[suzukisan]

Hi guys,

Just back from Playa del Carmen. Well, unfortunately, I wasn't able to free-dive. Quite a heart breaker considering the beauty and the clarity of the water... Main reason was that I couldn't find anybody to go out with me and with the rather strong currents that are found over there, having a buddy doing my security was a necessity (and even without strong currents...).

Anyway I had a great time scuba diving, especially on a spot called "las tortugas" (the turtles) which really deserves its name. Saw probably 15 to 20 each time (went twice) and could approach them really really close. And finishing the dive in the middle of a group of a hundred 5 to 6 feet tarpons was also quite an experience... Did the scuba with a club called Phocea Caribe, real nice people and small boat, which I prefer to the scuba "charters" carrying 30 + people.

At the hotel I stayed (Viva Maya, in Playacar) there was a nice swimming pool so I did practice static apnea and manage to introduce quite a few friends to it. They all loved it and I think they're hooked. Some first timers did 2'30'' after a few sessions, they never thought they could stay so long without breathing. Managed to got close to 5' myself (my previous PB was 4'33''). I am starting to use some of the techniques I learned at the Pelizzari course and it really helps to relax the body. An so does the warm water (30°C !!).

For those of you going to the PdC area in the future, I think the cenotes (natural deep ponds of fresh water) are probably the best bet for free diving. Water is apparently very clear, nicely refreshing and quite deep (50 meters for some of them) so if you can find a partner free-diving there should be quite an experience.

Pues, got to go back to work. Hasta luego amigos !