Unfortunately we only saw two Tigers today and they were a bit shy. Water was extremely rough, felt like in a washing machine, current was coming from one direction and wind was blowing in another.
We had one SCUBA diver on board, I believe it was his first dive with tiger sharks, spent a good 5-7 dives moving the sharks away from the diver as they would approach from the back. Just a gentle touch on the head does the trick. Leaves my wondering why someone would not turn 360 degrees once in a while to see what is going on behind them. Tunnel vision is an understatement when you have a mask on.
Spent the rest of the time taking pictures of the old man, tomorrow we head into Durban to drop off more film and Friday we are going back to the Indian restaurant with Kristin, it was that good.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Old School
So it is confirmed, my video camera is done for, may she rest in peace. So what to do...today I decided to go old school and take one of my dad's Nikonos V's and try some photography (non-digital). We delivered the film today in Durban, should be developed by Friday.
Today we only saw one tiger shark and she did not stay around (water temperature changed by 2 degrees - goes to show how sensitive these animals are), however, there were well over 40 black tip sharks around us. They remind my very much of dogs, where ever you go they go in the hopes of getting a treat - a rotten sardine.
For dinner we went to a lovely Indian restaurant in Durban with Kristin - food and company was great.
Tomorrow I will take on the sharks with the Nikonos again, maybe I will take my dad's torch...
Today we only saw one tiger shark and she did not stay around (water temperature changed by 2 degrees - goes to show how sensitive these animals are), however, there were well over 40 black tip sharks around us. They remind my very much of dogs, where ever you go they go in the hopes of getting a treat - a rotten sardine.
For dinner we went to a lovely Indian restaurant in Durban with Kristin - food and company was great.
Tomorrow I will take on the sharks with the Nikonos again, maybe I will take my dad's torch...
Monday, April 14, 2008
#$@% me!
When someone says that their camera housing floods you think: "too bad" and just move one. When your own camera housing floods and zaps your video camera it is a whole different story. With more than five diving days left and only one hour of video I am more than bummed - helpless and rage comes to mind.
As I jumped into the water this morning I noticed a drop of water on my viewfinder, then I saw a stream of air bubbles coming from the housing...I immediately lifted the camera out of the water and headed back to the boat. Damage had been done, camera does not work anymore.
Asides from that, the diving was great, over 6 tiger sharks at one time, it became a bit daunting as they love to sneak up behind you, need to pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
On a side note, yesterday Kristin Palitza joined us on the dive. Kristin is a journalist that has lived in South Africa over 6 years. She wrote a great article about my dad that has been published in various publications including Vanity Fair in Italy. Tomorrow we will go to Durban to have dinner with her.
As I jumped into the water this morning I noticed a drop of water on my viewfinder, then I saw a stream of air bubbles coming from the housing...I immediately lifted the camera out of the water and headed back to the boat. Damage had been done, camera does not work anymore.
Asides from that, the diving was great, over 6 tiger sharks at one time, it became a bit daunting as they love to sneak up behind you, need to pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
On a side note, yesterday Kristin Palitza joined us on the dive. Kristin is a journalist that has lived in South Africa over 6 years. She wrote a great article about my dad that has been published in various publications including Vanity Fair in Italy. Tomorrow we will go to Durban to have dinner with her.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Wolf on Air
New friends...
...and they are not just the Tiger and black tip sharks. As of yesterday I had the pleasure to meet and dive with a diverse and interesting group of people including professional freedivers William Winram (more on him later - amazing story to tell), Fred Buyle (excellent photographer and freediving world record holder), and Pierre Frolla (also holds several freediving world records, loves to tell jokes at the dinner table and loves to be on film). Then there is James Newell (former Special Forces turned watchmaker - owns Riedenschild in Germany - more on this later as well).
As far as the diving goes, it has been outstanding and the interaction with the tiger sharks above standard (definitely not sub-standard). On the second day I felt much more comfortable, though I have to admit that I still had the butterflies right before jumping into the water. So far I have over one hour of footage - obviously needs a lot of editing, but there are definitely some good shots among the material.
Tomorrow we will obviously go out again and meet up with our friends (both humans and sharks).
As far as the diving goes, it has been outstanding and the interaction with the tiger sharks above standard (definitely not sub-standard). On the second day I felt much more comfortable, though I have to admit that I still had the butterflies right before jumping into the water. So far I have over one hour of footage - obviously needs a lot of editing, but there are definitely some good shots among the material.
