Figureportal

What is the record in diving?

Ulrike Krüger — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +0000

There are two types of underwater diving: scuba diving, which involves the use of scuba equipment and free-diving, which is diving under water without the use of scuba equipment. Scuba diving is not an official sport; it is more for recreational purposes so any diving record achieved in that manner is not official.
Free-diving, on the other hand, is a competitive sport and it relies on the ability of the diver to hold their breath as long as possible, until they resurface. Free-diving also includes breath-hold spear fishing and free -dive photography. But what attracts most attention is the competitive apnea, an extreme sport in which the diving record is achieved by divers who try to dive as deep as possible and the time they stay there in one breath.
There is also technical diving which is performed by professionals such as navy divers, and they are the ones that hold the diving record of 610 meters (2000 feet), although achieved with the use of an Atmospheric Diving System (ADS) suit.
In terms of scuba diving, there are limits set for different categories of divers in order for them to remain safe while roaming the depths. For example, the recreational diving limit for adult divers is 30 meters (100 feet), the absolute recreational diving limit for divers specified by RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council) id 40 meters (130 feet) and technical diving training limit for divers using trimix (combination of gases for breathing while diving) is 100 meters (330 feet). There are actually only nine people in the world that are known to have reached depths below 240 meters (800 feet) using compressed air apparatus. The world record for this kind of diving is 330 meter (1,083 feet).
Competitive free-diving is mostly an individual sport but there are certain competitions that involve teams, such as the bi-annual World Championship for Teams. The individual divers compete in two types of disciplines: pool disciplines and depth disciplines, each with their own separate categories. The record in the category of Dynamic Apnea With Fins is 273 meters and held by Goran Colak.
It is interesting to note that the Guinness World Records stopped publishing records about free-dive because of the increased death rate.

Deep under the sea

Ulrike Krüger — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:42:00 +0000

There are not many things that are as fascinating as deep diving. The feeling to be “under the sea”, to be able to watch all kinds of creatures who have their habitat there, of being shut off from the mundane world, seems to be extremely thrilling to a lot of people. Provided your ears are okay you could start to practice deep diving by doing a beginners`course. Breathing properly, using the special “bottles”, making the right movements and – not panicking, this is what you learn first. Of course the first trips won`t take you very deep, so you will still feel somehow connected with the world above, and there are more experienced divers at your side. One learns diving by taking courage and trying to expand the depth.
Deep diving is a sport that can be practiced worldwide. Usually, the equipment and a wetsuit will be provided at the stations, so you don`t have to take your things with you when you go to, say, Israel or Corfu. Divers easily connect, exchanging experiences and giving advice as to the best places to start from, and what places one should avoid (sharks!). Taking pictures of those beautiful plants one can see down on the ground may be the next step, so that one hobby may lead to the next. Divers may spend hours shut off from the rest of the world, and usually they are great fans of the sea, they love the smell, the rhythm etc. It is like a parallel world one sets out to explore.
But of course diving is not for everyone. People with a tendency to get an ear ache won´t find it too pleasant to be exposed to the pressure, and people who panic easily may also shy away from diving. They may be better off just using s snorkel and do “diving light” still being able to see swarms of fish and some plants that grow higher. The sea world is fascinating, and exploring it is a thing people have always been fond of. Join the group of divers!

Image © flipppi – Fotolia.com

Sufing in Hawaii

Ulrike Krüger — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:43:00 +0000

It sounds like the title of a film or a song: surfing Hawaii. It seems like a clichée, yet this is what a lot of people do who live on Hawaii or go there on holiday. Hawaii is ideal for surfing as it has a mild and sunny climate almost year-round, lots of nice accessible beaches and a long tradition of surfing. Rumour has it that surfing was even invented on Hawaii island, by coincidence. Someone took a piece of wood, a flat one, tried to stand up – and succeeded! This was the probably rather wobbly beginning of a craze that would lead to the creation of clubs, tournaments worldwide.
Surfing Hawaii seems to be super relaxing because there is not much to distract the sportsman. You can easily spend three weeks surfing and nothing but. You spend your days on the waves, improving your style, getting better in the process. If there are real pros about, all the better, because they will teach you a trick or two. And there are many of those! You can do somersaults, you can attack the waves in the most daring ways, and you can try to impress the lazy people who hang around the beach.
For surfing is also kind of a show sport, the greater and more competent your audience the better. It is a very public sport, so practicing should be done at home until the poor performance has made way to a really impressive bravado. Surfers are proud of their skills, of their bodies which turn all dark as they are exposed to the sun. It really is a bit of a myth, these super sexy surfers with their bleached hair, who will talk about surfing no end, and end up getting all the beautiful girls. But this is the whole point, surfing is a show act, but it is also a way of life, so the girls who opt for a surfer will find that they have to share him with the sea. Being outdoors, fighting the waves, this is a challenge that turns into an addiction!

