60 - Friday, June 14, 1985 - North Share News

Sein SL SL ad (i ek ee

!
|
|

Sightseeing under |

THE PACIFIC Ocean
off British Columbia
abounds with sea life.
The underwater scenery
is at least as spectacular
as cur above water
scenery.

By DAVID McLAREN

With underwater visibility
in places rivalling tropical
waters, B.C. diving ranks
amongst the best ocean div-
ing on the planet.

The abundance of marine
life is a consequence of the
cold water ocean currents ly-
ing off the coast which br-
ings vital nutrients and sup-
port food chains climaxing
in the largest octopus found
anywhere in ithe world, 20°
six-gill sharks, and 1800 Ib.
Stellar sea lions.

Only one thing is preven-
ting B.C. at the moment
from being the number one
diving destination in the
world: the cold water. You
don't have to ice dive, but
you do- need thermal protec-
tion gear to spend any time
at all underwater.

Any diver can dive safely
in B.C. It just requires a lit-
tle’ more forethought,
preparation and a heavier
weight belt than in the
warmer oceans (not that you
feel the weight under water
anyway). The quality in-
struction you receive in B.C.
has a hidden benefit tco. A
diver trained here with some
experience can dive
anywhere in the World. In
fact, the most sought after

. divemasters at dive resorts in
the Caribbean are Canadian!

So you want to shake
hands with an octopus, ca-
ress a six-gill shark, kiss a
sea lion and photograph a
beautiful tube worm. What
are your options? Reaching
the dive site is easy. You can
eit..cr enter from the shore

by swimming out, or you e
can go ina boat.
Shore diving is quite s F

common where there is road

a cess to the ocean. Shore j
diving allows you and your a *
buddy the freedom to move f if
at your own pace. Carrying . er

yonr gear to the dive site is a ; _
minor problem. Most divers This summer Pacific Western can fly you to a fun in the sun spot
dress at their vehicles and f iust $65.00 We fi Penti A d | .
leisurely carry their fins and rom jus .00 return. We ily to Penticton, Keiowna and Kamloops 86 times every
mask in their hands to the week. To reserve your place in the sun you must book at least seven days

if rock hopping leaves you in advance and stay a Saturday night. This offer is good until September 30th but hurry,
a little breathless, leave your «ae : : “- .
roubles ar the amiers claw . seats are limited and subject to availability. Call US at 684-6161 or
Simply wade in and let the your travel agent for all the details.

water take all your weight . :
until you feel comfortable * $65.00 mid-week. $85.00 Friday through Monday.
for the start of the dive.
The best dive sites are ar-
rived at by boat. In B.C.
many charter companies
cater exclusively to divers.
On larger boats, with over-
night, shared accommoda-
tion, the charter includes
your bunk, meals, and air
fills.

The crew knows where all —
the best dive sites wre and ff —
will get the boat to them. Pa f Wi ste
Go ahead and explore; Ci Ic e@ rit
learn all you can about your
choosen dive areca. Experi-
ment and discover new
underwater delights.

TT rane hg eames Nene Meena eRe SDP IE egetae Sor