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There always seems to be a reason to dive far off-shore. Whether it be for greater depths, a visit to something known, or an exploration-worthy feature on a map, the same old question arises; How are we going to get there?
'By boat' is a welcome answer, but not everyone has easy access to a boat.
Snorkeling out and back takes time and energy. Diving out is the most fun, but normally requires a lot of energy and air, allowing less time to explore the site of choice (if you can even make it that far).
I'm sure I wasn't the first to think of this, but my preferred method of getting out and back is to ride the tides through natural structures. The tides alone aren't much help, but two large rock formations side-by-side make a great funnel. Position yourself to get whisked through underwater formations and you can travel far using little energy or air. This, of course, requires the presence of such features, and an intimate knowledge of them.
So... No boat, or not up for the hassle of taking it out? Don't feel like swimming that far? No natural tide funnels, or an insufficient knowledge of them? Try riding the Tidal Transport Tube. This is a long submerged tube with funnels on each end, like >=======<. It is built level at a depth of 30', and marked with dive flag buoys. Swim in, and it quickly transports you out, then back again with a minimal expenditure of effort and air.
Disclaimer: It's not my fault you can't tell time! Er... I mean, read all instructions carefully prior to use...
Flying Dream Aerial Waterway
http://www.halfbake...20Aerial_20Waterway
If it was transparent it would be a bit like this. [spacemoggy, Nov 23 2004]
Why this works
http://www.hasslber...m/tecno/tecno_2.htm
A very interesting read. [Shz, Nov 23 2004]
[link]
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Go north, young man! And bring your thirst with you. The Hard Wreck Café is awaitin'. |
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(+) I like it, but it needs emergency exits. |
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Agreed. With recessed handles. |
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Why does this work? Wouldn't the water just, you know, sit there? |
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I'm with [jutta] on this one. It seems to me that you need one end to be in a reservoir sealed off from the sea. Then as the tide fell, the water level in the reservoir would fall more slowly, creating a pressure difference and forcing the water out through the submerged tube. As the tide rose, the level in the reservoir would rise at a slower pace, causing the opposite effect.
Problem: you could only go each way when the tide was on the turn, and you would have to wait 6 hours for the return trip. Those points aside, sounds like a great idea, especially if the tube is transparent, and you can wave at the turtles as you shoot by them.
/*shameless plug*/ Reminds me of my Flying Dream Aerial Waterway. (linky) /*end shameless plug*/ |
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Oh hang on I just twigged. The funnels focus the tidal stream don't they? |
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Yes they do. The water ‘flows’ in and out with the tides due to the slope of the terrain. A funnel in this flow will increase the velocity of the water. It relies on inertia, not gravity, therefore doesn’t require a dam. I can tell you this works from experience, though admittedly it is difficult to accept since it appears to violate the law of conservation of energy. Odd as it may seem, though, it does work, and has been demonstrated in hydropower applications. Viktor Schauberger discovered it. <link> |
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When the tide is turning there is a ‘slack tide’ (a period of near equilibrium). This lasts about an hour around here. Go out just before the low slack tide, dive for an hour, then return. There’s no 6 hour wait if done properly. |
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