News – Page 2 – African Watersports

The SharkWise Project

A fully immersive marine biology internship programme based in South Africa. The SharkWise Project Internship is based in Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and is aimed at young students wanting hands-on experience in marine biology, focusing on shark research. The interns work with Masters and/or PhD students that are registered at Stellenbosch University. The interns assist with data collection for the postgraduate research. Our interns will be assisting with the current postgraduate research: Genetic sampling. Shark fin photo identification. Underwater photogrammetry. Reef biodiversity assessment. Interns are expected to have a passion for the natural world and have a hands-on attitude towards academic research. Current or prior studies in the natural sciences are preferred. Please forward your CV and a motivation letter to Walter walter@sharkwiseproject.com if you would like to join us and do not hesitate to ask should you have any questions! https://www.sharkwiseproject.com/ Academic DirectorDr Sara Andreotti Dr Sara Andreotti is a marine biologist specialising in shark research. She is a lecturer extraordinaire at Stellenbosch University Department of Botany and Zoology and co-founder of The SharkWise Project. She has been developing a management and conservation plan for great white sharks since 2009. Sara also co-founded SharkSafe Barriers (Pty) Ltd, to provide an eco-friendly and shark-specific technology to keep swimmers and surfers safe from large predatory sharks, without impacting the marine environment. She is one of the four co-inventors of the SharkSafe BarrierTM: a patented technology that successfully bio-mimics the visual effects of a thick kelp forest, combined with a shark-deterrent permanent magnetic field. Dive GuruWalter Bernardis Walter Bernardis is the founder and operator of African Watersports, an internationally renowned dive centre based in Umkomaas. Walter has been diving with large sharks for over 4 decades and has spent his life advocating for shark conservation and the preservation of all marine life. Walter is well known for using the tonic immobility technique to remove hooks from the mouths of sharks. He is considered a pioneer of shark diving, the sardine run and Nile crocodile diving in the Okavango delta. Walter has also featured in several international documentaries, that focused on changing people’s perception of sharks. PADI DivemasterJason Venter Meet Jason Venter, an accomplished PADI Divemaster, renowned for guiding exhilarating dives with sharks at Aliwal Shoal. With extensive training and a deep commitment to ocean conservation, he brings years of experience to every dive, ensuring safe and unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all levels. Jason oversees the diving operations for African Watersports “Not many people get the chance to meet those legendary people we look up to. I recently got the chance to meet Mr Walter Bernardis (Mr. B). Legendary shark expert of Umkomaas, South Africa. Meeting and diving with Mr. B were 2nd only to the chances we got to talk with and listen to him. I could listen to his experiences and learn from his knowledge all day, plus he is just an all out nice guy. Him and his fabulous team gave me some of the best experiences of my life and I will treasure our time together.” Rebekah Ann Martin “During a 3-month stay in Umkomaas, I had the opportunity to conduct multiple scientific dives with African Watersports. Especially I was able to dive with Walter Bernardis. He personally allowed me to improve my knowledge of scuba diving and how to be in the water with apex predators such as leuca sharks, tiger sharks, and blacktip sharks. The diving skills of Walter Bernardis and his team of divers is very attentive to the welfare of the sea and these important predators within their ecosystem. Through my experiences with them I was able to develop a greater awareness of myself as a diver as well as how my person can be in the water with similar predators without having to dive inside a cage. Given my great passion for this animal and the choice to base my scientific interest as a biologist on them, I developed techniques and knowledge that I could hardly have done elsewhere. Beyond what I expressed above, Walter and his team has a great ability to make you feel at home even if you are thousands of miles away from your real home. A stay at African watersports is something that I not only recommend but think that if you are a lover of diving and sharks, it should definitely be done.” Pietro Storelli

The Raggies!

Winter Diving on the Aliwal Shoal. The sand tiger shark, also known as the Grey Nurse Shark, or here in South Africa as ‘Raggie” are one of the most unique and impressive species of shark. Commonly found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, the sand tiger shark is an apex predator that has been around for millions of years. While these sharks may look intimidating due to their fierce appearance, they are actually quite docile and pose little threat to divers. The sand tiger shark is easily recognizable due to its unique color pattern. Its body is a mix of light and dark grey, with darker spots on its back and lighter spots on its belly. These sharks also have two large dorsal fins and a pointed snout. They are also quite large, growing up to 10 feet long and weighing up to 500 pounds. They feed primarily on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, and they rarely attack people unless they are provoked. In fact, they are more likely to be scared away by humans than to attack them. These amazing sharks can be found in a variety of habitats, but they prefer shallow waters near the shore. They tend to swim close to the bottom and can often be found aggregating on common dive sites along the Aliwal Shoal frequently visited by our Crew here at African Watersports. Under the expert guidance of the Shark Whisperer, Walter Bernardis, get up close and personal with these incredible Sharks of the Reef! Book Your Apex Predator Close Encounter Scuba Diving Adventures Today: 🌍 www.africanwatersports.co.za 📧 admin@awsports.co.za ☎ +27 (0)82-565-1210 ScubaDiving 🤿 SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 TravelPhotography 📸 Underwater 💦 Shark 🦈 Safari 🐊

