Harvey Nix recalls a passionate first sea dive amid the swaying seaweed at Gannet’ s Bay, Lundy
Bubble-blowing mischief
First date, love bites
Harvey Nix recalls a passionate first sea dive amid the swaying seaweed at Gannet’ s Bay, Lundy
Briefing: For me the most memorable dive I have been on was my first in the sea. The small boat from Ilfracombe stared over Gannet’ s bay. The dive was one of great memories, the seagrass and seals surrounding me at the start of the dive made it truly remarkable.
The Dive: After passing Ocean Diver thanks to a cold couple of days in Stoney Cove, the trip down to Ilfracombe was nerve-racking. The long drive down from the Midlands with the dive gear rattling in the back of the car did nothing to calm the nerves I had about my first proper dive. The walk down the slimy stairs and onto the deck with all the gear went by in a flash and we were off, heading for the island.
My drysuit and hood went on fast, as waves washed over the sides of the small boat. As we neared the bay it all calmed down. The sound of seals echoed from the caves. As I stepped off the boat, the water felt warm in contrast to my wintry experience at Stoney. As I began the descent down to 6m the seagrass swayed with the waves, rocking me as well. I followed my buddy as he led me through the passages in the seaweed, his bright pink hoses a stark contrast to the green plants and clear water.
Then the seals came, they swam just out of sight. Many times I caught a glimpse of movement on the edge of my vision. I followed the movement but it never led to any seals. Then as we moved closer
to the wall I felt a gentle tug on my fins, I tried to fight it thinking I was caught in the kelp, but as I turned a friendly seal was grabbing hold of my ankle and suddenly he bit down on my calf. I think I let out a bit of a shout as my buddy turned but the bite didn’ t hurt it was just an affectionate nibble through the drysuit. At least that’ s what I was told after getting back onto the boat with a small bite mark in the material. Then as we swam around, this one seal followed, right by me, constantly grabbing or pushing against me. This constant interaction with this seal is what gave me the love of diving I have now.
Debrief: This was a magical dive for me. The seal’ s constant pestering made me fall in love with the aquatic Iife in our seas – it’ s such a remarkable thing. Lundy was a truly impactful dive that changed my view of the importance of our oceans.
Grey seal pup playing in thongweed
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