daktarisport Blog!

On Saturday 13th February a group of 7 met at Queenscliff at am to go for a dive on the HMAS Canberra and the J4 Submarine with the weather prediction for 0.5 metre swell and 23 degrees with light 15-20 knot winds……. here’s what really happened……the swell was between 3-4 metres and the wind was 25-30 knots and picking up, it was overcast and not the sort of day we had hoped for….bugger!!!

Out of 8 divers who set out for a dive, only 5 ended up getting in the water and going for a dive. Visibility on the wreck was actually not too bad and it is amazing just how much of the wreck boasts growth after only 8 weeks underwater. This is a very clean wreck with lots of blow holes to shed light down corridors etc….

In the mess hall is a mural of the ship called “Macs mural” and the captains chair still sits intact on the bridge so makes for a great photo opportunity..LOL

By the time was over (37 minutes bottom time) it was back onto the boat and a hasty retreat back into the bay for a 2nd dive…not on the J4 as planned but at Pope’s Eye. Everyone managed to get in on this dive but the current proved too much for some and so our 8 became 6 and then 4. There was an abundance of fish and some great kelp and weed, the sand movement was incredible….

All in all, considering the conditions and weather, a good day was finally had…..

On Saturday 13th February 2010, Port Fairy Surf and Dive have managed to secure a dive charter from Queenscliff for a dive on the newly sunk Ex HMAS Canberra followed by a second dive on the interesting J4 class submarine. (Depending on favourable weather, winds and swell etc, this will be confirmed by Wednesday 10th Feb )

Our dive guide will be Bruce Walker (PADI Instructor) from Geelong, who has kindly donated his time to give us this fabulous opportunity. This dive is a double boat dive departing from the Bridge Street wharf in Queenscliff at 9.am sharp and lunch/refreshments will be provided on board during the surface interval stop. Cost is $110.00 per diver to be paid in cash to the boat operator on the day (each diver to supply own equipment including 2 tanks – Twin tanks, single tanks or Nitrox blend of 32% can be used ).

Limited places are available so the first to confirm to Sharene on 0433 755 553 will get the spots. Currently there are 4 places remaining but they are going quick so don’t delay!

On Sunday 13th December, Port Fairy Surf and Dive once again organised a group of volunteer scuba divers to take part in the Great Victorian Fish Count at South Beach/Pea Soup bay in Port Fairy. This year we had a good turnout with 9 divers and although the weather tried to thwart our attempts to count fish, we managed to take to the water and count fish.

Results were consistent with last year and were up on the previous year. The results are published by Reef Watch (Museum of Victoria) and are accessible by scientists and researchers so this is a valuable exercise and makes divers more aware of their local environment. The count was followed by a sausage sizzle at the Surf Shop. A good dive was had by all and everyone vowed to come back next year!

We would like to thank all those divers who gave up their time to help on this day. Merry Xmas!

Just a reminder for all those undertaking an open water course or scuba review this weekend – we are meeting at Belfast Aquatics in Port Fairy at 2pm sharp except for those who are coming to the Port Fairy surf shop at 1.30 for a fitting of wetsuits etc.

See you there!