I had rough start this morning with an early wake up at 6am to eat a quick breakfast before heading to the docks to get on the dive boat. These dives were to ensure we knew all the fundamentals of diving as well familiarize us with the Hawaiian marine ecosystem. After all squeezing into our ill fitting wetsuits, we hopped into the frigid water of our first dive site called Suck ’em up. I immediately saw an octopus which our dive master convinced to leave his hiding and ink in an attempt to get away from us. I also saw several Moorish Idols, triggerfish and a hiding porcupine fish. The most surprising find was a four foot white tip hiding at the entrance of a cave which as only about 12 feet away from me. Naturally he was slightly curious and swam away once he deemed us too lame for his attention in order to keep his distance. After our second dive where there were many swim through just as many interesting creatures and coral. After being burned to a crisp on my nose and neck we went back to the Monk Seal Center and went in depth about the study of these seals in the center and how they are observed and studied. To get a better idea of Seal anatomy a plastic skull was brought out which the other seniors and I promptly dressed up in a hat and sunglasses. We then went back to the NELHA center where a black water photographer Joshua Lambus who has been featured in Animal Planet, BBC and National Geographic. We learned about the dive’s history and what causes the pelagic migration phenomenon. We learned that there are millions of undiscovered species and Mr. Lambus was the first to photograph the cookie cutter shark. After this we learned about the process of blackwater diving in which we will be tethered to the boat and I ma definitely most excited for this. Looking forward to tomorrow!
