Posted on by

Touring Bogata

Before leaving on this trip we spent time looking into what we should see while in Bogota. With our team mate Rolexi (he grew up in Bogota) guiding us we visited The Candelaria. A famous part of the city with a great history. Highlights of the Candelaria that we say were.

Many small coblestone streets

The birth place of Bogota

The Botero Art Gallery

The Mint Museum

Mexican Cultural Centre

Parliament Buildings

presidential Palace

Several Churches in different architectual styles including the famous Catedral Primada seen in the image below.

Shopping plaza

Traffic is wild and chaotic and downright scary. We opted for Taxis and walking to get around. Only one out of 6 taxis so far had seat belts available in the rear seats. One cab that seemed like he was on a suicide mission and then tried to rip us off. So 11 out of 12 drivers have been good. The pollution from cars is especially strong during rush hour. We can feel the burn in our throats.

Armed with the knowledge from the trip with Rolexi, Gord and I visited the Gold museum (a must see for $2).

Below is a picture of Gord and I at the Mexican Culture Centre with the mountains in the backgroud.

Inside Catedral Primada

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Bogota Columbia – Underwater Rugby

We have arrived in Bogota!

Three of us from Ontario have made the trip to Bogota to compete at the Columbian National Underwater Rugby Competition. The tournament is being held at Simon Bolivar Swimming Pool Complex. We have joined a North American composite team made up of 5 Canadians and 7 US players.

This is a short video I found explaining Underwater Rugby
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fen7bv4Sys]

If you are interested in additional information:

Bogota Underwater Rugby Club Home Page:
www.castoresrugbysub.com

Local News Report on Underwater Rugby:
www.colombianews.tv/news/101210-bogota-underwater-rugby

Posted on by

Vancouver Freedive Fest 2010

We have arrived in Bogota!

Three of us from Ontario have made the trip to Bogota to compete at the Columbian National Underwater Rugby Competition. The tournament is being held at Simon Bolivar Swimming Pool Complex. We have joined a North American composite team made up of 5 Canadians and 7 US players.

This is a short video I found explaining Underwater Rugby
[YouTube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?=5fen7bv4Sys]

If you are interested in additional information:

Bogota Club Home Page:
http://www.castoresrugbysub.com/

Local News:
http://www.colombianews.tv/news/101210-bogota-underwater-rugby

Posted on by

Vancouver Freedive Fest 2010

…Well, I know it’s been almost 2 months by now, but then again – it is about time to refresh our memories amidst rainy days here in Toronto or Montreal. Hey, Vancouver, is it raining there too? Anyhow, sorry for the delay, but here it is – short Video essay of our GREAT TIME in Vancouver in August of 2010!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEn7jTVbKnY]

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Tobermory 2010 Part II

Tobermory part II. The second offical Tobermory trip of the year and the last Tobermory trip for 2010 for the FreediveToronto Group. The weather just didn’t want to co-operate causing serveral people to decide it wasn’t going to be for them. Three of us decided that we didn’t want to waste an oportunity to get out of the city and have a little fun. The waves were too big for a long trek along the coast but it certainly made for some interesting video.

I hope that the weather is better for next year.

If you like the music it is from a band called “Prince Perry and the Gladtones” (PrincePerry.com). Perry is a long time friend of the Freedive Comunity and he agreeded to let me use the music in this video.

Enjoy!

[YouTube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1ZhZ7KtnUo]

Posted on by

FreediveToronto club Depth mini-competition

After 2 months of planing and preparations, in collaboration with surprisingly warm waters of Lake Ontario and made-to-order weather, it took on September 18, 2010 right here in Toronto.

4 athletes competed in various disciplines. For some it was the very first freediving competition, for others – good opportunity to hone some skills, for organizers and support team – good starting point in preparation for the next year official AIDA Canada National Depth competition.

Despite minor glitches, it all went smooth and had become a memorable milestone for our club!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBgIS9cn9ag&fs=1&hl=en_US]

 

Posted on by

Climbing the Chief

Just to take a break and dry out we climbed the Chief. Half way between Vancouver and Whistler along the Sea to Sky highway the Chief climbs 550m. Total round trip time 5 hours. Great workout on a beautiful day. Happy to share a couple of pictures with friends.

Posted on by

Ansel Point, BC

Sunday was another beautiful day here in Vancouver. The group was scheduled to dive at Ansel Point. The tide was low enough to allow us to have plenty of room to lay out our gear and lay down an recharge in the suns rays. The surface temperature was about 24 deg C so it was a good place to cool off.

12 divers showed up to enjoy the day. Visibility was great. Lots to be seen even from the surface. 20 m from shore there was a wall to dive on that had lots of fish, sponges, starfish and jellyfish. All this was new to me so every time I arrived back at the surface I had lots of questions. It was all topped off when two seals (mom and her pup) followed Okanna back to shore. After spending hours in the water everyone had build up an good appetite to enjoy all the goodies everyone brought to share. Fresh sandwiches and all kinds of fresh fruits.

I hope this weather holds out!

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Night of Apnea BC

What a blast!

Meteor showers aside I loved the bioluminescence. Too bad I didn’t get any pictures of it. Every movement lite up the water. It was like some kind of magical energy. Or as you swam through the water it was like you became a meteor on reentry sparks flying off every surface.

At about 11:30 pm everyone was out of the water and we caught up with the Montreal divers who were also watching the sky in Morison Quarry, Quebec.

I can see why this annual weekend night dive has attracted so many people.