G’day fellow Unidivers,

I'm organising a dive trip to Stradbroke Island with the one and only Ken over the weekend of the 20th-22nd of March. If we are lucky, the weekend will include diving with manta rays! You will also meet some new dive buddies, consume some yummy food and have an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

The plan is to do 2 dives on Saturday and 2 dives on Sunday at Manta Bommies or Flat Rock, weather permitting. This trip is only for EXP divers as we will try to do a deeper dive at Flat rock. The minimum requirement for EXP trips is Advanced or equivalent certification, 30 dives, at 10 different dive sites and you must have dived in the last 6 months.

Straddie as the island is fondly called by locals, with its white beaches and the legendary Gelati at Point Lookout makes a great weekend away. The main attraction of course are the great dive sites Flat Rock, Boat Rock, Shag Rock and Manta Bommie. With countless fish, corals and other creatures an amazing underwater world opens up for everyone who gets there. In summer diving with manta rays and in winter with grey nurse sharks and humpback whales is a must, not to forget the pygmy mantas, eagle rays, leopard sharks, octopus, turtles and other locals that can be found here all year around. The depth ranges from 10-30 m.

A meeting will take place on Thursday 19th March @ 18:30 at the Unidive shed to sort out the trip logistics (cars, ferry tickets, tasks, etc).

Note your spot is not confirmed until you have paid a $50.00 deposit and have been confirmed that you meet all the requirements.

Timing to meet at the ferry and return will be confirmed by email.

Cars for ride-sharing are required. Accommodation at Ken’s place has character and is best described as back-packer dorm style. So, you will need to supply your own sheets, sleeping bag, pillow, towel, etc. A food kitty will be in operation for the trip from Saturday breakfast to Sunday lunch. Friday dinner is not supplied. Please note any dietary requirements when signing up.

Dive gear is your responsibility.  If required, the Unidive Loan gear will be available on the Thursday night before the trip. Tanks and weights will be supplied by Ken on the island.

The total cost will be around $325.00 including 4 dives ($220.00), 2 nights’ accommodation ($50.00) and approx. $55.00 for food, ferry, and fuel. The bold numbers are known costs.

Priority will be given to those willing to help with: shopping, cooking, cleaning, dive operations and transport. Please indicate when signing up if you are willing to assist. Feel free to email me (n.hammerman@uq.net.au) if you have any questions.