Diving

Lionfish in Lesvos – Wanted Dead or Fried

They have arrived!!! It was inevitable, we knew this day was looming. Their shadows have stalked and toyed with us for too long, the countdown has ended.

Black Rock Greece has finally been introduced to the invasive species, the Lionfish!

Here is a photo of the first culprit, courtesy of our buddy Paul Prater.

I know what you’re thinking, “isn’t it pretty and cute” – “how can that be a menace?”….

This is how;

A full-scale invasion of marauding lionfish has taken over the waters of the eastern Mediterranean during the past five years, the floodgates have been opened to these Indo-Pacific species due to the enlargement of the Suez Canal and warmer waters. The lionfish have few natural enemies outside of their native regions, and breed at an astonishing rate of up to 30,000 eggs every four days! They are quickly becoming a plague threatening the coral reefs and eco systems they invade.

Lionfish eat juvenile reef fish, and it does not stop when it is full. The Lionfish can eat up to 6% of its body weight, and their stomachs can expand over 30 times! When you take out all the reef fish from a healthy reef, whether it is because of the Lionfish or overfishing the reef will die. When the reef dies, other fish will migrate, and local communities will lose an important food and income source.

The solution?

The hunter to become the hunted. Yes, you are encouraged to kill, exterminate, obliterate. Dangerous words to mutter in this woke world nowadays but don’t recoil in disgust or go to cancel us, you are saving the planet! Lionfish need to disappear from their non-native waters.

But no need to let your kill go to waste, Lionfish can be prepared in many different ways! On the grill, fried … whichever way you want. As long as you remove the spine which contains the venom (take care and wear gloves), you can serve it like a normal fish and it’s actually quite delicious. Not only does eating Lionfish reduce these pesky fish from our Aegean waters, but it also offers a sustainable fishing alternative.

So next time you’re on a dive and you see Hayden wrestling with a scaled fin fiend, do a favour and pass him the ketchup will you?

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Freediving in Greece

 

Also known as Apnea, Freediving is a form of underwater diving that relies on divers’ ability to hold their breath until resurfacing rather than on the use of a breathing apparatus such as scuba gear. In just one breathe you can reach depths you wouldn’t thought possible for us non-gilled folk and fin along without a care in the world.

As well as strongly promoting health and fitness, it is the most natural and serene way to explore the depths of the oceans with minimal impact. It is also the ultimate way to free yourself and spend more time enjoying the beauty and silence of the sea.

Learn breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that increase your deeper levels of awareness, lung capacity, perception and control over your body. From Introduction and relaxation courses for beginners to Advanced courses and training sessions for qualified Freedivers, there is something for everyone.

Be at one with the fish and go boldly where no man has gone before!

COURSES & INTRODUCTIONS

Breathing and Relaxation – Approx 1.5 hours – €40
Believe it or not the secret of freediving lies in the way we breathe and how we use breathing to relax. This helps us achieve better mind control, so we can be better, not only at freediving but at any sport and in everyday life.

Discover Freediving – 1/2 day – €80
Are you a passionate snorkeller but not sure yet if Freediving is for you? Join our Intro Course and you will learn basic freediving techniques to enable you to snorkel at depth so that you can observe the marine life closer!

Beginner Level One Course – 2 days – €240
This course is the first step to learn safe freediving and the basic techniques of breath-holding, relaxation, correct breathing, streamlining, proper finning and body position. This is done in only 2 days and the aim is to get you to freedive comfortably to depths of 10-20 metres. And no, this is not crazy! It is actually a safe and conservative estimate.
Includes:

  • 2 theory sessions
  • 2 dynamic apnea sessions
  • 2 open water sessions

Advanced Level Two Course – 3 days – €330
This is a 3 day course where you learn the techniques that allow you to reach deeper depths in a comfortable and safe way. Techniques such as freefalling, and more efficient equalization methods will save a lot of energy so you can dive deeper and use less oxygen. We will also teach you how to train efficiently once you go back home and have no access to deep water. Also you will learn a lung stretching routine that will help you increase your lung capacity and adapt better to the increased pressure you encounter below 20 metres.
Course includes:

