movie script.

The National Diving & Activity Centre at Chepstow lies on

WELCOME TO THE SECOND ARTICLE IN A SERIES OF DIVE ARTICLES COVERING THE MOST POPULAR AND ORIGINAL SITES ON THE GREAT BRITAIN'S UNDERWATER MAP. IN TODAY'S ISSUE I INVITE YOU TO THE

NATIONAL DIVING & ACTIVITY CENTRE (NDAC), LOCATED IN SOUTHEAST WALES.

the border of England and Wales. The reservoir was famous for being the deepest dive site in Great Britain. Officially, of course, because unofficially there are deeper sites where diving is forbidden – I hope you understand. I will explain more about this in the future articles, so stay tuned. As is usually the case, an old mine has been converted into a diving site. Limestone was quarried there which gives the water its beautiful azure colour. An interesting phenomenon occurs during rainfall, of which there is no shortage in Wales. Rainwater falling into the reservoir becomes cloudy and looks as if someone

44

fresh water

I can say without hesitation that this was one of the few dive spots where you could come back dozens of times and there was always something new to discover.

has poured milk into the water. There was also a large popu-

dry suits and head back down. The ride through the narrow

lation of rainbow trout in the reservoir which can only survive

paths of the quarry, combined with the thrill of the travellers,

in crystal clear water.

was quite an attraction itself.

The maximum depth of the dive site is 76 m. It varies de-

NDAC Chepstow was growing before my eyes. During my

pending on the season and how deep you can stick your hand

first visits I had the opportunity to observe the fledgling infra-

into the silt on the bottom 🙂 The relatively great depth at-

structure. The compressor room, along with a small tin room

tracted crowds of technical divers from all over England. They

where you paid the entry fee, a car park and a small shuttle

were able to push the limits of recreational diving there and

bus taking divers down – that was all there was. However,

hone their skills.

changes were taking place at a very fast pace. Special huts,

On site there was a huge compressor room with air, oxygen,

so-called wigwams, were created where you could stay over-

and helium available. As for the diving attractions, there were

night. I remember how convenient it was to spend the night by

really quite a few. The most popular ones were Sea King MK4

the water. There were plenty of attractions to explore around

helicopter, the wreck of a BAE 146 passenger plane, a dou-

the quarry, which was a big plus for the families who eagerly

ble-decker bus, armoured vehicles, lots of cars, etc. I can say

visited Chepstow, and the most important benefit of sleeping

without hesitation that this was one of the few dive spots

on site – you are the first on the dive the next day. The num-

where you could come back dozens of times and there was always something new to discover. At the maximum depth of the basin there was a sizeable sea buoy, similar to those you see at sailing races or triathlon competitions.

This quarry was quite specific. You had to drive down to the surface of the water by bus, as there was not enough room for parking at the bottom. There was a narrow road leading down, at the end of which there were a few wooden pallets covered with fabric. It was a place where equipment could be taken out of the bus and further transported into the water. A huge platform floated on the surface of the reservoir. A platform that was so long that I still remember the effort it took to carry the twin set and four stage cylinders from the bus stop to the last station on the platform. It was so tiring that we came up with the idea of going downhill with the equipment immediately after arrival, then returning by bus to the top. After a short rest we would get dressed in

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

45

fresh water

There is information published on websites and social media saying that the entire NDAC complex has been sold to a company whose aim is to develop equipment to enable people to live deep underwater… ber of cottages in the area grew at such a rate that it is hard for me to say how many there actually were, but it surely was impressive. A huge restaurant with a bar was built, followed by an observation deck that offered a beautiful view of the quarry and the surrounding area. Buses arrived that ran non-stop at 10-minute intervals. The small tin office was replaced by a large and fully equipped dive shop and dive school.

This was topped off by attractions for non-divers such as

46

with the whole family and not just for a diving trip, but for a whole weekend or a longer holiday.

a zip wire pulled over the entire quarry, or a giant swing (like

For me it was a very sentimental place. It was here that

those found in amusement parks) located at the very top of

my adventure with really great depths began. It was here

one of the quarry walls. On a regular basis, a crane appeared

that I became a technical diving instructor, and it was here

on site, where visitors could take a bungee jump. There was

that I carried out preparations for deeper dives. Before my

also an opportunity to try your hand at flyboarding, a board

eyes, the site was changing month by month and this is where

propelled by water under pressure – very impressive by the

some of my best diving memories come from. NDAC attract-

way – and an inflatable obstacle course on the water. Add

ed a lot of interesting people. Manufacturers doing surveys,

to this all the infrastructure for freedivers. It is truly amazing

testing their dive equipment. Television filming documentary

to see a guy in swimming goggles and a monofin at a depth of

programmes. There was always a chance to see some familiar

70 m 😉! I can definitely say that this was the place for a diver

face, a student, or a friend who, like me, were improving their

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diving skills. Sometimes it was hard to leave, you always wanted to have a few words with everyone, to discuss and get feedback on new equipment, or just to chat for a while.

You might be wondering why NDAC Chepstow has been closed. Official reports suggest that a pandemic is the reason for the closure of the Great Britain's deepest dive site. Given the number of people working there, it is no surprise that it happened. There is information published on websites and social media saying that the entire NDAC complex has been sold to a company whose aim is to develop equipment to enable people to live deep underwater... As strange and exotic as it sounds, believe me, on further reflection, in my opinion it is the perfect place to conduct this kind of research 😉 In my imagination I look into the future and see NDAC reopening to divers, with the possibility of spending a night underwater in a comfortable capsule with a breathtaking view. That would be an amazing experience. I leave the rest to your imagination.

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

47

sponsored article

AT THE

BARE

DRY SUIT FACTORY

INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE BARE DRY SUIT FACTORY IN MALTA

DENNIS STIVALA. Interviewed by Wojciech Zgoła

Bare celebrates 50 years on the market. It's a big piece of experience. But how did you start? I'm interested in those few years or months before Bare was established. Did Bare has that name right from the start? And where did the idea for such a company come from?

The brand BARE was established in 1972 in a small shop on the coast in British Colombia. Two keen and passionate divers, whose surnames were Cartwright and FitzGerald, eventually formed the company FitzWright, based in Langley, British Colombia. FitzWright was eventually purchased by Suunto in around 1994. In 1997, a Eu-

´ Purchase of the latest technology heat taping machines.

ropean manufacturing facility was set up in Malta, called FitzWright

´ Upgrading of the leak testing tables, including appropriate lighting

Europe Malta, Ltd.and it’s purpose was to manufacture and sell wetsuits and drysuits directly to Suunto’s European BARE customers.

and pressurized systems. ´ Upgrading the working environment by (a) installing air-condi-

The FitzWright Group of Companies (Canada and Malta) was finally

tioners for the comfort of the employees, and the control of the

purchased by Huish Outdoors in 2011.

humidity (b) strengthened the air extraction systems to ensure

What technological innovations has the Bare factory introduced

trhat the air quality is the same or better than the International

in the production of drysuits in recent years?

standards.

