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Take the plunge

Explore the deep with Leon Sebastien, a French diving instructor

PHOTO: T. SINGARAVELOU

THRILLING EXPERIENCE French Consul General Michel Seguy enjoying a dive

"If there is paradise on earth it is here, it is here, it is here," said Emperor Shahjahan of Kashmir. The same holds good for the underwater kingdom too. To experience mermaid Ariel's underwater world, where she befriends fishes and crabs, learn to dive.

Walking on the ground allows only limited movements, but diving and swimming let you move up and down too. Diving also reveals the treasures beneath the sea. It can be helpful to students of oceanography and fishermen.

"You can see all kinds of underwater life, including fish, plants, algae, coral and sometimes even sunken ships. It is a beautiful paradise down there; it is not a serious sport but one that's relaxing and fun. At the same time, you need to take care not to disturb things but just observe them," says Leon Sebastien, the French diving instructor at The Dune Resort at Pudhukuppam near Keezhputhupattu village on the ECR.

Leon, who is at present working with a French company creating software for textile design at Salem, will be training people to dive at The Dune. "Diving is not just about diving in the sea but also in rivers and lakes. We will be providing training with proper equipment. One need not possess a great physique for diving but just have a liking for water and a fascination for underwater life. There are two kinds of divers — professional, who go after sunken ships, and those who dive for the fun of it," says Leon with a faraway look in his eyes.

Leon has taken about 2,000 to 3,000 dives since the time he started. He has dived in the Caribbean Sea, in the Island of Corsica and in Egypt, which is one of the favourite destinations for divers. "There are about half a million divers in France and many of them go to Egypt for diving. Diving is a pleasurable pastime if you do it correctly and follow the rules. Usually people dive in twos and threes and if you have an instructor around, you have nothing to be afraid of," he says.

Leon will not only coach the guests at the resort, but also people from outside. Gilbert, director, The Dune, says, "Diving is taught only in places such as Lakshadweep and nowhere in South India. So we expect people from Chennai and Bangalore, who come to Pondicherry, to learn the sport. Leon will be at the resort for a couple of days every month and those who want to learn can coordinate with us."

Leon has already started the classes and the French Consul General in Pondicherry Michel Seguy was one of the first students. "It was a nice feeling, like flying. And I was comfortable breathing through my mouth. I swim and till a few years ago, I could hold my breath under water for nearly three minutes. But now I can do it for a minute and a half," says Seguy. He was accompanied by his wife Martine Quentric Seguy, who says she can hold her breath for up to five minutes under water. Seguy also tried out the gear, which consists of a cylinder filled with air and a jacket. "Diving can be a tourist attraction, if the Pondicherry administration provides facilities such as a marina and boats," adds Seguy.

The classes will be on the last Sunday of every month and the fee is Rs. 500. For more details call 0413-2655751 or email booking@thedune.org

DEEPA H RAMAKRISHNAN

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