  • 3 theory sessions
  • 1 static apnea and 1 dynamic apnea session
  • 4 open water sessions

 

TRAINING SESSIONS

Refine your skills, get deeper or work on some specific aspect of your dives, we offer training for certified Freedivers.
You will be coached and given guidance to suit your individual level as well as provided safety by our experienced Instructors.
NOTE: Freediving training sessions are for certified freedivers, not for complete beginners. If you are not certified you should attend a beginner course prior to joining any training session.

Training with Instructor per session – Approx 2 hours
1 Pax – €50 per person
2 Pax – €40 per person
3 Pax – €30 per person

Without Instructor – 20% discount (minimum 2 pax on session)

Equipment, manual and certification are included in all courses and training sessions where applicable.

Please contact us for any questions or bookings.

 

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Freediving for dummies

Freediving for Dummies

Free diving I hear you say??

By george they’re not giving away more free stuff??!

Well as much as we would love to spoil you, anymore freebies and we would have to get that weekend job in Tesco…

No this is FREEDIVING, not FREE DIVING.

So what is Freediving?
Also known as Apnea, freediving is a form of underwater diving that relies on divers’ ability to hold their breath until resurfacing rather than on the use of a breathing apparatus such as scuba gear.

It is thought that Freediving originated in ancient Greece (surprise) where they dived for natural sponges used for bathing. It was also practised in ancient cultures to gather food, reclaim sunken treasures and aid military campaigns.

sponges

These days recognised examples of activities that use the technique include surfing, spearfishing, synchronized swimming as well as yoga and meditation. However, the activity that attracts the most public attention is the extreme sport of competitive Apnea in which competitors attempt to attain great depths, times, or distances on a single breath. There are many different yet outstanding World Records made by competitors, such as the ‘no limits’ male record of 214 metres by Herbert Nitsch in Spetses – Greece and the ‘constant weight without fins’ female record of 70 metres by Natalia Molchanova in Dahab – Egypt.

greece-2

As well as strongly promoting health and fitness, it is the most natural and serene way to explore the depths of the oceans with minimal impact. It is also the ultimate way to free yourself and spend more time enjoying the beauty and silence of the sea.

See, you learn something new every day. So not a freebie, but a beer in Haydens direction may certainly help with a discount 😉

Tune in next time for ‘Scuba vs Freedive’, gonna be messy!

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Twelve Days of Christmas – Black Rock Style!


Press play & sing-along!

On the first day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

1

A Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the second day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

2

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the third day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

3

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the fourth day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

4

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the fifth day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

5

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the sixth day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

6

Six Parrotfish Pooping,

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the seventh day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

7

Seven Damsels Dancing,

Six Parrotfish Pooping,

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the eighth day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

8

Eight Beers a-Brewing,

Seven Damsels Dancing,

Six Parrotfish Pooping,

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the ninth day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

9

Nine Squids a-Squabbling,

Eight Beers a-Brewing,

Seven Damsels Dancing,

Six Parrotfish Pooping,

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the tenth day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

10

Ten Clownfish Courting,

Nine Squids a-Squabbling,

Eight Beers a-Brewing,

Seven Damsels Dancing,

Six Parrotfish Pooping,

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the eleventh day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

11

Eleven Goatfish Grooming,

Ten Clownfish Courting,

Nine Squids a-Squabbling,

Eight Beers a-Brewing,

Seven Damsels Dancing,

Six Parrotfish Pooping,

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

On the twelfth day of Christmas,

my Buddy sent to me

12

Twelve Snorkellers Swimming,

Eleven Goatfish Grooming,

Ten Clownfish Courting,

Nine Squids a-Squabbling,

Eight Beers a-Brewing,

Seven Damsels Dancing,

Six Parrotfish Pooping,

Five New O-Rings!