In the last 5 years, there was a huge investment in the latest equip-

What steps have been taken to ensure the quality and durability

ment, with the scope of manufacturing the best quality drysuit

of the suits in terms of technology?

worldwide. Below is a list of some of the investments:

We have first of all invested in Human resorces, and expanded the

´ Purchase of the Gerber automatic cutter for excellent cutting

Quality department, consisting of a Quality Manager and two Quality

quality.

inspectors. We have also set up an Engineering department, with

´ Purchase of material inspection machine.

the scope of improving internal manufacturing procedures; and also

´ Setting up of a material wash testing station to test new materials.

working closely with the design team in Canada and the BARE Brand

´ Purchase of a laying / cutting machine for single sizes.

Manager in the USA on product development and process improvements. Regarding the quality of BARE drysuits, we are recording the pass-rate of all the new drysuits we test weekly, and I am happy to say that 95% of all drysuits tested are leak-free on the first leak test.

What were the main factors that contributed to the development of the Bare brand in the dry suit market?

Durability, fantastic fit, extensive range of sizes, 7 year warranty on seams, and 6 year limited material warranty. Also, effective after sales service, and a sales team that are fully supportive of our clients around the world.

All Bare drysuits and undersuits are made in Malta, why choose a factory location?

In 1997, Suunto and FitzWright were looking for a factory in Europe which already had the skills of working with neoprene products.

48

sponsored article

They finally found a factory located in Malta which already had such skills, and employed a General Manager to organize and expand the manufacturing activity.

A few years ago Bare was acquired by Huish Outdoors, did this move make a lot of difference and how did it influence the development of Bare in the world?

BARE was purchased by Huish Outdoors in 2011. The CEO of Huish Outdoors was very determined to improve and expand both BARE brand as a world player, and the Malta manufacturing facility. Therefore the aquisition of BARE by Huish has proved to be a very positive step, which has strengthed the company in Malta. It is today called BARE Sports Europe, Ltd. How do you assess the Polish market and the development of Bare in our country?

BARE Sports Europe began selling BARE products into Poland around 23 years ago. We are very happy to have choosen, from the very start, very reliable partners ECN, and this has enabled the BARE

I only wear BARE products, because I trust the quality and perfor-

brand to expand rapidly, and establish a dominant position in the

mance. The BARE DNA is the best in the diving industry.

Polish market.

I recommend watching Perfect Diver. You are already 50 years

Privately, do you ever dive in a wetsuit or a dry suit other than

old and we are only 5 :)

Bare?

I look forward to watching Perfect Diver!

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PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

49

knowledge

DIVING

A WAY TO GET TO KNOW YOURSELF

Text Aldona Dreger, Agnieszka Romańczuk Photos Jacek Twardowski

THIS ARTICLE IS AIMED AT BEGINNERS WHO ARE APPREHENSIVE ABOUT DIVING, WANT TO PROGRESS IN THIS DIRECTION AND AT THE SAME TIME FEEL THE BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT.

I

t appears that Polish adults, compared to other Europeans, feel on the verge of burnout (STADA Health Report

Alright, but what is the relevance of getting to know oneself better here, and what does this have to do with diving?

2022 online survey). The pandemic has exacerbated stress

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” said

in us. Add to that the war in Ukraine and galloping inflation. It

Aristotle. And to put it in simple language, knowing oneself is

simply can't get any worse. We are trying to fight our bad mood

the starting point of everything. Development is one of those

by taking vitamins, supplements and attending fitness class-

things, and it is all about expanding one's own resources – and

es. The youngest age group surveyed, 18–24 years old, which

these resources will help us the most with dealing with stress

represents 36 % of Poles, believes they are on the verge of

and living the life to the fullest. So, in other words, to cope

burnout. In contrast, 41 % of Polish adults say their stress levels

with stress, to perform better or even to just feel happier – it is

have increased significantly since the start of the COVID-19

worth knowing ourselves better and getting to our resources.

pandemic, the fifth highest national percentage in the STADA

Getting to know ourselves is very important in the process

Health Report 2022 (the survey average was 37 %).

of reaching our own ways of coping with life. It presupposes knowing all the positive qualities of one's personality. Unfor-

https://www.prawo.pl/zdrowie/stres-i-wypalenie-w-badani-

tunately, the truth is that we know very little about ourselves.

ach-polakow-na-tle-europy,516388.html

Besides, we tend to put more emphasis on the flaws and negative character traits. The consequences then tend to be frustra-

50

knowledge

tion, bitterness, lack of acceptance, lack of confidence and self-belief. Excessive focus on faults and negatives makes us lack joy, enthusiasm, harmony, and serenity. It is also a paradox that we value the least what is the most valuable in us. Perhaps this is because we take too many things for granted. Knowing oneself implies accepting one's weaknesses and limitations, but also knowing one's strengths. There is a kind of bipolarity in every human being: good and weak sides. In life, it is especially important to know the weakest points, the weakest link. This is because these are the places where we are most likely to fall. Getting to know yourself is not about changing everything about yourself. Moreover, in life, you cannot change everything. Rather, it is about evolving in the right direction, accepting our own weaknesses, and delighting in our strengths. Each of us has many limitations – often they are self-imposed. When faced with a difficult task, we say things like “I can't, I won't make it” – we lack confidence.

Diving can be a great lesson in overcoming one's lim-

(...) overcoming one's own limitations as well as learning something new in a natural environment, in the context of communing with nature – that give us something more – our confidence, our self-esteem changes radically.

itations and learning to be confident. Those who have decided to take up this form of recreation often feel fear at first.

This is a perfectly natural feeling. The new environment and

Plus, it's a fantastic way to work as a group, to communicate

simply going underwater raises concerns. The first breath un-

non-verbally, to learn to trust" – says Aldona, a diver for seven

derwater is a victory of reason over instinct, when the instinct

years, and diving instructor at WeWell Diving.

responsible for survival clearly signals us that what we are

Diving is also a fantastic way of learning new skills. The wa-

about to do goes against our nature, that we cannot breathe

ter helps us to learn new movement capabilities. Memorising

underwater after all! The pounding of the heart, the rapid

procedures, the language of underwater communication, etc. –

breathing, the clinging to 'solid land' are all symptoms of fear.

all of this is a kind of "overcoming difficulties" exercise, and it is

The moment we overcome these barriers; we begin to feel

an experience incomparably richer than learning to ride a bike.

an incredible satisfaction. We even out our breathing, begin

It is these two things – overcoming one's own limitations

to move, look around underwater, and enter a completely dif-

as well as learning something new in a natural environment,

ferent dimension.

in the context of communing with nature – that give us some-

IS THIS AN ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE? Of course it is! It is also a great idea for group cooperation.

In one of the swimming pool facilities, not far from Warsaw, we found out that there are workshops for organised

thing more – our confidence, our self-esteem changes radically.

Sometimes we don't realise or even don't want to admit that we lack confidence. It is only when we experience a sudden change in this sphere that we realise how far we have not believed in our own abilities.

groups, at a depth of about 1.5 metres, which is not much.

"In addition, conditions underwater, if only because the en-

They involve performing simple tasks using diving equipment,

vironment itself has changed, are more difficult than on the

based on cooperation. For example, at this depth there are

surface. If we can see what we have dealt with, despite these

pipes and other elements that need to be located, moved, and

conditions, what can we do on the surface? Suddenly these

assembled. This work is designed for people who want to dive,

difficult situations on the surface become easier to deal with.

but the very fact that they have to go underwater paralyses

Before I started my diving adventure, I often lacked confidence

them. The task-oriented nature of this exercise distracts them

– something I didn't fully realise, I heard it from the others.

from the mere fact of being under the surface of the water.