Image © Cyber1745 – Fotolia.com

Top five surf spots in the world

Ulrike Krüger — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:29:00 +0000

The ocean has its own way of entertaining and healing people. As such, if you are in the mood for some wave riding adventure, here are five of the world’s best surf spots. They are all accessible and they provide you with the best waves that are ideal for just any kind of surfing activities.
Bali, Indonesia – This paradise on earth does not only have its culture to share with the world. Instead, it is also home to many of the best beaches with the tallest waves. Balinese swells usually emanate from the southern Pacific Ocean and they can reach to as high as 12 feet especially during the months of April until November. Since it is a tourist destination, you will most likely bump into many people who are not only surfers.
Gold Coast, Australia – The best surf spots are found in Australia more particularly in the Gold Coast. It does not only have its great surfs to offer but also beautiful beaches. One good thing about this place is its climate which is subtropical and sunny. They have developed an area which they call as the “surfer’s paradise”. What do you expect if not the best waves ever?
Waikiki, Hawaii – If there is one place where surfing has become a way of life, it has to be Hawaii. Waikiki is known for its gentle waves making it an ideal surfing playground for beginners. The atmosphere is subtle and you will enjoy the long rides that the waves have to offer. Surfing schools are also everywhere if you want to avail of lessons.
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa – What makes this spot very popular among surfer is its Supertubes. As the name implies, it has the tallest water walls that any surfer would like to go through.
Black’s Beach, San Diego, California – One does not have to go anywhere else to surf because this is where the best spots for surfing in mainland USA is found. Waves are enormous and they can be found in any direction.
Surf spots are found anywhere. You just have to enjoy the experience to appreciate them.

Image © Stéphane Parisi – Fotolia.com

More than a mythos – surfing in california

Ulrike Krüger — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

If you are a surfer, or a surf enthusiast, surfing California will be amongst the fun things you will not miss in your to do list. Professional surfers will appreciate the presence of strong waves which are easily noticed on most beaches in California. You will join the group of great surfers who are usually talking of how powerful or amazing a wave was. If you are planning on surfing California waters, then you should know learn some few pointers if you are new.
But what exactly do you have to learn? Regardless of being a residence or if it is your first time surfing in California, personal security and surf etiquette are some of the areas you have to look into. You should be able to rightly position yourself, in a manner that you will easily get acquitted with whichever beach you want to surf in, be one with your surf board and thereafter, get a perfect ride.
Surfing California will also require one to learn the various techniques such as how to paddle, how to get up on the surfboard, and how to ride a wave. Duck diving and other techniques are an added advantage since they will help you maximize the whole surf experience. With the right equipment, surfing will be a lot more easy and fun in any beach within California. Therefore, when you are out of have fun and surf yourself out, you will need to have a wetsuit, sun block, towel and of cause drinking water to keep you hydrated.
Laguna Beach and areas around Encinitas and La Jolla are some of the hot spot when it comes to surfing. You will defiantly find these areas a little rich in terms of surfing skills required. Lifeguards are available on most beaches to direct you and ensure you are safe while on the waters. When you are unsure about a wave, take cover and wait for the right time to surf. As much as surfing is filled with lots of adventure and fun, it can be fatal when you ignore the basic rules. California will offer you the best surf sites and you can easily locate these areas from online sources. Therefore should you thing of surfing, think California.

Planning a trip to North Shore

Ulrike Krüger — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Every surfer dreams of riding the biggest waves. What better way to do it than by planning a trip to the world’s surfing Mecca – the North Shore. This long stretch of beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean is home to the world’s biggest and tallest waves. Usually crowded during winter, it also plays host to international surfing competitions.
If you intend to visit the North Shore, the best way to do it is plan ahead of your proposed schedule. Nothing beats the idea of going to a trip prepared. To start with, identify your purpose of going. Professional surfers flock the place during winter because of the big waves while amateur ones usually come during spring where the waves are a little bit smaller. However, if you are simply a tourist who wants to check out the place, you can always do it anytime of the year. Hawaiian waters are perfect for a good swim whole year round.
Secondly, determine how much budget you are willing to splurge on your Hawaiian adventure. Understandably, plane tickets and hotel rates are a little bit higher during winter because it is the time when the waves are enormous. They attract more surfers and visitors especially when international surfing events are held. Nevertheless, if you purchase your tickets and do your bookings months ahead, you will most likely get a cheaper rate or discounts.
More often than not, you will be able to save more if you go by groups. Travel agencies usually offer special rates for those who travel by families or with a group of friends. As such, ask the others to join you in the said trip. You will not only save on plane fares and hotel accommodations but you will also enjoy the company of other people.
Even if you are not a surfer, the mere sight of the North Shore in Oahu, Hawaii will make you feel in love with the place. There is so much that this place has to offer. Its crystal clear waters, beautiful sceneries and big waves can far outweigh the expenses that your holiday will entail.