The Wonder of the under water world

Testimonial:

'Hi Kate,
 
Thanks again so much for the session.  We really enjoyed it and I'm in still in disbelief that I managed any of it.  I've not been able to put my face near water for thirty odd years'  'Thank you!
 
Karin'

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It has been a real eye opener to me this season just how much people have been enjoying snorkelling. Karin was probably the most nervous person I have taken into the water, but there have been several other people for whom, lets say, the sea is not their 'go to' environment for feeling at ease, and they have ALL absolutely loved it once they got the hang of it. Karin didn't mean to book snorkelling for herself, it was actually a present for two of her friends, and when one of them proved to be even more averse to the idea than she was, she decided to substitute herself at the very last minute. So brave!

My background in teaching children (many with disabilities) in the outdoors means that I am experienced in giving people the support they need to achieve these firsts for themselves. It is always an honour and a thrill to accompany and encourage someone into enjoying an activity in or on the water for the first time.
For some people coming snorkelling with us, it might even be the first time they have put on a wetsuit, so I am always in awe of what they go on to do from there! In Karin's case, as soon as she bravely put her face into the water, and continued to breathe easily through the snorkel, she was mesmerised by what she saw beneath the waves. 
The sea was quite active that day, with little waves lapping against the seaweed covered reef, the myriad colours of the algae stunning against the pure white back drop of the Huisinis sand. The bright green and coral pinks of the dancing seaweed fronds completely entranced Karin and she just couldn't stop looking. We didn't go out of her depth but we still saw tiny fish and star fish, as well as sea-anenomes and little crabs which scuttled along almost under her nose. I stayed by her side all the time, in fact, I think we were holding hands for a lot of it! She had never been in the sea before, but here we were!

It was an absolute joy to snorkel with Karin and her friend Kathleen at Huisinis. We also had fun snorkelling with several families with young teenage children this year. For those that are more confident, we can access crystal clear waters over kelp forest by using the kayaks or the canoe to paddle a short way along the rocky shore. Daryll found some astounding creatures on the sea bed, such as the spiny starfish, and the bright pink sun star you can see in the photos, but it is not all about the creatures! The underwater-scape with its constant swaying movement and the 3D phenomenon of tiny baby jellyfish floating past your eyes like perfect subterranean snowflakes, literally opens your eyes to a completely different world, separated from us only by the silky meniscus of water's surface. 

For more about snorkelling with Wild Harris keep an eye on BBC's Adventure Show. We took them snorkelling earlier this month and the programme will be aired in March.