Dive into the Thrill of Scuba Diving with Tiger Sharks in South Africa

Every diver knows that one of the most thrilling experiences on the planet is scuba diving with tiger sharks in South Africa. Off the Aliwal Shoal, a diver can experience the thrill of coming face-to-face with these magnificent creatures. If you are looking for an unforgettable underwater adventure, then you will want to join Walter Bernardis of African Watersports on his scuba diving excursions. Walter is an experienced dive master and has been working in the area for several years. He is passionate about sharing his love of the ocean and takes great care to ensure that each and every diver has an enjoyable and safe experience. When you join Walter on one of his dives, you will have the opportunity to swim alongside tiger sharks as they glide through the waters. These majestic creatures can reach up to thirteen feet in length and can weigh up to 1,300 pounds. But don’t let their size intimidate you—they are quite docile and are not known to attack humans. Walter will take you to the best locations on the Aliwal Shoal to spot the sharks and will provide you with the necessary safety instructions and gear. He will also provide you with a briefing on the behaviour of tiger sharks, Book Your Apex Predator Close Encounter Scuba Diving Adventures Today: www.africanwatersports.co.za 📧 admin@awsports.co.za ☎ +27 (0)82-565-1210 #ScubaDiving 🤿 #SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 #TravelPhotography 📸 #Underwater 💦 #Shark 🦈 #Safari 🐊

Close Encounter Dives with Apex Predators

Bull Sharks with Walter Bernardis Bull sharks are apex predators of the ocean, and they have captured the imaginations of divers and non-divers alike. Now, if you’re looking to get an up-close-and-personal experience with these powerful creatures, a trip to South Africa with African Watersports and the Shark Whisperer himself, Walter Bernardis, is an absolute must. African Watersports offers a unique close-encounter diving experience with bull sharks off the Aliwal Shoal in South Africa. With Walter Bernardis at the helm, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and interact with these apex predators in their natural habitat. You’ll learn how to appropriately interact with the sharks, how to identify them, and how to observe them without disturbing their natural behaviours. The close-encounter dive with bull sharks off the Aliwal Shoal is an experience like no other. It is an awe-inspiring opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most powerful predators. Not only will you be able to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, but you will also learn about their behaviour and how to interact with them safely. So, if you’re looking for a unique adventure that will both thrill and educate, a close-encounter dive with bull sharks off the Aliwal Shoal with African Watersports and the Shark Whisperer himself, Walter Bernardis, is a must. Contact Us Today! admin@awsports.co.za

Sardine Run 2022

The Year of the Dolphin Sardine Run 2022 kicked off for African Watersports in June this year, with 72 international guests lined up to experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth. The dolphins soon showed us they were going to be the Stars of this year’s show. Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, and even Indo-Pacific dolphins were there. A lack of Sharks was evident from the beginning, the reasons are still unknown. But many juvenile and sub-adult Cape Gannets were in the mix, Brydes Whales and even Cormorants. With massive groups of Humpback Whale migrating North at the same time. Millions of Sardines were on the move, North, towards Mozambique, forming “bait balls” as they travel in numbers for protection, the dolphins showed us just how intelligent they are, rounding up the different species of Sardine, performing Areal Attacks that were incredible to witness, both on the surface and from below. The speed and accuracy of their attacks were unbelievable to experience. We found ourselves often stunned and in awe watching these majestic moments with the dolphins. Many guests experienced these Areal Attacks from inside the water, watching closely as the Bait Balls got smaller with each attack. However, from the boat, everyone could clearly see their intent. Acrobatic jumps, flips, and purposeful splashes allow the dolphins the ability to mimic the attack of the birds. Pushing the bait balls a few meters underwater where they feast on these little silver fish. The synchronisation that these pods displayed was a real masterpiece, co ordinating their movements like Olympic Synchronised Swimmers. On many occasions it was this behaviour that showed us where the bait balls were, leading us to drop in on the Action. Watching their skin colour change as blood is forced around their bodies is spectacular to see, with their necks turning a pinkish hue as they slap the surface of the water. White and Black are their usual colours, but for some reason, on the Run, when performing Areal Attacks their underside turns this pink colour. See this live is a real winner. We hope you join us for the next Sardine Run, 2023, in Port St Johns. African Watersports