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Kalymnos 
is a Greek island off the coast Asia Minor
The Kalymnians have been sponge divers for 1000s of years. Diving around Greece / North Africa for sponge
Men would leave for 6 months at a time and celebrate the night before because returning is never guaranteed
is a Greek island off the coast Asia MinorThe Kalymnians have been sponge divers for 1000s of years. Diving around Greece / North Africa for sponge
Men would leave for 6 months at a time and celebrate the night before because returning is never guaranteed
The Kalymnians have been diving way before diving gear and techniques had been formed so when introduced to kalymnos the men refused to use protective gear etc because it would mean they were scared. The result was hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries from “the bends”
Divers are paid all their salary in advance to leave behind for their families when they leave for 6 months at a time.
The reason they pay in advance is because the divers might never return.
The reason they pay in advance is because the divers might never return.
And now...THE DIVE.
This 18 year olds first time dive consists of standing on a chunk of marble toed to a rope and being lowered into the sea.
He refuses to wear protective shoes to prevent cutting his feet on the coral because that would show “weakness”
This 18 year olds first time dive consists of standing on a chunk of marble toed to a rope and being lowered into the sea.
He refuses to wear protective shoes to prevent cutting his feet on the coral because that would show “weakness”
I hope you guys enjoyed learning about one of the islands my family are from. If you want to watch the full documentary here it is
“Aegean sponge divers : matadors of the deep” - 1974
(Not sure if this really is full documentary or if part is missing)
“Aegean sponge divers : matadors of the deep” - 1974
(Not sure if this really is full documentary or if part is missing)
This made me LOL.
The trip from Kalymnos to North Africa is around 4 days in small boat. To pass the time the men play cards and when they get bored of playing with the same people they go over to another boat to switch it up
I’m sure those seas have heard a few fights!
The trip from Kalymnos to North Africa is around 4 days in small boat. To pass the time the men play cards and when they get bored of playing with the same people they go over to another boat to switch it up
I’m sure those seas have heard a few fights!