Four Cleaner Shrimps,

Free Try Dives,

Two Scuba Thugs,

And a Diving Holiday in the Red Sea!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

From all at Black Rock Dive Centre

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The Luigi to Super Mario – Scuba Diving in Lesvos, Greece

Luigi

Before I start I want you to suffer from memory loss. Those of you who have dived previously in the Mediterranean or have been a witness to remarks of those who have, I ask you to just forget for the couple of minutes it takes you to read this.

I’m not implying that what they said is false, far from it. Don’t forget Black Rock started out on another Mediterranean Island many years ago which struggled with the WOW factor of marine life. Then Black Rock moved to Dahab in The Red Sea which is, well need I say more? It’s The Red Sea?!

But when it expanded over to Lesvos in Greece I never in my wildest dreams expected these Aegean Islands to be closer in life to their Red Sea brother than to their long lost ancestor.

The last thing I imagined when introducing myself to my new workplace was what I was greeted with. The handshake with an aquarium, I was inundated with invites from Groupers the size of Georges’ Hog Roast, the technicolour dreamcoat of the rainbow Wrasse, the sweeping whiskers of the goatfish. There’s a Damsel congestion, controlled by Giant Feather Duster Worms that are swaying ever so gently so not to disturb the herd of Nudibranch.

 

So in a rush are the clouds of Bream, Bass and Sardines that they fail to notice the Octopus working on a shell renovation, nor the Moray weaving through the Seagrass where the Seahorse sleeps. Yes, Seahorses are here! And so are Rays and Scorpionfish and 4 metre Tuna that aid the boat into shore. We even have a family of seals that welcome us down the coast and there’s been sightings of Turtles from local fishermen.

How could I have got it so wrong? I feel somewhat ashamed, like I owe them down under an apology. But it’s not just me. Another fellow Dahab frequenter who also took the plunge said ‘This place has the abundance of life we see in The Red Sea but without the range of flashy corals’. So there you have it. The Luigi to the Super Mario, not as well known or decorated but has his own special moves, a super hero in his own right. As we speak we are on the hunt for the wreck of a Turkish Frigate in the bay, Luigi may just get through to the next level.

star

So if you were one of those people who weren’t going to bother bringing their logbook or prescription mask because we’re in the ‘Mediterranean’ then think again, as you may just miss out on something pretty spectacular.

Now please SHARE, people need to know!

By Nikki Franks Falloon

Bobbing along, singing a song….

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Neilson Holidays – Lesvos or Lemnos?


So you’ve decided to combine Neilson Active Holidays with Black Rock Dive Centre, great! So that means not only diving with the best in the business but also a superb range of all-inclusive activities that all can enjoy including Windsurfing, Dinghy sailing, Waterskiing and Wakeboarding.

There’s just one problem…

Lesvos or Lemnos?

Sure both islands have a wide variety of boat and shore diving that is ideal for beginners and the more advanced. Including walls, caverns and reefs habiting the beautiful red Mediterranean corals and a wonderful collection of marine life such as groupers nudibranchs, octopi, crabs, shrimp, eels and seahorses.

But what else do the Islands have to offer?

iland text

 

Both islands boast stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes and numerous historical and religious archaeology. virtually unaffected by the mass tourism that has turned other islands into amusement parks, Lesvos and Lemnos appeal to those who want to experience the real Greece.

Still can’t decide?

Then a sure fire way to make a decision is to look at the activities you want to do with Neilson. Waterskiing may be flat water calm in one place but really bumpy in another or perfect conditions for an advanced windsurfer but bad for a novice. This is where you don’t want to get your holiday wrong.

Below is a diagram of the activities with conditions and tips to help give you that final push into making a choice.