Only now do I see that this was true and thanks to diving this

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

51

knowledge

has changed. My self-confidence is on a completely different

psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) has recently made a ca-

level and that helps me a lot in life," – Aldona says.

reer and became fashionable. 'Flow' refers to that mental state

DIVING – A LESSON OF EMPATHY Diving is a social sport; you usually dive in a group and a kind of bond is often formed between divers. We learn to understand others much better, by looking at them and guessing from their facial expressions or body movements we can sense their mood better.

gy, flow can be described as a state of upliftment accompanied by feelings of pleasure and happiness.

Under water we are more careful, focused on the present moment, the here and now.

"By going below the surface of the water there is a literal disconnection from the outside world for a moment. What is so

"I have always been empathetic. But more so towards oth-

difficult to do on the surface, given the amount and intensity of

ers, less so towards myself. When you dive, you get a lesson

the stimuli that descend upon us every day, becomes possible

in empathic awareness or attentive empathy (when you focus

underwater. On top of that, weightlessness relieves stress on

first on yourself and how your body reacts to being under-

your joints, you become lighter, you feel as if you were getting

water, what you have to control, and you also have to keep

wings. This lightness allows us to judge certain situations more

an eye on the partner you are diving with). You see your own

lightly, big problems become smaller, easier to solve. In fact, we

breathing, and through the bubbles you see your partner's

just look at them from a different perspective. Since I started

breathing, whether they are nervous or not, you touch their

diving, I appreciate the small things more often, the here and

forearm to make them feel calmer. Under water, the level of

now – I enjoy it more. You could say diving wings me, or per-

responsibility for the other person increases. I once heard

haps more aptly 'in my fins I feel like I have wings', underwater

a mother who was diving with her teenage children say that

and on the surface" – comments Aldona.

when they started diving, she felt their children's care for her,

In summary, diving can help you get to know yourself,

something she hadn't experienced before in everyday life. She

to know what makes you happy, to regain balance, to build

felt truly cared for by them," – Aldona says.

confidence or empathy. It perfects us in various aspects that

DIVING AND EXPERIENCING THE STATE OF “FLOW” The word 'flow' (a term defined by the well-known Hungarian

52

when we feel fully immersed in what we are doing. In psycholo-

boil down to a common denominator – our better mental health and overall well-being. It's worth diving in to get to know yourself better.

knowledge

WHERE ARE THE BOUNDARIES OF AN ADVENTURE? I remember watching the Indiana Jones adventures on TV with bated breath as a child. I visited distant countries with him and I couldn't wait to see what was about to happen to him. Adventure films attracted me like a magnet.

Text & Photos Dominik Dopierała

L

ife wasn't that colourful, so I looked for adventures in

myself, because you can't bore others for hours – especially

books. With each new book and film, I wanted more and

since I never know if they ask out of politeness or if they are

more. I think that they awakened in me curiosity about

really interested.

the world and endless rush for new sensations.

Diving has always been a big part of my life. I didn't look at

a curiosity about the world. Each of us has their own story.

it as an adventure, however, but as a way of spending time. It

There is, however, one thing I am sure of, and I've learnt this

was a natural part of the only holidays my family and I went on.

after thousands of dives, hundreds of trips. And no one can

Thanks to my dad, a diving instructor and the president of the

convince me otherwise, as I encounter with this on every day

local diving club, I had a childhood full of trips, competitions,

basis in my professional career as a diving instructor. People

meetings with people, rescue operations. I met wonderful peo-

who start diving are... different. More interesting. More hungry

ple who shaped me and trained me to be a diver and then

for the world. They are ADVENTURERS.

a diving instructor.

54

I don't know what movies or books have instilled in you

It's all these wonderful people who drive me to get on

Every time I thought I had seen it all, my diving adven-

a plane again and fly to Egypt for the hundredth time. Often

ture was just beginning. When I look back on these years

on my way I meet divers on boats, in a diving centre, on a plane.

today, I see what I should have understood a long time ago.

They're going diving. They want to dive. They invested their time

My journey will still be long and certainly not easy, and it will

in basic training. They bought very expensive equipment. They

probably never end. It is the most fun for me to show this ad-

fly to the other hemisphere. They are looking for adventure.

venture and instil its spirit in my trainees. People often ask me

The saddest thing is when these people don't find it. Very

what is so cool about diving? And most often I have to check

often I hear that some of them no longer dive. I don't have

knowledge

(...) at the beginning of your adventures you do not know what is for you and what is not. You trust the Instructors and this is the right way. But even the best dive instructor can't read your mind and guess what you like or don't like.

to ask why. The answer is almost always the same. These peo-

read your mind and guess what you like or don't like. I can't

ple didn't find what they were looking for. No matter what

imagine diving in a mask with transparent silicone, but you may

it was. Often they themselves did not know what they were

like the transparent silicone in the mask and the blue frame,

looking for.

and what's more, you will feel more comfortable because more

I will try to introduce you to various diving adventures in

light will fall into the mask. Until the Instructor receives feed-

a series of articles. All diver training organisations offer many

back from you, he or she acts on his or her intuition. Sure, you

specialised courses. Each of them is a different adventure. They

didn't know you wanted a car with air conditioning until you

were created to make it easier for beginner divers to gain ex-

tried it and bought another one now. But are you sure you use

perience, knowledge and give a lot of fun. Some of them are

a heated steering wheel?

very serious training, others are easy and short. In my training

How your career goes depends not only on you, but above

organisation, the advanced program consists of five different

all on how many resources you invest – time nobody really

"Adventure" dives. As in a drugstore, you would get five differ-

has, money and commitment. I have been advising all my

ent sachets of creams to test them. Try and decide for yourself

pupils in the same way for years. If you are not a lucky per-

if this cream is for you.

I believe that you have to make up your own mind. If you have tried something and you know it is for you, then you have a chance to continue it. Conversely, maybe this part of the dive isn't for you or isn't fun. Some are delighted with colourful fish, others, like me, with photography or wrecks. This list is really long. You can combine specialisations with your advanced training, just ask your Instructor about it. The Instructor will certainly present you with all the available options.

I often talk to my trainees about their careers and what they expect from diving. I often cite an example of buying a car.

A customer: Good morning, I want to buy a car!

Salesperson: Sporty, sedan, minivan? What colour? What engine?

How about transmission?

The salesperson can ask hundreds of questions, but if the customers do not know what they want, it will be difficult for them to buy a car. Until I bought my first car with an automatic transmission, I had no idea that I needed it for life. This is the case in diving, at the beginning of your adventures you do not know what is for you and what is not. You trust the Instructors and this is the right way. But even the best dive instructor can't

55

knowledge

son who has all the resources in abundance, you should manage them wisely. Especially developing as a diver. You should start with training during which you will gain experience. You will meet people who share the same passion.

Go somewhere! It doesn't matter if it's near or far, just go diving. Preferably with people you met on the course. If you liked it, sign up together for the next training. Go somewhere again.

If you want to spend money on your first equipment, then... spend them on a trip.

After a few courses, a few trips, 30–40 dives, you will form your opinion. And you will probably answer the question of what drives you in diving.

