Recently, I had the opportunity to join an underwater photography course organized by BlxckDiamond Club Underwater in Pattaya, Thailand, blending my passion for photography and diving. This post details my journey from classroom sessions in Bangkok to diving adventures in Pattaya.
The journey started on a Saturday in Bangkok. A full day (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) was dedicated to classroom sessions, where we delved into crucial aspects like camera settings and lighting techniques. With a head full of knowledge, we set off for Pattaya around 6:00 pm. The evening allowed us to settle into our accommodation near the Pier, our launching point for diving excursions.
Sunday greeted us with refreshing energy. Joining my Thai diving companions at the Pier by 8:00 am, we boarded a boat for a day filled with three exhilarating dives in the Gulf of Thailand.
- Dive 1: Saxophone Rock, Koh Lan
Our first dive took us to Saxophone Rock, a renowned dive site off the coast of Koh Lan. As we descended into the crystal-clear waters, we were greeted by a vibrant array of marine life.
- Dive 2: HTMS Koot Wreck
The second dive led us to the HTMS Koot Wreck, a sunken warship transformed into a thriving artificial reef. Exploring the shipwreck's intricate structure, the highlight was undoubtedly encountering a giant sea turtle peacefully napping inside one of the ship's towers! The diverse marine life inhabiting the wreck was equally captivating. (Confession: I got lost for a few minutes admiring the turtle!)
- Dive 3: Koh Sak West
Visibility at Koh Sak West, our final dive, was limited. This presented a unique challenge for macro photography. We adopted a low-profile position on the seabed, propped on knees and elbows, which occasionally disturbed silt, necessitating frequent repositioning.
Learning from Challenges:
These dives weren't without their hurdles. On the first dive, I started with incorrect weights, hindering my descent. This meant a quick trip back to the boat for adjustments. Additionally, during the turtle encounter, with three groups converging, I momentarily lost track of mine due to the uniformity of diving gear. While all groups originated from the same boat, dive times could vary, emphasizing the importance of monitoring air supply and dive duration. The final dive was a test of buoyancy control with the extra weight and proper BCD inflation for near-bottom navigation trying not to disturbe the seabed. It's a skill I'll continue to refine. It's worth noting that I borrowed a camera for the dives and lacked familiarity with its settings, making the photos more about learning than achieving perfection.
After completing the final dive, a celebratory hot pot dinner capped off the experience before returning to Bangkok. My deepest gratitude to my fellow participants, instructors, and guides, particularly Tanawut and Topp, for their invaluable support. Being the sole foreigner among Thai participants was a unique experience, and I eagerly await the opportunity to dive with them again!