Tomorrow we will obviously go out again and meet up with our friends (both humans and sharks).
Friday, April 11, 2008
Fear (less)
Over a time period of about three months I was completely undecided about coming to South Africa to dive with the tigers. On one hand (and being completely honest) I was afraid. On the other hand I did not want to miss the opportunity of a lifetime to interact with these sharks.
Last night I was up until 3AM thinking about what to expect today, talking to my dad trying to clear my mind of all "negative" thoughts (don't mean to sound dramatic).
With only about three hours of sleep, I made my way to the launch site. Getting out to the site is half the fun - boat needs to clear breakers crashing into the beach - I guess it was the closest thing I ever felt to being a Navy SEAL. Upon arrival my dad and Steve (Blue Wilderness Team) went in first, I followed only to be disappointed by the visibility. First two sharks to show up were black fins. My eyes were scanning the whole time for the big ones - nothing.
So we moved to another location and from topside we saw the first tiger on the bait. Again, Steve and Wolf went in first followed by Russel and then me. At first I was cautious, holding on to my dad and observing the majestic animals - truly amazing. As I watched the others interact with the sharks, it became apparent that I had worried for nothing, but I was still apprehensive to interact. Then, without choice, I had to - one large shark (14ft) approached me head on, I slowly moved her out of the way by pushing down her head.
About 2 mins later I was riding my first tiger shark (Steve took a picture which I will upload soon) - it is impossible to explain the feeling. While some say it is a rush, I say it is being in a state of nirvana - complete harmony with the ocean. While I would never claim that sharks are harmless (as any wild animal - have you ever had a turtle snap at you?), I would describe them as curious, intelligent, aware, relaxed, and confident.
Tomorrow we go out again - cannot wait.
On a sad note, there are rumors that numerous tiger sharks have been killed in Tiger Beach, The Bahamas. Apparently one fly fisherman (would love to know his name) killed a 15ft tiger just for fun. You would think the media, people, government authorities would be outraged - recall the reaction people had when a diver was bitten a few months ago in the Bahamas...
Last night I was up until 3AM thinking about what to expect today, talking to my dad trying to clear my mind of all "negative" thoughts (don't mean to sound dramatic).
With only about three hours of sleep, I made my way to the launch site. Getting out to the site is half the fun - boat needs to clear breakers crashing into the beach - I guess it was the closest thing I ever felt to being a Navy SEAL. Upon arrival my dad and Steve (Blue Wilderness Team) went in first, I followed only to be disappointed by the visibility. First two sharks to show up were black fins. My eyes were scanning the whole time for the big ones - nothing.
So we moved to another location and from topside we saw the first tiger on the bait. Again, Steve and Wolf went in first followed by Russel and then me. At first I was cautious, holding on to my dad and observing the majestic animals - truly amazing. As I watched the others interact with the sharks, it became apparent that I had worried for nothing, but I was still apprehensive to interact. Then, without choice, I had to - one large shark (14ft) approached me head on, I slowly moved her out of the way by pushing down her head.
About 2 mins later I was riding my first tiger shark (Steve took a picture which I will upload soon) - it is impossible to explain the feeling. While some say it is a rush, I say it is being in a state of nirvana - complete harmony with the ocean. While I would never claim that sharks are harmless (as any wild animal - have you ever had a turtle snap at you?), I would describe them as curious, intelligent, aware, relaxed, and confident.
Tomorrow we go out again - cannot wait.
On a sad note, there are rumors that numerous tiger sharks have been killed in Tiger Beach, The Bahamas. Apparently one fly fisherman (would love to know his name) killed a 15ft tiger just for fun. You would think the media, people, government authorities would be outraged - recall the reaction people had when a diver was bitten a few months ago in the Bahamas...
Monday, April 07, 2008
On my way
Tomorrow I leave and begin my journey to South Africa (Aliwal Shoal) - I call it a journey because I will be traveling about 2 days. To follow my flight experience, check out High on Jet Fuel.
Lot of things going through my mind at the moment: mostly stress, I am in the midst of packing. Asides from the usual gear, I am acting as FEDEX for my old man - delivering books, DVDs, masks among other things. Had to get a new suitcase just for his stuff.
As far as the actual diving, nothing but excitement! Finally get to see what all the ruckus is about - they are just Tiger Sharks after all...
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