Today was our first deep dive, where we dove down to about 50 feet. This was probably the coolest dive I’ve done and also the most fun. Rather than learning a bunch of skills, our instructor Matt brought some props down to demonstrate the changes in pressure, air density, how we perceive color, and how our mental speed is affected at such a depth. First we cracked an egg underwater and saw how it stays together to the point that we could play toss with it.
Next we played a counting game, where Matt had a chart with numbers 1-20 scrambled on a grid. He timed us to see how long it took us to count the numbers in order at 50 feet below, and then repeated this test with us on land. It took me 30 seconds to tap the numbers underwater and only 17 seconds on land, showing how our thinking slows down and thought processes are affected due to the depth and pressure.
Lastly, Matt showed us a color chart on land that was in rainbow order, but when we looked at it underwater, all of the reds and oranges appeared brown. It was pretty cool to see how our perception is greatly affected at these depths, and also loved playing with a floating egg yolk just for fun. Also got some decent footage today, think I’m getting better at this GoPro thing!
Ended the day with some more beach volleyball and an insane sunset. I don’t think I’ll get tired of this view.
Half-Seas Over 