Andy Torbet visits one of the Jurassic Coast’ s celebrated natural landmarks, and finds that visibility is a secondary concern
TORBET ON THE TUBE
Access to the beach is via a steep path, so the minimal nature of snorkelling kit is a win
PHOTO: ROB WHITE
The Door of perception
Andy Torbet visits one of the Jurassic Coast’ s celebrated natural landmarks, and finds that visibility is a secondary concern
Scuba divers immerse themselves both literally and figuratively in the subsurface world. The‘ other’ world – the world above – could be enveloped by magic purple mist or war could break out and we’ d be oblivious until we’ d cleared our deco. By contrast, snorkelling, the most basic discipline in the many faceted world of diving, retains a greater sense of connection with the terrestrial world.
Snorkelling, by its very nature, is conducted in that boundary layer. For divers, when diving, the world above does not exist. For those trapped on land the world appears to simply end at the waterline. But it is the humble snorkeller alone who bridges the gap, with one fin in either realm. This means we can appreciate the wonder of both worlds, an ability unobtainable by others. This means the topside attractions, be it landscape, history
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Durdle Door under a night sky