Click to enlarge

Neilson_Activities

 

So, what will it be? Lesvos or Lemnos? Whichever one it is we look forward to seeing you at Black Rock!

p.s A bonus point for Lesvos is it’s also home to…

The Rock Shisha Bar & Grill

From the makers of Black Rock,

‘A mouth watering selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by funky desserts, coffees & cocktails.
Enjoy dining next to the waves or just relaxing with a Shisha under the stars, all at The Rock…’

See what’s happening at The Rock HERE

Check out my latest blog on Scuba Diving in Lesvos and Lemnos – The Luigi to Super Mario

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We need YOU! #TheFistDiveVote

The_Fist_Dive_Site_Vote_NewsWe’ve decided that YOU need to settle a dispute at the Dive Centre.

You’ve got until 5th October, the end of our season, to vote the new name for The Fist Dive Site…..as it doesn’t look like a fist??!

You can choose from;

  • Spanner
  • Hungry Hippo
  • The Claw
  • Exogorth (Star Wars asteroid worm to you Trekkies)

They’re all on our Facebook page, just tag yourself on your choice. Remember to tag, MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!

Click HERE to vote

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The boat that ROCKS! #ScubaDive #Greece

Lesvos Boat Dive4

Lesvos Boat Dive14

After many years out of the water, Haydens’ pride and joy has been returned to him and now lives on the beautiful island of Lesvos in Skala Eressos.

 

 

 

Fantasea – a 6.25 metre Ocean Rib – is the choice of transport for the Scuba Diving we offer at Black Rock in Lesvos. Skim over the water in style to access the new sites we have discovered. If you visit soon you may have the delightful task of naming some of these sites, as you can see below we need our map finished so hurry over!

More pics can be seen in our Album

Lesvos Dive Site Map2

 

 

 

 

 

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#Greece – #UnderwaterTreasure

People may not think of the Aegean Sea as a top diving destination, but we believe it’s a treasure waiting to be discovered…

On just about any dive, there’s a chance you’ll come across some artifacts. This is what makes diving in Greece unique, it’s like an impromptu archeological adventure every time you slip into the water. There’s also considerable life in the seas. There’s the chance you’ll find groupers, turtles and even dolphins, but your best bet for marine life is to slow down and think small. The Aegean has a wonderful collection of nudibranchs, invertebrates, crabs, shrimp, eels, seahorses and other easily overlookable stealth critters. Don’t forgo the diving once the sun goes down, however. Night diving is particularly interesting because that’s when cuttlefish, conger eels and octopi venture out of their daytime lairs.

More photos by Richard Keaney will be frequently added to our album Keaneys Critters

Worm  OctopusFireworm_1

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Greece here we come!!!

Greece Map 1We are pleased to announce we are expanding by joining our old windy pals on the beautiful Greek Aegean islands of Lesvos and Lemnos!! From the start of May 2013 you will be spoilt with not only Neilson Activity Holidays superb services and packages but also diving with the best in the business!

 

We will be situated in The Aeolian Village in Lesvos and The Portomyrina Palace in Lemnos which are both Neilson Resorts.

Neilson is proud to be one of the leading specialists in activity holidays around the globe. Their superb range of all-inclusive activities includes first rate tuition from experienced professionals and also runs in-resort windsurf clinics. At both destinations they have a great selection of activities that singles, couples, families and groups can all enjoy including;

  • Dinghy sailing
  • Windsurfing
  • Waterskiing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Tennis and coaching
  • Mountain biking and guiding
  • Fitness and aerobics
  • Kids clubs
  • Evening childcare

 

You’ll find a wide variety of diving in the Aegean Sea including walls, caverns and reefs habiting the beautiful red Mediterranean corals. There’s the chance you’ll find groupers, turtles and even dolphins, but your best bet for marine life is to slow down and think small. The Aegean has a wonderful collection of nudibranchs, invertebrates, crabs, shrimp, eels, seahorses and other easily overlookable stealth critters.

There is easy access at both islands for diving, with boat and shore diving available and a range of sites that are suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.

Click HERE for the Neilson website where you’ll find details and offers for both destinations plus stay tuned for the launch of our website revamp!

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