NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2011 News....
Summer is upon us, the sea temperatures are getting warmer every day and are up to 21’C. They should climb to an average of 24’C very soon.
The Aliwal Shoal is along the Humpback migration route and we get to see these majestic animals when they are heading north during June / July and again on their return to the Antarctic during the latter part of the yea. Many times we have close encounters of the whale kind. Just last week we had two whale sharks off backline.
The Raggie tooth sharks need no introduction and these sharks are one species of many which we get, including the Black Tip, Tiger, Zambezi, Dusky and a few white tip reef sharks. Not forgetting all the 4 or 5 species of Ray including the Manta, Whale Sharks and other cartilaginous species. It is not unusual to see all that I have mention so far on single dive. No joke and that is not in a blue moon either, many times this has been seen. At the moment we also have a huge manta ray with a wing span of about 4.5 ,metres.
WEATHER
Click on this link for the sea conditions (Kelso is in the Aliwal Shoal Area): http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/kelso
DIVE EQUIPMENT
If you need any dive equipment just contact Barry and he will help you with all your queries and purchases.
ALIWAL SHOAL : Brief getaway breaks this Xmas:
Aliwal Shoal, Rocky Bay, Tiger Shark Package:
3 nights/5 dive package from R1790 pps.
3 nights/5 dives bnb package from R2300 pps.
3 nights/5 dives self catering from R1850 pps.
Then add on a baited shark dive for R1350 pp.
SODWANA 3 NIGHT HOLIDAY BREAKS
Sodwana dates are flexible to suit your time off -
3 nights, DBB, private cabin with shower room attached outside, 5 dive package, only R2750 pps or; 3 nights, DBB, safari tent, 5 dive package R1950 pps.
2012 - RED SEA DEEP SOUTH
Watch this space for another exciting adventure with Meridian Dives Adventure Tour to the Deep South, Red Sea in late September next year
OVERSEAS NEWS
Barry and I will be over in the UK, and visiting the Birmingham Dive show on 22/23 October. Then we have a stand and are exhibiting at the DEMA Dive Show in Orlando, Florida 1 - 4 November. We look forward to meeting up with any of you who happen to be there! While we are away please do just email for your bookings as we are on-line every day.
WHATS NEW?
The Open Circuit Decompression Procedures course to 50m is very popular – just a 4/5 day course and all theory and quizzes can be completed on-line – do you course in your own time or over a 4 day duration – then join Barry on some very nice deep dives.
The Rebreather Deco Procedures course is also available – both have the option of using helium.
YOU TUBE
You Tube Videos: have a look at some of the Meridian You Tube videos on facebook or on the top left of the MeridianDive.com home page...Barry has eventually put his Oceanos 2005 on.
Check out Deons Baited Shark Dive , Barry filming in close quarters! Loads of blacktip sharks, two tiger sharks, very gentle and slow movers, and a Zambezi came in view too.
You tube link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcHSMp8xYp8
HD U/W VIDEO - capture your dive, your dive tour, your travel excursions, email Barry Coleman (barry@meridiandive.com) for more details.
COURSES SCHEDULED for NOV/DEC 2011
Remember: NITROX certification is included FREE in every course.
Tech Nitrox: If you are NOT a Nitrox certified diver and have your Advanced Certification - this is a great course for you because it extends your depth to 40m/132ft and 10 min of decompression allowed. No, this is NOT your every day Nitrox course!
LEVEL 1 OPEN WATER - flexitime
LEVEL 2 ADVANCED 6 dives - flexitime to suit
LEVEL 3 RESCUE - This can be attended over two weekends or during the week.
LEVEL 4 DM & INSTRUCTOR
Just email for this 10 Day schedule. You can pick up courses prices on www.MeridianDive.com
RAID is a fully interactive training system from beginners to instructor trainers. You are welcome to Register on the RAID homepage, even without doing courses, to receive more newsletters.
The RAID e-Learning system is the most comprehensive on-line, quality controlled diver training system in the market today - which Meridian Dive utilises.
The real beauty of diving the Shoal is that you never real know what you may see, from the small Pipe Fish to a Humpback whale; on the other hand you can guarantee that you’ll see colour full sponges, algae’s, soft corals’ and rock formations, sculpted over time by the ocean. And if you spend some time and stop to really look around you will be amazed at what is right in front, so well hidden that you think your eyes may be playing tricks on you, most people miss this as the swim by looking but not seeing! Good diving skills will improve any diving experience especially on the Shoal. If you are looking for training, be wary of Instructors who shun the Shoal, and question if their training is not up to standard, because good training should teach you to dive the Shoal, poor training will not.
We look forward to seeing you on the dive boat - just email me celia@meridiandive.com or call 0828941625 for bookings.
That’s all for now, have a Wonderful Festive Season and a Bubbly Day and we always look forward to hearing from you!
DIVE Aliwal Shoal, Rocky Bay, Protea Banks, Umhlanga, Durban, Warner Beach, Sodwana, Mozambique and over the seas.
The Meridian Dive Team : www.MeridianDive.com : info@meridiandive.com
Meridian Dive
Aliwal Shoal
www.meridianidive.com
info@meridiandive.com
Cell: 0828941625
Skype: footloose_za
