Kuta Lombok, Indonesia (12.08.2013)
As I set off this morning on a dive adventure my dive master warned “beyond the break it’ll be a bit rough, just stay seated.” Understatement.
I’ve never been in bigger waves in a smaller boat.
Wild ride ensued with rollercoaster highs, back-cracking crashes, and gut-losing falls. After 40 minutes we arrived to a partially sheltered dive spot (pictured) but 2 of the party were lost to seasickness and never touched the water, though it may have done them some good. They preferred instead to stay aboard and feed the fishes.
First dive was murky with strong swell and a chilly 25 degrees. I wished I had a thicker, full-body wetsuit. Shivering underwater is a strange sensation. Nonetheless the corals were vibrant with life and our party of 3 were the only humans in sight.
After a stomach curling 45 minute surface interval of having the boat gently rocked to and fro another diver was hurling his breakfast overboard. Having waited a respectful few minutes for his stomach contents to dissipate, we were back into the blue for a swim through coral gardens, so untouched and thriving.
Weary limbed from struggling against the swell, teeth chattering from chill, and hungry we emerged dripping from the sea and braved the return journey across the wild, tossing ocean gladly. Feeling like we had survived something to experience this piece of underwater majesty made it so much greater a reward. Totally worth it.
the wonders 