Diving Townsville

Bubbles from the past

In the word of Ian Drent (manager at Aqua Sport & Dive), who has managed to get out to the reef since Cyclone Yasi,” Viz was 4-8m at Centipede reef and it was looking deserted as fish had gone deep. Reef was covered in brown silt with the white sand covered with green algae as a result of so much fresh water. However, it didn’t appear smashed up at all just needs time for nature to do it’s thing”

So it looks like the reef should be back to it’s normal best very shortly. In other news, divers on the Yongala reported that some soft coral has come off the hull, exposing previously unseen parts of the wreck.

Something to wet your appetite

This week looks to be a wet one with the rain and clouds forecasted to hang around until Sunday. Wind wise though it’s rather flat, blowing a gentle 5-10 knots all week.

If anyone reads this tonight and is not working tomorrow, Remote Area Dive is doing a river clean up at 7.30am tomorrow (Tuesday) morning for Clean Up Australia Day. This event is in partnership with NQ Tropics.

Next weekend (11-13th March) Kalinda is running a reverse Yongala liveaboard trip to raise funds for the Queensland Disaster Relief Fund. Dave, who runs Kalinda, was in Gatton for the duration of the devastating Lockyer Valley flood event, and seeing first hand the destruction which has affected so many people, wants to make a significant contribution to assist. A berth will cost $500 and will include boat travel, lots of yummy food, tank & weights and 4 amazing dives (1 night dive) on the historical shipwreck of the Yongala. Depending on current condition and the competency level of all on board, the second days diving could include the deep wrecks of fishing trawlers or even a WW2 bomber. Let Dave know if you are interested, his details are one the Dive Shop/Club page.

And the weekend after that (18th & 19th March) Freetime Aperture is running a basic underwater photography course. The course covers the basic science and art behind underwater photography and is suitable for people who have never tried underwater photography or people who have an underwater camera but would like to know how to get the best out of it. This course will differ from previous courses in that it includes a day of open water diving, allowing you to practice your new found skills in the ocean. E-mail them at info@freetimeaperture.com for more information.

Land lubbers

As we reach a century of years since the sinking of the Yongala, tribute events are being held in remembrance. On the 26th of March, there will be a tribute dinner held at the Yongala Lodge. The 4 course captains dinner is inspired by dishes served on the s.S. Yongala. Contact Natalie on 07 4772 4633 to purchase tickets ($155 each)

If anyone has contributions please e-mail them through to admin@divingtownsville.com by Monday afternoon and they will make the Monday evening edition of TWID.