X-Ray Mag #81
Features in this issue
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Best Behavior
ImagesMike BartickRecently, while visiting a photo exhibit, I overheard those familiar magic words, “Wow! Lucky shot!” coming from a couple standing next to me. This immediately caused me to fade away, drifting into my dream state, while contemplating that statement.
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Caution with Crocs: A Discussion with Forrest Galante
Former contestant on the Discovery Channel’s reality series Naked and Afraid, wildlife biologist and HECS Aquatic Ambassador Forrest Galante has recently completed a wildlife documentary about diving with American crocodiles.
Diving Gordon's Bay in South Africa
ImagesKate JonkerGordon’s Bay is a sleepy seaside village in South Africa, nestled in the northeastern corner of False Bay, where the majestic Hottentots Holland mountain range dips its toes into the ocean. A quick 50-minute drive from Cape Town, Gordon’s Bay is surrounded by mountains and natural vegetation and the vibrant beauty of the countryside is mirrored beneath the waves.
Diving Lofoten in Norway
Lofoten in northern Norway is renowned for spectacular scenery and stunning natural beauty—and it doesn’t stop at the surface! Clear water, huge kelp forests with lots of marine life, great wreck diving and anemone-covered walls which rival any tropical coral reef…
What more could you ask for?
Let's Talk About Underwater Communications Systems
In 1977, a year after I got certified, Soundwave Systems launched the “Wetphone,” a voice-activated underwater communications device that promised to revolutionize sports diving, making it a “silent world” no more. I added it to my wish list along with a Watergill At-Pac, the forerunner of modern-day wings, and an SAS drysuit. Soundwave filed for bankruptcy a few years later.
WWII Wreck of USS LST 349 at Ponza, Italy
The LST (also known as “landing ship, tank” or “tank landing ship”) was integral to the fighting forces during World War II, transporting tanks, cargo and troops directly to the battlefield. They were unique in that their flat keels allowed the ships to remain upright after beaching, without the need for docks or piers. Their twin propellers and rudders were specially protected from grounding.The sinking of USS LST 349, which was heading to Naples from Anzio, Italy, occurred in February 1944. It happened during a severe storm, in which turbulent seas pushed the ship against the cliffs at Punta Papa on Ponza Island. Even though the people of Ponza made a great effort in the rescue operations, the death toll was heavy.
Mexico's Cozumel Island and Riviera Maya
ImagesLarry Cohen and Olga TorreyMexico has much to offer the traveling diver. The Yucatán Peninsula and Cozumel Island are close to each other and are a perfect combination for a dive trip. While Cozumel has the largest reef in the northern hemisphere, the Yucatán Peninsula has some of the best cavern and cave diving in the world, many of which are found in the Riviera Maya district located on the coast.
Review of Sony RX100 V Underwater
Serious underwater photographers travel with large cameras in huge housings. They also need different lenses, ports, lighting and other accessories. As housings for small point-and-shoot cameras became accessible, underwater photography became very popular. In the past, these cameras had many limitations but a range of new compacts offer compelling specs. Of these new models, the Sony RX100 V is one of the best.
Shayna Leib Portfolio
An avid diver since 2009, American artist Shayna Leib creates stunning glass sculptures that capture the dynamic movement and sublime beauty of wind and wave action upon water and reef life. X-Ray Mag interviewed the artist to find out more about her artwork and perspectives.
Task Fixation
When divers on a technical dives becomes task-fixated, critical cues that warn divers that their broader attention is needed can be missed. Psychologist and technical diver, Matt Jevon, discusses the effects and dangers of flow and task fixation in diving.
The Excitement of Sea Lion Dives
ImagesBrent DurandKeep an eye out for these behavior cues to make sure you are in place for the best interactions on your next sea lion dive.
The Future of Scuba Diving in a Flat World – Part II
At the end of my article in the previous issue, I referred to the fact that developing technologies, expanding markets and customers with different backgrounds and expectations have presented diver training agencies with challenges as well as opportunities. One major challenge has been to adapt training programmes to a changing world, while endeavouring to maintain the structures and paradigms that have been in place for over 50 years.
The Philippines' Southeast Bohol: Diverse Diving at Anda
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A female Tomato Anemonefish hiding amongst a bubble-tip anemoneTap, tap, tap! Our dive guide was rapping on his tank with such enthusiasm that I knew he had found something truly special. I had been searching in the muck for over an hour in hopes of finding octopus, but so far, had come up empty. As I swam over to where he was hovering, you could see the broad smile on his face as he pointed to his slate.