Maybe only then you will advisedly choose the right training

get a lot of knowledge from your Instructor and immediately

from the rich offer on the market. Or maybe, after all the

use it in the water. You will go out of water, correct your mis-

curses, you will find yourself already equipped with the tools

takes, discuss new techniques with the instructor and go diving

you need in realising your dreams and diving plans.

again. You will learn to dive being over-dived. And each course

There are specialised courses that seem essential for

will be a different interesting adventure.

development and those that some that seem to be fun.

In the following episodes, I will try to convince you to a spe-

Each of them was created for a specific purpose, was tried

cific specialist training. I will try to show you where in your

and tested by many diving instructors and accepted by a given

career you will be able to use the skills from this program.

organisation. They all have one thing in common that distin-

Maybe my article will also allow you to decide that the train-

guishes them from basic training. There were specific skills

ing is not for you. And so I will succeed, you will form your

– passing tests, swimming pool and open waters. Exams. On

opinion. Of course, I will discuss courses from the "must have"

the basic training, the Instructors have built your foundation

series, which are necessary for every diver who wants to go

necessary to dive. There was a lot of work and knowledge. On

abroad. But I will take up the challenge and try to convince

advanced, specialised training you will only have fun. You will

you to take each course. I conducted each of these courses many times and used the knowledge with my trainees. I will rely on specialisations in my training federation. In other federations training names or programs may differ slightly. But the main idea behind each course is the same, regardless of the organisation or country. You are supposed to have fun diving.

My articles will not replace your training on a specialist course. Their goal will be to motivate you to take an interest in a given issue. And if I can get you to sign up for a specialist course with your Instructor, I will consider it a success. In the next episode, I will discuss then the subject of "Deep Diving".

Together, we will see if this is your career path.

56

30.

Akcja Sprzątanie świata-Polska

www.naszaziemia.pl facebook/naszaziemia instagram/naszaziemia

Sprzątanie świata łączy ludzi

Finał Akcji 15-17 września 2023

planet earth

BLACK-AND-WHITE, AND YET COLOURFUL DIVERS FROM THE NORTH Text & Photos WOJCIECH JAROSZ

It all starts with a jump from the cliff into the abyss. Hasty, or even seemingly desperate movements of small wings unexpectedly prevent the animal from crashing into coastal rocks.

usually not really the ultimate in elegance, but in a moment the bird will plunge into the depths, where it will turn out to be an extremely efficient and graceful underwater swimmer.

Puffins (Fratercula arctica), like other birds of the Alcidae family, are excellent at swimming and diving. They have developed many adaptations that allow them to hunt effectively underwater. So they have heavier bones than most birds, which is due to the smaller number of air pockets, and thanks to which it is easier for them to immerse themselves after

58

What's more, the flight turns out to be effective enough

making a quick flip. Under water, they move extremely effec-

to allow the bird to fly to where it can hunt its victims. It hap-

tively, because just like penguins they use wings – it looks as if

pens that there are kilometres to overcome from a small patch

they are flying under water. They use their webbed feet during

of rock, from which the expedition for prey began, but the

diving more for steering than propulsion. In immersion they

cruising speed of the bird can reach 90 km/h, so the aviator is

usually remain for several seconds, but if necessary, a min-

not the worst one. The real fun begins after reaching the des-

ute or even longer. They can go down to 20, 30 or even 40

tination and landing on the surface of the sea. True, landing is

meters, although there are sources according to which they

planet earth

have been seen even deeper. They are protected from higher

new functionality of the PD website, where searching for arti-

pressure by a long and wide breastbone and a strong chest.

cles from any issue has become a pleasure – be sure to check

Their feathers, protected with a solid portion of oil gland se-

it out!). Skuas also often bother puffin parents returning with

cretions, do not absorb sea water. Speaking of salt water, it

food for chicks. These thieves fiercely attack birds returning

is worth mentioning that, like many other seabirds, they are

from their hunting grounds until they either flee away or give

great at removing excess salt with the nasal gland. All these

back their prey. If you are not going diving or are not planning

features make puffins function perfectly in the aquatic

a cruise on the coastal waters of the North Atlantic, where puf-

environment. If we add to this the ability to fly and the

fins can be met and cheered on when they try to escape skuas,

need to be on land during breeding, it turns out that we

take a look at one of the episodes of the beautiful series Blue

have "three-environmental" animals – water-air-land! The

Planet II, in which David Attenborough talks about this practice

order is not accidental. On land they spend the least time.

beautifully. Puffins during the dive chase, and even heard in

They need a place to lay an egg. Yes, it's not a mistake, puffins

a group, small fish. They are great at catching, for example,

lay only one egg per season (so applying a human scoop, all

herring, but they will not despise eel either. They can catch

puffins in the world are only children!). They do this in places

more fish, despite the fact that they already keep a few in their

where there is an opportunity to dig a burrow. So they look

beak. The special design of the beak, which is large for the size

for cliff coasts, where there is a layer of earth in which they

of an animal, with appropriate grooves, allows it to cope with

can drill corridors a meter long. All this to ensure the safety of

keeping 10 or more fish across. There were more than 60 of

their chicks. Access from land to nesting sites is very difficult,

them at the record holder!

but there is no shortage of sea pirates lurking for unprotect-

After incubating their egg, although the puffins do not sit

ed chicks. Usually, areas close to puffin colonies, and other

on the egg, but cover it with a wing, and after rearing the

seabirds as well, are closely patrolled by skuas, which Dear

young, they leave the land and switch to life at sea. Young

Readers of Perfect Diver could read about in the debut issue

birds spend even a few years like this before they mature.

1 (anyway, they still can – by the way, it is worth mentioning the

They try to place their first broods in the area where they

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

59

planet earth

In the mating season, i.e. in summer, it has a very colourful beak (...) By the way, I will add that this beak is fluorescent – it glows in the dark, which has recently been discovered, but it is not yet known what is the reason for the development of such a feature, although there are a few theories.

Where is it easiest to meet puffins? Where they form their colonies, that is, on the cliff coasts of northern Europe. The largest population is known from Iceland (this bird has become an element of culture and a national mascot there, on which Icelanders also try to make money in various ways), but it can also be found in the Faroe Islands, the Scandinavian Peninsula, Svalbard, Greenland and North America, and a little closer also on the British Isles and the northern coast of Brittany. Will you be able to recognise them? Look at the

60

were born. Returns to permanent places apply to more than

pictures. It is impossible to confuse a puffin with another bird.

