Sunday 22nd March 2009
The Great Separation Point Dive Adventure
North Road 6:30am 22 nd March six keen divers, John, Louise, Sarah, Nigel, Louie and myself Katie ready to roll, destination, Separation Point.
The day was clear and fresh. As we approached the launching ramp at Kaiteriteri the sun was starting to rise. Sarah our second captain on the boat was going through the routine checks and making sure we were ready to launch. John dropped us in and Sarah tried the motor but nothing happened, all who were on board were offering help and advice but still the boat wouldn’t start. As we sat bobbing around not sure what to do next and feeling a little stupid there was a big splash, John our knight in black rubber was swimming out to save us. After a couple of pumps on the petrol hose we were off. There was already quite a swell rolling in so we crashed our way through to Separation Point. We were paired up, Nigel and Sarah were dropped in first and then Louie and I five minutes later. The viz was two metre max, Louie and I both had good torches and it wasn’t long before we spotted our first cray and of course it was a whopper but unfortunately it was to far in to get at. Louie pointed out a big Conger Eel in one of the caves. After a few cray sightings but nothing easy to get I spotted a taker. After a bit more exploring I had lost sight of Louie so I came up to the surface. Nigel had caught a nice cray and had also seen a few more that were hard to get at. Louise and John had a dive South of Separation Point, before jumping in Louise was already feeling seasick and while they were down hunting for crays she gave the fish a free feed (poor girl). Our next plan was to dive on Awaroa Heads but before we got there Louie spotted a large rock just off the coast, he and I jumped in, with Nigel and Sarah dropped in further North of “The Rock”, which I have now named “Flop Rock” as it was a waste of time and air. Nigel had enjoyed his dive but did not find any takers. Awaroa Heads, I really enjoyed. Louie was feeling the pressure not to be out done by a girl so as soon as we were down he was a man on a mission!! The viz was a lot better and between us we scoured the rocks. I came across a perfect ledge for crays and sure enough there was a pair of feelers sticking out, I gently grabbed hold of the horns and pulled him out, meanwhile Louie had just came around the corner to witness me pulling out my second cray for the day, he helped me put it in my catch bag and was off. Louie then found two good keepers and was feeling a whole lot better! John also got a nice cray on Awaroa Head. John and Nigel had a third dive on Bark Bay Reef, they both enjoyed the terrain but did not find any crays. After cleaning up the boat we enjoyed a well deserved beer at Travelers Rest. Thanks you all for a great day. Katie Kelsall