Sunday was THE BIG DAY: Cage diving with GREAT WHITE SHARKS!!!!!!!!!
Our group left at 5:30am on a 2 hour trip to Gansbaai, the world’s best cage diving site!
Around 7am someone walking in the isle knocked my leg and woke me up, but I’m glad I was because I saw the most beautiful sunrise of my entire life. I didn’t bring my camera, but don’t worry, I will steal everyone’s photos when I can.
Rolling hills leading up to tall jagged mountains were a beautiful site against the soft, flowing clouds completely covering the sky. The sky was this creamy orangey color, making the air seem orange. Then suddenly turned lemon yellow after a curve. I only wish you could have seen this site. Something I will never forget.
We finally made it to the office and were treated to a quick breakfast. We jumped on the boat and took off. Our instructor advised us on the ins and outs of cage diving. We were diving in Shark Alley!!! Where the great white sharks feed on seals going to and from the ocean to SEAL ISLAND!!!
As soon as we anchored the boat, we weren’t alone anymore. These were some BIG suckas!!!
Chum was all around the boat and the cage was down. We suited up. I was quick to get ready so the captain with missing teeth chose me to go down first!!!!!!
I was SOOO excited. I was not even nervous. So, one foot at a time, I lowered myself into the freezing, shark infested waters!!!
I was on the end so I had about 180 degrees view of my surroundings. It was sooooo awesome! My adrenaline was going full blast! I didn’t even notice how cold the water was after my initial entry.
They put a weight around my shoulder to help me submerse myself when a shark came by.
I was in the water for about 30 seconds and they yelled at me to do “DOWN!” A shark passed to my right. It was so quiet; it almost wasn’t real. I thought to myself, “I just swam by a freaking shark.”
The four other girls finally got in the cage, and they closed the lid and threw out the bait. We had at one time 3 sharks in view circling us! There were a total 5 different sharks that we had seen.
I was most scared when one came from below us up to the surface. Just the thought that I could not predict its approach freaked me out.
After a few passings, a shark came DIRECTLY head on towards the cage!!! It turned left RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! I was about 2 feet from its insanely toothy jaws. I even saw the white under its jaws and its nostrils! AGH!
But the best thing that happened when I was in the cage was immediately after we had just come up from a passing and the guys yelled, “DOWN!!! DOWN, DOWN NOW!!!” A shark suddenly appeared at my right. It happened so quick.
When sharks attack, they momentarily pause then thrust their tales to shoot themselves as fast as possible towards their prey. Well this shark came right on the side of me and when he thrusted his tail fin, it actually came into the viewing area (which is a open area with no bars to not obstruct your view).
I felt something knock me on the top of my head. I was in disbelief. We came up for air. The girl on the side of me and I came out screaming. We looked at each other, eyes wide wide open and asked each other at the same time, “Did you just get hit??????”
I got knocked on the head by a great white shark’s tail fin!!!! It was awesome!!
We had a few more passings and unfortunately had to get out L
We peeled the wet suits off and went watch the rest of the show from the top of the boat.
Not once, not three times—SIX times did the sharks JUMP out of the water!!!!! It was intense!!!!
The waves began to get rough so we headed in an hour early because a second group still had to go. I didn’t complain because the waves were so choppy and rocking the boat back and forth.
We made it to shore and changed rotation with the second group. We were fed lunch with beer and wine! While enjoying our lunch, they showed us our video of action from the day. Then Cristo took us to a cave. The choppy rocks against the crystal clear water made a spectacular view. I think I might look into summer homes here! I wish!
After we packed up the bus and headed home. Today was truly an amazing day. I am still sitting him in amazement over what had transpired. Sharks are magnificent creatures, and I have a whole new outlook towards them.
If ever given the chance, I highly, highly recommend cage diving! It’s an adrenaline junky’s dream.
Tomorrow is our last day at the township. On Tuesday, the Springboks head out to adventure week. So I might get behind again on blogging. Check for updates. Have a great week!
Love always,
Melissa
No comments:
Post a Comment