Andaman AIDA Freediving Event

Blue Planet Divers is organizing the second, Andaman AIDA Freediving Challenge on the 10th to the 12th of February 2009 with our special guest, Guillaume Nery, world champion in constant weight.

Just as in 2008, athletes will compete under AIDA rules, both in swimming pool with static and dynamic, and in the open sea.

The open sea portion of the competition will take place at Koh Haa (islands off Koh Lanta), where athletes will compete in three depth disciplines.

The pool competition will take place once again in the luxurious Rawi Warin resort and Spa.

Find more information on the Freediving competition here...

Dave’s Den

We have all been a bit concerned about Dave our Technical Diving Instructor lately as he seems to be nesting in the back of our dive centre. We don’t think he is expecting a baby but merely creating a home for all his new Technical Dive Equipment.

Dave tells us “Technical and Cave Diving equipment takes a lot of preparation, care and maintenance to ensure it is always in fully working order and all my new equipment needs to be ready for courses.” Margarit, Dave’s girlfriend only wishes he was as tidy at home!!

Troubles in Thailand

Many of you may have seen that there have been problems in Bangkok over the government of the Thailand. We are pleased to say that these issues have been resolved and never actually affected Koh Lanta (indeed it appears many of our friends abroad were better informed than us!) apart from closing our airport for a few days.

Thailand is a beautiful, safe and welcoming country and the phrase ‘Land of Smiles’ still rings true. There are fantastic flight and accomodation deals available to the Andaman Coast and we hope to see you real soon.

Farang Ladyboy Competition

Well the men, erm women, of Blue Planet Divers, did really well in the above competition winning first, second and third prize in this event.

Ben the winner was ecstatic and Kelvin and Chris, our Divemasters in Training, were slightly gutted to be pipped at the post.

Many thanks to all the guys/girls for the tremendous effort they did this night and thanks to their wives, girlfriends and friends who help make these real beauties/monsters!

We are so proud!

Memorable Dives

Well there was one memorable day for us all in December when our boat went to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang for the day. Whilst I, Mellisa, sat in the office, our instructors and Divemasters in Training were with customers seeing Manta Rays and Whale sharks on the same dive!

Kelvin told us “Oh it was amazing, my first ever sighting and not only do I see a Whale shark but also a Manta Ray swimming over the top of it, I’ll never forget today.” Apparently over the 2 dives they saw 2 Whalesharks and 2 Manta Rays, “they just stayed with us for ages, we didn’t have to move just sit and watch these beautiful creatures,” grinned Ben.

At the end of the dive a turtle showed up and looked slightly distressed that the divers really weren’t that impressed with him! Meanwhile both Koh Bida and Koh Haa have been coming up trumps with the small stuff, Greg and Rhi have had regular sightings of Ghost pipefish, seahorses, Manta Shrimps and some stunning Nudibranchs.

But the big stuff is here too, with regular turtle and Leopard sharks sightings and Dave even seeing a Whale shark at Koh Haa.