29th April 2023 - wave stopping experience.

 

Aliwal shoal is located off the coast of South Africa and is known for its incredible dive sites and abundant marine life. From sting rays to turtle it has it all not forgetting to mention it being knows for some of the best sharks. It was gloomy out and I did look really sleepy but I was excited to explore the underwater world after seeing a white tip the day before. 

Little did I know that this dive would leave an unforgettable battle scar. We drove down to the beach for the beach resort and the back of the Land Cruiser towing the boat to the launch site and all I could think is how I am in the dive town living my outer banks dreams. We got to the launch site and on the boat we went- we were to be dropped off at raggies cave. The tide was low  and it was a bit choppy out but non the less we thought we were tough. While jumping the waves an unexpected show stopping wave popped up breaking on the noise of the boat and boom there I went tumbling onto the floor of the boat and knocking my head. When I got up there was blood everywhere luckily to my surprise it wasn’t mine. My dive master hit his nose on a cylinder but anyway we laughed it off as shark bait and proceeded to the dive site. At first I watched all my dive buddies descend while I stayed on the boat. I was a bit disappointed I thought to myself I came all this way , I begged my parents so much to let me go just not to dive ? Screw it! I asked the skipper to help me kit up and off I went. Everyone, I mean everyone was so excited to see me from warm underwater hugs to high-fives I was on the dive. I am so glad I went down. I was marvelled by the tropical fish, lobsters and rays I got to see amongst the coral. 

In conclusion, my scuba diving experience in Aliwal Shoal left me with a battle scar on my head, but it also taught me the importance of safety when engaging in adventurous activities. While scuba diving can be dangerous, with the proper precautions, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. So, dive in, explore the underwater world, but always remember to prioritize your safety! 

 

Ps. To all my family reading this I am fine !