90% of all puffins. It is worth mentioning that these birds are

In the mating season, i.e. in summer, it has a very colourful

constant in their feelings and every year, after many months

beak, which definitely dominates its face. By the way, I will add

of "separation", they find their partners in the same colonies

that this beak is fluorescent – it glows in the dark, which has

and try to reproduce again. This can take many years, as puf-

recently been discovered, but it is not yet known what is the

fins can live up to thirty years. Social behaviours and conven-

reason for the development of such a feature, although there

tions apply not only to the partner, but also to neighbours in

are a few theories. Also, the legs become very orange in the

colonies with a high density. Observations have shown that

summer season, which is clearly visible even from a distance,

puffins take their neighbourly relations seriously and can take

especially during landing. Due to the unique proportions and

care of them in sometimes complicated ways. Of the inter-

colours, absolutely everyone irrevocably falls in love with puf-

esting behaviours of these birds, it is worth mentioning their

fins as soon as they see them. I observed them several times

ability to use sticks when they want to scratch when their

during a cruise in the North Atlantic, and as soon as they

back itches. So far, they are the only seabirds in which such

appeared on the side of the yacht, there were signs of a smile,

abilities have been noticed.

or even a sullenness, on the faces of familiar Sailors, truly

planet earth

ADVERTISEMENT

tough sea wolves. Taking this opportunity, I send best regards to all sailors, especially those with whom I enjoyed watching puffins together. Speaking of sea people, it was once believed (or is it still believed?) that puffins are the incarnation of sailors and seamen killed in the sea. Returning to the birds themselves and their funny look, the Latin name is also associated with their appearance. Fratercula arctica is an Arctic brother translated from Latin. The described species is sometimes called the common puffin. It has close relatives belonging to two species of the same genus. These are the crested puffin (F. cirrhata) and the horned puffin (F. corniculata), which occur in the North Pacific.

I wish you to meet puffins on your way. Delight guaranteed!

NURKOWANIE KURSY POLSKIE CENTRUM NURKOWE NA MALCIE OFFICE@DIVEONMALTA.COM

+48604585389

WWW.DIVEONMALTA.COM PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

61

knowledge

LS R IR E G RN O C

A DIVE INTO CONFIDENCE Text Isadora Abuter Grebe

Photo Mocean Images

In the modern world, women and girls face numerous challenges that can significantly impact their self-love and self-confidence. The rise of social media, the influence of celebrities and the emphasis on selfoptimization have contributed to an environment where comparison and unrealistic standards prevail.

S

ocial media platforms often showcase the perfect life,

measure their worth based on external validation, and feel

flawless and shiny appearances, and unattainable beauty

a constant need to meet unrealistic standards. These challeng-

ideals, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

es can negatively affect one's self-esteem and self-confidence.

The constant exposure to these images and the pressure to conform to societal expectations can harm self-esteem and undermine a woman's sense of self-worth.

Wanting to achieve perfection and the culture of self-optimization can create an atmosphere where women and girls may feel the urge to constantly compare themselves to others,

62

But… Where is the link to scuba diving?

Scuba diving is an experience that can transform our lives by embracing our inner strength, cultivating self-confidence, and fostering self-love. This article will explore the empowering effects of scuba diving on women.

knowledge

*Disclaimer: It is important to note that while this article focus-

grace and freedom, irrespective of our body shape or size. This

es on the experiences of women, it is to acknowledge that scuba

weightless environment encourages body acceptance, empow-

diving has transformative power for both men and women when it

ering women to embrace their bodies for their functionality

comes to cultivating self-confidence and self-love. As this article is

and resilience rather than external appearance. By fostering

an episode of the “girls-corner” it focuses on women. Nevertheless,

body positivity, scuba diving helps us develop a stronger sense

the impact of scuba diving on men shall not be undermined.*

of self-love and appreciation.

Scuba diving serves as a powerful catalyst for women to build confidence and conquer personal limitations. En-

MINDFULNESS AND TRANQUILITY

gaging in this underwater adventure requires us to face our

Scuba diving encourages a state of mindfulness as we focus

fears, step out of our comfort zones, and develop new

on our breathing, surroundings, and the present moment. This

skills.

mindfulness practice promotes mental well-being, reducing anxiety, improving mental clarity, and enhancing self-aware-

Here are several key factors that contribute to the boost in

ness. Through diving, women can develop valuable coping

confidence for women in scuba diving:

mechanisms, self-care routines, and emotional resilience.

SKILL MASTERY

powering environment for women to connect, share expe-

Learning the technical aspects of scuba diving empowers

riences, and inspire one another. The sense of camaraderie

women with a sense of accomplishment and mastery over

and unity within these communities can contribute to personal

a challenging skill set. Overcoming the initial learning curve

growth and self-empowerment.

and successfully navigating underwater environments builds confidence in our abilities.

OVERCOMING FEAR

Scuba diving communities provide a supportive and em-

SHARED EXPERIENCES Women divers bond through shared challenges, triumphs, and breathtaking encounters underwater. These experiences

Encountering the unknown can be intimidating. By confronting

create lasting connections, boost self-confidence, and foster

fears, women become more resilient and gain a renewed sense

a sense of belonging.

of courage. The triumph over fear serves as a powerful reminder of our ability to overcome obstacles in other areas of life.

INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-RELIANCE

EMPOWERING ROLE MODELS Female divers, instructors, and leaders serve as examples of strength, courage, and determination, challenging societal

Scuba diving encourages self-reliance and independence, as

norms and breaking barriers. This can inspire women to em-

divers must take responsibility for their, and their buddies

brace their own capabilities, paving the way for increased

safety and well-being underwater. Mastering skills such as

self-confidence and self-love.

equipment setup, buddy communication, and problem-solving builds a strong sense of self and fosters personal growth. From

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

planning dives to managing equipment and ensuring safety,

Scuba diving involves being in a group, where teamwork and

women who engage in scuba diving develop a sense of au-

cooperation are crucial for safety and enjoyment. Women

tonomy and self-reliance. This independence extends beyond

develop communication skills, trust-building, and the ability

diving into other aspects of life, fostering personal growth, and

to work harmoniously with others. Through teamwork, we

a belief in one's capabilities.

learn the importance of supporting and relying on one anoth-

EMBRACING SELF-LOVE

er, fostering a sense of unity and connectedness.

Scuba diving provides women with a transformative experience that fosters self-love, acceptance, and appreciation.

Face your fear and change your life. Scuba diving helped

Through the depths, women discover the following aspects

me not only to discover underwater life but also to dis-

that contribute to their personal growth and self-fulfillment.

cover myself. I didn't imagine that I could do it. I started by

BODY POSITIVITY

learning how to swim in my thirties yes. Yes, it was difficult in the beginning till I became a good swimmer. I went to Sharm

Scuba diving offers a unique opportunity for women to shift

el Sheikh and I was able to snorkel free without a life jacket.

their focus from societal beauty standards to appreciating the

At this moment I looked around at the divers and I decided

capabilities and wonders of their bodies. Underwater, buoy-

to learn diving. One year later, I became a certified diver and

ancy eliminates the force of gravity, allowing us to move with

I started a new phase of my life. In the beginning, I faced

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

63

knowledge

In the photos Iman Haroun, „The difference between the two photos is almost ten years”

many troubles like any new diver, and time by time I became

of my sister or best friend. I simply had a great sense of shame.

better underwater through practice. Also, I understand that

I learned to get rid of this quite quickly. Especially at the begin-

diving is a science and I must know it is good to avoid risk

ning when you were still diving in a wet suit, you had to change

and for more enjoyment. After the 70 dives, I fell in love with

somehow. No matter where you are and who is still standing

diving which helps me to change my habits such as regular

around. It became more and more relaxed for me until today.

exercise weekly, eating healthy and participating in yoga

Now we talk openly about sticking the She-P and how

sessions, reading divers stories, and watching documenta-

to shave and give each other tips. This would also have been

ry movies. All those factors let me love myself, being more

unthinkable in the past. On the contrary, we now laugh together

confident, being aware of a new field, and have new friends

if we ever had a leak. I couldn't even pee anywhere in the wil-

from different nations. Scuba diving is a healthy lifestyle.

derness before. That was impossible, but today it is one of the

Iman Haroun

best personal developments for me. I no longer have to think and search forever where I can somehow quickly find a toilet. In

Diving has definitely helped me build a whole new strong

conclusion, I can only say that diving has definitely boosted

self-confidence. When I started diving in 2019, I was rath-

my self-esteem and self-confidence and I wouldn't want

er shy in every situation in life. I had trouble meeting new

to miss it.

people, didn't like approaching new people, and was ashamed

Alexandra Pischyna

to change in front of other people.

