A dive in history

Cyprus is a paradise for sports divers, and that includes Northern Cyprus. With good visibility up to 30 meters and temperatures around 26 to 27 degrees Celsius, the season lasts from April almost up to Christmas. Small difference between high and low tide prevents under-tow and makes it safe even for beginners to go out in deep water. And there are plenty of diving-schools on the beaches in and around the port city of Kyrenia, with a wide range of offers for both beginners and the more advanced.

By Nils E. Bjørnæs

A trial dive with an instructor will cost you about £20, but if you are more experienced and have a diving-certificate, you can rent equipment for around £80-£90, and be part of exciting day-trips to old shipwrecks, underwater-reefs teeming with wildlife, explore caves and search for old Roman antiquities, which there plenty of around the coast. The world's oldest shipwreck, that now can bee seen on display at the old fort in the harbour of Kyrenia, was found just outside the city a few years ago. To rent equipment you must have a valid diving-certificate, and the rule is even then, that you never dive alone!

Two people who are eager to give it ago, are the English brothers David and Mike Stock. They chose the diving school at the Jasmine Court hotel on the outskirts of Kyrenia for their first dive in the Mediterranean Sea. But first they must go through the theory with the instructor, Simon Jannson, also from England.

We are not looking for an "in-depth interview", but how does it feel to spend so much time teaching under water?

"That's a good one", he chuckles. "I enjoy it! Of course I end up spending quite a few hours under water during the season, but with these sort of water temperatures, it is quite comfortable. Also I do meet a lot of nice people, which is an extra bonus," laughs Simon who has lived and worked as a diving instructor in North Cyprus for 9 years.

His two students are now wearing the gear and ready to meet "the underworld".
Nervous?

" Actually more exited than nervous", says Mike who is a first time diver.

His brother David has some experience.
"I took a diving-certificate in England many years ago, but have wanted to try it again for a very long time. I have really been looking forward to this, "he says as they disappear into the depths.

40 minutes later they are back on dry land, a little tired, but obviously both relieved and exhilarated. And the experience?

"Well, this was completely different than diving in England, not to mention a lot warmer. In addition, the visibility under the water was formidable", says David a little out of breath.

And the first timer?

"I felt pretty clumsy and all the equipment felt really heavy before we got in the water, but that changed quickly and I enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness underwater", says Mike. "I also had a bit of trouble adjusting the pressure in my ears when we got down to 6 meters, but it's a great feeling to be under water without having to come up to breathe. I will definitely consider taking the diving certificate".

"It really gave me the taste for more. I would also like to go ahead and renew my certificate. And who knows, maybe I eventually can do a bit of work as a help-instructor" says David.

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