Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Popping My Whaleshark Cherry!

I'm happy to announce that after 7 years of diving, I'm no longer a whaleshark virgin!

At first, it was awkward. We both didn't quite know what to do during our first time alone together. She came to me. I fumbled around quite a bit. She went on top of me, but I didn't know if it could fit. She was going faster and faster. I could barely keep up. Breathing hard, I didn't want it to end too quickly. I paced myself and after 10 minutes of our intense encounter, I withdrew and i was then seeing stars. What an incredible moment!!!

OK if you're the pervert I think you are, let me re-word that!

At first, it was awkward. We both didn't quite know what to do during our first time alone (in the water) together. She came (swam slowly) to me. I fumbled around (with the camera controls) quite a bit. She went (swam right over my head) on top of me, but I didn't know if it could fit (meaning it's head into my camera frame). She was going (swimming) faster and faster. I could barely keep up (again, swimming). Breathing hard (while chasing it), I didn't want it to end too quickly. I paced myself and after 10 minutes of our intense encounter, I withdrew (from the chase) and i was then seeing stars (from too little oxygen). What an incredible moment!!!


This whaleshark had been previously identified a couple years ago and at the time, measured 8m from head to tail. No doubt it would have grown some in the last few years. The location - Maamigili, South Ari Atoll, Maldives.

Amazing, amazing encounter. Special thanks to Guy Stevens for the photo.