This changed completely through diving. I started to make diving dates with complete strangers. Posted buddy searches in Facebook groups, for example, and dated there too.

I started traveling alone. I spontaneously searched for buddies at new dive centers and joined some group trips to faraway countries. I found more and more buddies, got to know different personalities, and built up a good, diversified, and growing buddy circle worldwide. Nowadays I love to meet new people and new dive spots. You can learn so much from each other.

Moving in front of people was a horror for me. Before I started diving, I couldn't even change in front

In the photos Alexandra Pischyna

64

knowledge In the photos Lauren Malamala

I’ve struggled with body image issues and negative self-talk my whole life. Scuba gave me an appreciation and love for my body that I never had before. During my OW course, I noticed I was more than strong enough to lift the tanks; I could haul myself out of the water and up the boat’s ladder; my swim test felt like nothing; and I could effortlessly equalize hands-free.

Scuba showed me that there’s no reason NOT to love my body, and it has been the biggest game changer in my self-love evolution.

Lauren Malamala Our sport has come a long way in the past three decades, with women often leading the way. The journey of becoming a PADI dive professional and working around the world as a photographer/filmmaker in many extreme circumstances has given me great insight into diving and dive training. One of the most rewarding things about teaching women is to get them to take control – of their equipment, navigation, and their own bodies.

Women are amazing divers, finding their power builds confidence and self-esteem.

Annie Crawley in "What Every Female Diver Should Know"

AN INSTRUCTORS POINT OF VIEW ON WOMEN IN SCUBA DIVING My husband (who followed the same path) and I usually teach together. Our main goal in teaching is to pass our passion on to our students. Being older means having more patience with In the photo Annie Crawley

struggling students. In the end, the smiles count!

How do women's experiences during intro dives or Open

her skills correctly. During the debriefing, she decided to take

Water dives differ from those of men?

a diving course regardless of his decision.

During introduction dives, I've noticed some differences between males and females. Females often start off more ner-

What factors contribute to the divergent experiences and

vous and overwhelmed by the technical aspects. Putting their

outcomes between women and men in the diving realm? ?

head underwater is a scary moment for them. Males tend

Common challenges for women starting diving include anxiety,

to act tough but pay less attention to skills and lose confidence

taking time to adjust, and addressing emotions. Some females

when they need to repeat them. Females pay close attention,

dislike getting their hair wet or putting their heads underwater.

repeat skills carefully, and excel at buoyancy. They are more

We help them overcome these challenges by gradually intro-

likely to enroll in an Open Water course and show greater ex-

ducing them to water and breathing techniques. Diving is still

citement after diving.

seen as a male-dominated sport, but we make efforts to make female divers feel more comfortable with colorful gear. Wom-

Can you share any specific instances where women have

en tend to be more careful with equipment and value their

had empowering experiences while diving, particularly in

own gear.

comparison to male students?

A young couple came for a Discover Scuba Diving experience.

Have you noticed any common challenges women face

The male had previous diving experience but no certification,

when starting their diving journey, and how can they be

while the Russian girl had no diving experience. The male act-

overcome?

ed overconfident, struggled with setting up his gear, and didn't

Picture an Open Water course with three young couples and

grasp buoyancy. The girl was timid but attentive and performed

a mother, whose two sons we certified a month earlier. All

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

65

knowledge In the photo Ineke van Langeveld

couples did a DSD and were enthusiastic, even though one of the females burst into tears after leaving the water, out of sheer relief. We immediately gave her a group hug (the others joined in) and she was proud as can be. We'll focus on her and her partner. During the confined water sessions he was very helpful and caring towards his partner: carrying tanks, helping her set up the dive set, and doing a meticulous buddy check. All went well, apart from the mask removal and replacement skill, which took an extra pool session for her.

At one point we simply said: "Don't hesitate, don't overthink, just take it off. I'm here, so do it". She did and it became the game-changer. During the Open Water sessions (in which she couldn't care less about the mask removal) it became clear to me the dots had connected for her. She floated like a pro and breezed through the course. Keep in mind, the viz was about 3 meters and she dived shoulder to shoulder with me, without any buddyline, as if she was glued to my side enjoying the dive. Her partner, on the other hand, became more and more insecure during the Open Water sessions.

His buoyancy was not as perfect as hers, causing him to stir up more silt. Extra time improved his buoyancy but his notorious "can't equalize" (aka "I'm nervous") became a bit of a dread. All divers finished their course and got certified, but the extra attention didn't work for him as it worked for her.

End of story: after a short period of time, they split up. It was definitely never our intention, but I wonder if her increased

my love for our planet. When I descend into the underwater

confidence scared him off.

realm, I feel as if the water is gently hugging me, infusing my soul with a profound sense of love and tranquillity. Bringing

Scuba diving has helped me in my journey of self-acceptance.

that love and peacefulness back to the surface, I feel as if I have

Among the many ways it has supported my path to self-love,

grown more grounded and stable in facing the challenges of life.

there is one aspect that stands out: scuba diving has nourished

Isadora Abuter Grebe

You're invited to explore the empowering and inspiring girlscorner on Instagram by checking out @isa_diving_nature Come join us and discover.

66

Photo Jon Borg

Photo Mocean Images

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

67

knowledge

ADHESION AND COHESION...

OR WHY YOU SHOULD SPIT INTO YOUR MASK Text & Photos Michał Czerniak RED

WHO DIDN’T FEEL EMBARRASSED THE FIRST TIME THEY HEARD FROM THEIR INSTRUCTOR THAT THEY SHOULD SPIT INTO THEIR MASK FOR THEIR OWN COMFORT? AS WE GAINED MORE EXPERIENCE, THIS PROCEDURE, INTENDED TO PREVENT THE MASK FROM FOGGING UP, STARTED TO APPEAR COMPLETELY NATURAL FOR US.

However, have you ever wondered why

from important events that require their

that will be dragged down to the bottom

do we spit into our masks? What physi-

response.

of your mask by gravity, thus clearing your

cal processes occur there?

