We Are Learning To Dive

Yeah, after years of pondering, we have decided to take up diving. Having experienced the mindblowing underworld in the Great Barrier Reef, D and I talked about learning to dive when we return to HK. And I suppose this is meant to be since a friend of mine called and asked me if we are interested to learn together with her. She had just completed the first theory lesson last week and we arranged for the instructor to come to our place later this afternoon for our 1st theory lesson. Private tuition in Cantonese (mainly) and Putonghua. I can't quite remember the details of this PADI certification course, except that there will be 10 hrs of theory lessons (wow, why so many?), about 5 hrs of pool lessons before a couple of open water dives... all inclusive at HKD2.6k per person.

I reckon having experienced metres above ground, we should try out metres underwater... but why do I still have nagging thoughts of sharks and Portugese Man-Of-War... darn movies like Jaws and the Killer Jellyfish/Octopus/Squid etc. Think happy thoughts, dolphins, Nemo...

Incidentally there are two diving articles in this week's HK Magazine (similar to the IS Mag in S'pore... those weekly free mags u get from cafes) . One is about diving in Palau, the island where the recently concluded Survivor was filmed; and the other on "How To Swim With Sharks". Hmm, just what I need.

"HOW TO SWIM WITH SHARKS:

Despite the media saturation surrounding shark attacks, swimming with the killers of the deep is a growing trend among adventure tourists, thrill-seekers and professional divers. Shark swimmer Voltaire Cousteau explains how to safely swim with the fishes.

• Be sure you and everyone you're swimming with are not bleeding or have any open wounds - including bandaged wounds. Blood will elicit aggressive behaviour from sharks, even the docile species. Some sharks can detect a single drop of blood in 100 litres of water.
• Don't try to touch the shark, especially on its eyes and nose. These are the most sensitive parts of the shark and you may trigger a full-scale attack.
• Many sharks have poor memories so if you catch the attention of a shark, swim in a casual and slow manner and avoid any sudden movements that could distract the shark from your presence.
• Assume an unidentified fish are sharks and avoid thrashing in the water, because sharks may take that as a signal to attack.
• If the shark is swimming erratically or in zigzags, hide behind whatever is available - especially coral if there is any. Don't look the shark in the eye or start swimming frantically.
• If a shark is charging and you've run out of options, try punching hard on the nose. This is a last resort and bear in mind that if the blow doesn't frighten the shark, it will make it angrier." (HK magzine No. 586, Friday Aug 5 2005)