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Cenotes diving w/ Sid Thaker
 The Yucatan in Mexico is noted for its famous spectacular formations and the amazing clarity of the water. In the Jungles nearby the ancient city of Tulum lie the 2 longest underwater cave systems known on earth.
Cave diving emerged in the Akumal-Tulum area during the mid 1980's, when divers discovered that the cenotes (natural wells) were windows to the underground streams. This began an entire New Frontier! As cave divers continued to explore, more cave systems were discovered. Today, there are over fifty-seven differenty cave systems to visit with more than 300 miles of passageways to explore and enjoy. Five of the largest water filled cave systems in the world are located in this area. The three longest known stalactitas are also located in the area's systems. History continues to be made as new roads are blazoned into the jungle, allowing access to more and more virgin cenotes.
With a average depth of twelve metres, 30 feet, it is possible to make long dives without decompression obligation. The underground systems are accesible through cenotes, 'Tzo Not ' is Maya for sweet water well. The water temperature is 25 degrees Celsius (75 Fahrenheit), the whole year round, there is hardly any current and the water is cristal clear, visibility is endless. Most of the caves are spectacularly decorated with stalactites and stalacmites, and there is a great variety in geology.
Charlotte of Dive Global talks to Sid Thaker about his recent experience diving in Mexico and being an Y.U.P (Young Underwater Photographer).
Charlotte: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into diving?
Sid: I was lucky to get a break into diving through my school's diving club (Dulwich Sub-Aqua Club). I would have never been able to have fund this sport myself, fortunately the school heavily subsidised lessons and trips. My obsession started when I was 14, since the first time I got into the water it seemed like I had found a whole new dimension! Currently I am studying at the University West Of England, Bristol in my second year reading computer science. I find that nowadays underwater photgraphy really takes over my diving and I am always on the search to find a more creative image.
Charlotte: So tell us about your experience diving the caves of Mexico...
Sid: In the summer of 2001 I went to Mexico thinking it would be a family holiday though things turned out quite differently once I realised that diving was on offer. I dived with Yukatek Divers out of Playa Del Carmen. The staff are well known for their experience in technical diving. Unaware that Mexico had some of the worlds best cave diving I was iimmediately sold to the idea to try cave diving. No previous cave diving experience was needed though obviously your buoyancy control needed to be very good.
The next thing I knew I sitting in a big pickup truck heading to the jungle. This was a serious off-road journey. In mexico tribal people own huge areas of land, so a small fee had to be paid to the family. As we drove down the rough terrain I saw a tribal man carrying a gun obviously used for trespassers.
My first dive was just with the instructor, so I didn't have to worry about big groups stirring up the visibility. We donned our kit and made our way to the cenotes. The entrance was no bigger than a car. No ripples, the water was flat perfectly clear, we jumped in. The first sight was amazing it seemed like diving into Evian water. Torches were essential as the light slowly faded. Our maximum depth was 15 meters where the water was little cooler. We passed through a tunnel leading to a huge cavern and there was something eerie about it. By far this was the most calming dive I had ever experienced, like gliding through air. It felt very surreal. We surfaced in an air pocket for a breather and to take in the beautiful formations of stalactites. It was odd to see other organisms like bats and spiders living within this air pocket. As we headed back to the entrance the rays of light pierced through holes in the entrance forming lazer light raysn which refracted off the surface. This dive was one of six I made in cenotes around mexico. A truly amazing place!
Charlotte: How did you organized it and did you do any special training beforehand?
Sid: The diving was organised by Yucatek Divers based in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. No special training was needed just proof of experience and a valid BSAC/PADI card. Obviously the more experience you have the more likely they will let you cave dive. Yucatek also offer courses on cave diving and technical diving. Though other boat dives can be arranged if your experience is not upto scratch.
Charlotte: How did you get into underwater photography?
Sid: Whilst living in London I used to cycle around from dive shop to dive shop and luckily managed to get a part-time job at underwater photography retailers ocean optics, London. I would like to thank Steve Warren who encouraged me into underwater photography and gave me some very lucky breaks to meet influential people and learn more about photography.
Charlotte:
What equipment do you use and why?
Sid: Since I've started underwater photography I have always used a Nikon F-90 camera housed in a Subal housing. The lenses I used underwater is the wide angle 16mm fisheye and a 60mm macro lenses, sometimes with a 2x teleconverter.I have a SB-28 strobe which is housed by Subal and has used a variety of strobes. The cave shots were lit by a Subtronic mega colour unit which has a amazingly high guide number and other features.
Charlotte:
Any special considerations taking pictures while cave diving?
Sid: The water visibility in caves is normally very good, so angling of the strobe at a certain position is not needed. Though from my experience the longer the strobe arm you have the better and two strobes would be a bonus to spread the light out evenly. It would also be worth using a diffuser on the strobe which will increase the angle of coverage. The choices for lenses are also narrowed down because you need wide angle coverage. I use a 16mm fisheye which gives 180 degrees of coverage though a 20mm or 18-35mm can also be used.
Charlotte: What is your most amazing (cave) diving experience you've ever had?
Sid: To be honest with you this was my first cave diving experience, but I can tell you each dive I had was unique in its own way.
Charlotte: What is your favorite diving destination
and why?
Sid: This is a very hard question to answer but my favourite would be a mix between the Maldives and Thailand. I like the Maldives for its diveristy of marine life and Thailand for its beautiful emerald waters.
Charlotte: Do you have aspirations of becoming a professional underwater photographer? I heard you've won prices and have been published before. Quite an accomplishment at your age!
 Sid: At the moment my photography is really only a hobby, so if I manage to bag a good shot its a bonus for me and probably ends up on my wall!. I feel its too risky for me to try and compete with proffesionals with an unlimited budget and the being able to go to the best locations in the world. Though that doesn't put me of taking photos. I have luckily managed to get pictures into the Finacial Times, Dive international, Brides magazine and photos into the shop Ocean Leisure brochure.
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