Submission Dive Blog

Matt Roberts’ account of his experience of Shark Feeding as the winner of the Bruce Sharkey Photography Competition.

“Twas the night before Christmas,

And all through the towers

Not a creature was stirring

Not even a mouse… Apart from the Sharks that is!

Driving through the deserted grounds of Alton towers, we pulled onto the entrance to Sharkbait Reef, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mrs Claus (Lucy Handel). Lucy popped her head around the corner and an instant ‘kid at Christmas’ smile appeared on mine and Zoe’s face. We were taken on a very exclusive guided tour of the Sea Life aquarium. To see the various fish and creatures the aquarium had on show.  This privacy gave the chance to see the displays in all their glory without the usual hustle and bustle, much akin to the shopping this time of year.

After the disappointment of not being able to make the tour earlier in the year it really did seem like Christmas had come early.

After pressing my nose against the glass of every tank I could find, we were beckoned up to the feeding platform of the ocean tank. The rays and sharks had already begun to circle knowing that feeding time was fast approaching. We were giving a brief on feeding techniques and dietary requirements, donned a pair of gloves and dived in (not literally, although very tempting).

The rays were up first, once they sensed the food enter the water they circled the feeding area over and over. Slapping their fins on the side of the tank as they swam past, as if to say ‘more please’. Not deterred by the bullish presence of Xena, the rays led by Larry’s effervescent grin, soon gobbled up all we had to offer.

We then had the pleasure of feeding Xena the warrior Leopard shark (personal favourite). She has been trained to feed at a feeding board. The board is held in the water and the food is presented just in front of it ready for her to engulf it with a huge slurp. Although controlled and relaxed, you could feel the raw power as her eager nose bumped into the board.

Finally it was the turn of the Blacktip and Bonnethead sharks. Their extremely hesitant and cautious nature was evident throughout the entire time while we were viewing the Ocean tank from above, but none more so than when we attempted to feed them. The rays had made their way across to the feeding area and were keen to indulge further. The sharks only managed to feed on a small number of passes as the attention from the rays seemed to really dissuade them, almost to the point they seemed fearful. Another example of how media hype and tall stories has vastly exaggerated the reputation of these truly superlative creatures, and their apparent thirst for blood.

A truly unforgettable experience, for Zoe and I. Thank you to Lucy Handel at Sea Life and Katy Bloor at Sub-mission for making is possible.

The day’s events struck a nerve as any encounter of this kind should. It reaffirmed the need to care for and support these delicate creatures and our fragile ocean to ensure aquariums are not the only place to gaze in wonderment at the beauty the oceans have to offer.

As so, training for my next fundraising event is imminent (providing the doctor allows it). I hope to complete an Olympic Triathlon late 2012. That’s a 1.5k swim, 38k bike, followed by a 10k run. Anyone wishing to join me or sponsor me call in the Sub-mission shop for details.”

So 2011 is over. I feel like I’ve watched the year rush by like a dog with its head out of the car window, tongue hanging out, enjoying the wind going past my face. It’s been a pretty epic year, even if just for the fact that after so long together Darren finally proposed to me. Okay, so it may have been heat stroke but I wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass me by.

I thought I would share with you a few of my highlights from 2011 and maybe you could let me know what your highlights have been.

Firstly, I think that Darren and I getting through the application criteria and then being accepted onto the PADI Course Director programs must be the biggest event of the year for me. Not only did we succeed in reaching the pinnacle of the PADI ladder but we both had a fantastic time along the way and met some awesome people who we will keep in touch with for years to come. It was exciting and terrifying at the same time but our hard work and experience made it bearable.

The Fin4Finning was a great success in July and I am so proud of everyone’s determination to not only complete the distance but to raise money and awareness for Sharks. It was a brilliant idea of Ian and Jenny Ratcliffe and with over £4,000 raised made is a worthwhile event that will hopefully be bigger, better and harder in 2012.

We have taught some absolutely fantastic Instructor Candidates this year so we must congratulate Jenny, Yvonne, Ian, Nick and Paul on their achievements. We then had to say bon voyage to Jenny and Ian who are now enjoying life in Brunei.

The Dive Centre has hosted some pretty awesome guest speakers, which have been a hit with Sub-Mission Club members. Mark Powell, Paul Duxfield, Rory Golden, Dr Jules, Lucy Handel and Maria Munn gave us plenty of food for thought and offered some real inspiration to many of you.

I have loved the relaunch of Project AWARE, the new mission statement and focus area’s. The ability to interact with the website and it’s social media feel are a winner in my eyes and it’s great to get recognition for Sub-Mission’s efforts with news articles being posted on the front page about ‘Bag Free for a Week’, Fin4Finning and the arrival of Finn. 2011 also welcomed Bruce Sharkey who has proven to be a tricky, mischievous little shark who is hoping to do continue to create a stir in 2012.

A few other mentions; Congratulations to Phill who proposed to Lauren underwater back in January. Congratulations to Kieran for plucking up the courage to ask Sonia to marry you and we’re sorry we ruined your romantic Jacuzzi evening on the liveaboard!

Well done Matt for your half marathon and the fantastic fund raising that you managed to pull off.

All of the Instructors will agree with me that we have once again had an action packed year and we’ve laughed all the way to the water (and underwater at times too). There are too many students to mention here, (although I do remember every single one) but you’ve all been fantastic. You’ve worked hard, over come difficulties and then gone and had some bloody good dives after your courses. Well done to all of you who completed the Master Scuba Diver Challenge last year, a major achievement and recognition of your Scuba Diving expertise and experience.

It’s a great time to make plans for diving in 2012 and we hope that you will join us for more laughs, more adventures and more fun this year!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Please be advised that due to the ice and the slope of the car park outside the Dive Centre, conditions are slippy and dangerous. Please do not park on either ours or Richer Sounds car park, use the adjacent streets instead. If you have cylinders for refill please leave them in your car, come in and let us know and we’ll help you with them.

Many Thanks, Katy x