Based on our experience, we are aware

You can prevent your mask from fogging

Out of the factory, a diving mask is cov-

depths, where the water temperature is

by many different means, provided that

ered with chemical coatings from the glass

a bit lower – only provides temporary relief.

they will, in fact, decrease surface tension.

manufacturing process. Regardless of what

A substance which is readily available

anti-fogging agents were used, a mask will

What makes the mask glasses to be-

to any diver and free-of-charge at that, is

be highly susceptible to fogging if it is not

come covered with fog?

their own saliva, which works excellent as an anti-fogging agent. If you do not fan-

cleaned. There are many techniques used

68

field of view.

that flushing your mask – even at greater

to prepare a mask for the first dive. In ad-

When diving, the diver delivers warmed up

cy using your own saliva, there are many

dition to washing it carefully with a dish-

and moist air into their mask through their

specialist anti-fogging agents available

washing liquid, divers scrub their masks

nose. The mask glass, which touches cold-

in the market. Rubbing the mask glasses

with toothpaste or even burn lubricant

er water on one side, usually has a lower

with a raw potato cut in half seems to be

residues using a lighter. I have also en-

temperature then the air inside the mask.

a great and effective idea for those divers

countered methods consisting of soaking

This causes the water vapor present in the

who want to be “vege”.

the mask in a bowl full of Coca-Cola or

air to condense on the mask glasses, cov-

However, let us get back to the merits of

mouthwash liquid.

ering their surface with microscopic water

the case, i.e. water surface tension. This is

Despite having perfectly prepared

droplets. Over time, the layer of fog residue

a physical phenomenon which occurs at

your new mask for diving, the fogging pre-

inside the mask becomes impenetrable for

the border between a liquid and another

vention procedure needs to be repeated

the eye, forcing the diver to stop the dive or

substance phase. The tension is created by

before each use. A fogged up mask not

use a spare mask.

the adhesion and cohesion forces acting

only ruins the joy of diving, but it may also

The invisible force behind the fogging of

on the water particles, which are made up

significantly affect the diver’s safety when

a diving mask is called the surface ten-

of hydrogen and oxygen. Water particles

under water. It physically limits your visi-

sion of liquids. If you want to prevent

(those on the surface and those inside the

bility and capability to control your com-

your mask from fogging up, you need

liquid) attract each other, creating a specific

puter and pressure gauge and, most of

to decrease the surface tension of water.

membrane on the surface, which is main-

all, to communicate with your partner. It

Under the effect of a lower surface tension,

tained by the surface tension force.

also has a negative impact on the diver’s

water droplets covering the glasses of your

This phenomenon is used by tiny creatures

mental state, drawing their attention away

mask will start to merge into larger drops

that can stand on the water surface, e.g.

knowledge the water strider – a common species of

the water surface. Those who are eager

mask, i.e. you add a natural surfactant,

a true bug. The gravity force resulting from

to do this experiment would be advised

which boldly counteracts the adhesion and

its weight is counteracted by the force re-

that the coin should be dry before your

cohesion forces, while the surface tension

sulting from the water surface tension.

try to put it on the water surface. It is also

expressed by a static force to the liquid

better if the coin is not too heavy, like one

surface acting on the edges of the surface

Japanese yen from the author’s private

of this liquid decreases, think how many

collection.

wonderful physical phenomena occur in

Water surface tension can be strong

front of your own eyes!

enough to pose a danger to divers jumping into the water. This is why, when jumping from a springboard into the pool, the water is put into constant motion, which prevents the creation of excessive surface tension.

From a scientific point of view, any substance causing a relatively constant reduction of the water surface tension is called a surfactant. Any means of reducSurface tension

Gravity

ing surface tension by adding a surfactant to the liquid prevents water particles from condensing on the glass inside the diving

You can perform a water surface tension

mask, which prevents it from fogging up.

test at home by trying to place a coin on

Therefore, the next time you spit into your

W

e were sitting and drinking coffee, basking in the sun and recalling the dives we had performed

that day, when one of our friends carelessly mentioned that, just when she starts diving, she immediately feels the

WHY DO I HAVE THE URGE TO PEE WHEN DIVING Text Michał Czerniak RED, Piotr Kopeć Wąski

urge to pee, which is ungrounded, as she always remembers to visit the toilet before

from the diver’s legs to be pumped to the

going into the water.

higher parts of their body. Blood from their

You want to pee, because your trim is incorrect – said someone accusingly.

TODAY, LET US SUBJECT THIS THESIS TO SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS!

skin vessels and veins moves from their legs to their chest – into their abdomen and heart.

This increase of blood volume causes an increase of its pressure, which in turn leads to the stretching of

There might be many reasons why a diver feels the urge to emp-

atrial walls in the diver’s heart. The heart contains special sensors,

ty their bladder. Excluding any diseases that may manifest their

which medicine refers to as receptors, that respond to an increase

presence this way, the reasons may include high water absorption

of heart blood volume and pressure. If the pressure exceeds the

just before diving, water temperature, stress or even individual

assumed normal value, receptors initiate the production of a hor-

characteristics of a particular organism. However, there is one rea-

mone, called the natriuretic peptide. This hormone is responsible

son which seems to be dominant, namely exposing the diver’s body

for an entire set of actions, which ultimately lead to the removal of

to water pressure, which obviously takes place during each dive.

excess fluids from the body, thus restoring diuretic balance. The

Let’s assume that a diver decided not to maintain a proper trim during a dive.

natriuretic peptide not only increases the urine filtering rate in the kidneys, but also triggers the excretion of another hormone in the

The pressure acting on the diver’s head has a value of X,

brain, which is responsible for the speed of urine production in

while the pressure acting on their legs is higher and has the

the body. Under such a mass hormonal attack, the diver can only

value of Y, where X<Y, as mentioned before. Simply put in med-

surrender and their thoughts begin to circulate around the growing

ical and physical terms, the higher Y pressure causes bodily fluids

problem related to the urge to urinate.

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

69

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

I NEED TO PEE...

Text Wojciech A. Filip

Photos Tecline Academy

YOU PEE, BECAUSE YOU DRINK A LOT. YOU DRINK A LOT, BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET DCS. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU SHOULD PEE WHEN DIVING?

LET'S START FROM DRINKING You should hydrate before diving. This doesn’t mean that you should drink a bottle of water just before diving in, but you should rather maintain a higher hydration level for several days preceding a diving weekend.

70

When you breath using your regulator underwater, quite a lot of different gases move around your body. Gases are transported via your blood vessels. The thinner your blood is, the faster this process will be. When ascending and later on the surface, we try to get rid of as much of the gases accumulated in our bodies as possible (in fact, this is the famous decompression!) and a factor that significantly contribute to this, among others, is good hydration, which means thinner blood.

If you tend to have headaches or be sleepy or tired after diving, insufficient hydration might be the reason for this.

Drinking is good for your health!

WHAT FOR?

PEEING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH!

It doesn’t really matter much if you call your dive a “no decom-

You pee when you feel the urge. What happens if you hold

pression” or technical one. The name won’t change the fact

back when you need to “spend a penny”? The longer you hold,

that every dive ends with decompression.

the worse it becomes, because you provide better conditions

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

for the bacteria causing urinary infections. I you’re unlucky, you will additionally contribute to the development of bladder stones.

You've never had a urinary infection? That's a good thing, because trust me, you really don’t want to get one.

It burns, hurts and forces you to pee every few minutes, even if you do not have any urine anymore

— and your friends... they won’t believe that your drysuit is leaking in such a specific area 😉

RE. 2 An adult diaper, also called briefs.

You can compare it to a baby nappy. You put it under your underwear and pee in it.

Disadvantages of such solution?

CONCLUSION?

— Small capacity – despite various declarations of the man-

You should pee when you feel the urge, also underwater.

ufacturers, the largest capacity usually lasts for one solid piss or two.

