Report thanks to Nickie Mountney:
Why wouldn't you want to look silly and have fun on a day like this? / Photograph by Tara Sutherland
Whilst the Netherlands were still celebrating their win over Brazil in the FIFA World Cup, and the All Whites were tucked up in bed back in New Zealand, a glorious day was breaking over Matheson Bay, north of Auckland.
Saturday 3rd July 2010 was going to be a monumental day, as today the first Global Dive Scuba Olympics were being held.
With a 9am start ahead of them, most team players and Global Dive officials made their way to Matakana bakery for that all important first coffee of the morning.
Once caffeine levels were restored, it was a short hop to Matheson Bay, where the fun was about to begin.
After everyone had said their hello’s, it was down to business, and the first thing on the agenda was to erect the marquee and to make sure that the generator was up and running, for those all important hot drinks that the divers would need.
Once up, it was briefing time where Anna explained just how the day was going to pan out, what events were being held, and of course who the teams were.
Despite 5 teams entering, only 2 turned up on the day.
Team All Reds / Photograph by Andrew Simpson
Team Name: All Reds
Representing: England
Team Members: Glynn, Kate, Rachel & Steve
Identified by: Red neckerchief and red face paint
Team Name: Scuba Cats aka “Underwater Pussies”
Representing: British Isles
Team Members: Fiona, John, Jono & Pete
Identified by: Rugby Shirts – England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales
With their gear together and kitted up, it was time for the fun to begin.
First up was the Beach Shot Put.
Rules: You must be in your wetsuit with fins and mask on, and snorkel in your mouth, whilst throwing a 1.5kg weight as far as you can.
Team Scuba Cats / Photograph by Andrew Simpson
Technique was going to be the essence, with brawn losing out to style.
After this, it was off into the balmy 14 degrees water for the next three events.
25m No Fin Running Race, Solo Equestrian and Underwater Shot Put.
As the teams and officials disappeared into the cold calm sea, it was time for a cup of tea made by the Tetley guru himself, Andrew, and a chance to take in the beautiful scenery and spectacular weather we were having.
30 minutes later, divers started emerging from the depths, and once back on land, the laughing and bantering began between the teams, debating over scoring of races and methods used to complete the challenges.
Whilst the teams were slipping into something a bit warmer, the BBQ was just hitting the correct temperature for the sausages to go on, accompanied with the choice of hot tea, soup or Milo.
There were many contented, full people, eagerly awaiting the half time scores.
An early breakaway for the Scuba Cats, despite a disqualification for Pete for allegedly crawling on all fours in the run.
Tug O war and the red team pull... / Photograph by Andrew Simpson
All Reds = 8 Scuba Cats = 17
After a substantial surface interval, Anna gathered the teams together to brief them on the afternoon’s events.
Two rounds of Beach Tug – O – War, the starting event this time round, and again all teams had to be wearing their wetsuits, fins, mask and snorkel.
Despite pulling with all their might, the All Reds could not contend with the power of the Scuba Cats. I know the Scuba Cats will want to say it was skill as to how they won the round, but we all know the truth – WEIGHT!!!!
With this in mind the All Reds decided to play a sneaky in the second round and let go of the rope. With Jono on his backside and Pete flat on his back, roars of laughter and cheers filled the air.
Then, back into the cold water for 30 more minutes, the brave but slightly insane teams and officials prepared for two more underwater events – Gymnastics and Pony Bottle Relay Race, before the final event of the games – 25m Beach Race – and yes you’ve guessed correctly, it was in wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel.
With the line drawn in the sand and the finish tape in their sights, both teams were eagerly waiting for the start.
When the quacker sounded, all eight team members charged for the tape, with legs and fins flailing everywhere. With screams of encouragement, Glynn finally crossed the line, and the games sadly came to an end.
Final score!!!! Scuba Cats the victorious winners.
Winning team / Photograph by Andrew Simpson
With a quick change back into dry clothes and their dive gear packed away in their cars, both teams gathered for the awards ceremony.
Spot Prizes were given out for outstanding performance, and finally it was time for the Global Dive Scuba Olympic trophy to be awarded to the winning team. With a big round of applause the trophy was raised into the air, thus ending the very first Global Dive Scuba Olympics.
As a spectator, I would like to thank everyone involved for such an amazing day.
Anna and Andrew for being such great hosts, Tara for topside photos and for keeping score with the help of the underwater officials, Nick, Bronson, Tom, Lee, and Francois. Marty and Dave, for the photography both on land and underwater.
Simon and Veronika on the BBQ, and a big thanks Leigh for making such an awesome trophy, which I am sure will be highly fought for, for years to come.
The All Reds and Scuba Cats for being such good sports, and entering into each event with great enthusiasm and gusto.
Last, but not least, Matheson Bay for turning on such good weather and flat seas.