PEEING UNDERWATER

— Manner of peeing – your should pee carefully and slowly,

Let's divide this into three categories:

so the urine can be absorbed by the absorber and does not

1. peeing in the wetsuit;

leak outside your diaper.

2. peeing in a special diaper;

Advantages: diapers are available in different sizes and their

3. peeing using a catheter a special valve.

manufacturers outdo one another when it comes to various extras. Diapers are single-use.

RE. 1 Peeing in your wetsuit does not require any special equipment

RE. 3

or skills. At first, you may have doubts, like “Am I to, just like,

P-valve

take a piss?” Yes, you pee in your wetsuit pants and nobody

Full freedom, you pee when you want and as much as you 🙂

even notices it.

The most efficient method, allowing for stress-free hydration un-

After the dive, you should definitely thoroughly flush your

derwater. During long dives, you can drink without worrying that

wetsuit and take care of the hygiene of you urethra, as you

you will not be able to pee to often.

were soaking it in a solution of urine and water for the entire

How does it work?

dive.

Evacuating urine outside of the suit is not a problem – this

Diving in a drysuit

happens via a one-way valve located on the leg, approximately

When using a drysuit, it is better to keep it dry. Of course, wet-

at mid-thigh.

ting it with urine from the inside is possible, but: — it will no longer be dry;

It's the screw, usually made of plastic, which protrudes outside of the suit in some divers.

— your underwear, undersuit and drysuit will need to be washed and dried after the dive;

Installing the valve requires making a small hole in the leg of your suit. Inside the suit, the valve consists of a flexible tube, which needs to be connected with your urethra.

P-valve underwater

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

71

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

To put it very simply, the urethra is the spot from which

put, or rather stick, the She-P on, starting from the rear side

the urine flows outside when you pee. Despite evolutionary

(a bit below your anus) and gradually pressing down towards

changes, our body is not equipped with any typically “techni-

the front. Practicing it at home is a very good idea. You can

cal” connections in this spot. Of course, you may check your

practice it all when lying down and, later on, when squatting.

urethra with greater attention than ever before, but I do not

Importantly, you can check the leak tightness right away by

expect any surprises here – it does not end with any thread

peeing in a standing position. She-P has its own, female sup-

nor even a quick connection.

port group. You should join it before you start using the She-P

ENHANCING THE URETHRA, OR HOW TO PEE INTO A THIN TUBE IF YOUR AIM SUCKS

She–P

72

(FB: The Divine Secrets of the She-P Sisterhood).

The She-P is reusable, therefore, it requires thorough disinfection after each dive.

WOMEN

MEN

Women use the so-called “She-P”. It is an anatomically-shaped,

Men use medical external catheters. This catheter most eas-

comfortable overlay made of soft silicone.

ily compares to a condom. It has a similar shape, is made of

It precisely and tightly covers the area between the pubic

a thicker material and does not cause allergies. Where a con-

mound and the anus, so the urethra as well. Its position is sta-

dom has a reservoir for semen, the catheter has a tube, which,

bilized with a special adhesive. The overlay ends with a short

after putting on the catheter, should be connected to the tube

tube that can be simply connected (using a quick connector)

of the valve evacuating the urine outside.

with the tube of the valve evacuating the urine outside. Several

The easiest way to do this is using a quick connection (then,

versions of the She-P are available. The latest 3.0 version has

you should shorten the length of the catheter tube by half, so

a wider front part in comparison to the “Classic” version. Cur-

it won’t bend). Although diving can be exciting, the catheter,

rent versions that features a special adhesive do not require

as opposed to a condom, is put on when you are not sexually

thorough depilation and putting them on is not troublesome,

aroused – your penis shouldn’t be erect. This means that you

as the whole can be removed without any problem and have

should choose the appropriate catheter size for your flaccid

its location corrected despite applying the adhesive. You can

penis. This is not a problem, because they are made in dif-

She–P, colors

Photo Heleen Graauw

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

ferent sizes. Another difference in comparison to a condom is that a catheter should be put on a penis with its foreskin pulled over it and covering the urethra.

Do not pull your foreskin off, like with a condom, as putting a catheter like this may lead to it getting stuck together and you will pee in your suit. A well-selected catheter is leak-tight, which is additionally secured by an adhesive on its interQuick coupler

nal side. A catheter is single-use, so you have to put a new one before each dive.

YOUR SUIT VALVE NEEDS TO BE DISINFECTED Do this using bactericides (vinegar is not a bactericide). Leaving urine (bacteria) inside a catheter may lead to a urinary infection, which you’d prefer to avoid. Disinfecting the entire urine evacuation system takes a dozen seconds or so. It all consists of pouring a bactericide, which dissolves any sediments along the way, through the P-valve tube and the valve itself. There are Ready quick coupler

a lot of appropriate preparations on the market – just ask at a pharmacy.

Cutting the catheter

Extension

Valve outside

PERFECTDIVER No. 4(28)/2023

73

tips & curiosities ACADEMY

I have asked artificial intelligence for a short text on urinary tract care.

Thus, it’s a debut in Perfect Diver!

Read the supplementary information ahead 🙂 (the entire text, including the subheading, was made by AI)

KEEP YOUR URINARY SYSTEM IN GOOD HEALTH! INTRODUCTION

PART 3: REGULAR URINATION

Did you know that the urinary system is one of the most

Do not hold your urine for too long! Regular urination is

important systems in our body? It is responsible for re-

important for the health of your urinary system. Hold-

moving harmful substances and excessive fluids, so it

ing your urine may lead to accumulation of bacteria and

is important to look after its health. Today we are going

it increases the risk of infection. Therefore, remember

to talk about how to prevent urinary system infections

to regularly urinate when you feel the urge.

in women and men.

PART 4: AVOIDING TOO TIGHT CLOTHES

PART 1: PERSONAL HYGIENE

Wearing too tight clothes, especially over your intimate

The first and the most important step is to maintain

parts, may limit the airflow and be conductive to the

proper personal hygiene. For women, it is important

development of bacteria. Choose some more loose, airy

to always clean themselves from the front towards the

fabric, which will help to maintain proper ventilation

rear after urinating or defecating. This allows to prevent

and health of your urinary system.

the transfer of bacteria from the area of the anus to the urethra. Thorough cleaning of the intimate parts is also

SUMMARY

important for men.

Preventing urinary system infections is very important for your health. Remember about proper person-

PART 2: PROPER HYDRATION

al hygiene, drinking appropriate amounts of water,

Another important aspect is drinking appropriate

regular urination and avoiding too tight clothes. Tak-

amount of liquids. Water is the best choice! Regularly

ing care of your health is of utmost importance and

drinking appropriate amount of water helps keep the

these simple steps may help you keep your urinary

urinary system hydrated and flush away any bacteria.

system in good shape. Look after yourself and enjoy

On the other hand, you should limit sugary and caffeine

good health!

drinks, which may cause irritation of your urinary system.

ANY QUESTIONS? I will be happy to answer them.

Do you want to install a P-valve in your suit, meet Heleen who has invented the She-P, select a catheter or talk about... peeing 🙂?

Come and join us at the Tecline Academy!

WAF

https://teclinediving.eu/tecline-academy

74

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