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Isle
of Man Splash-in 1990
by
Lawson Wood
Reproduced
from in focus 39 (December
1990)
The
Isle of Man was the setting for the first 'Splash-in' ever
to be held there on September 16th 1990. It was capably organised
by BSoUP tax exile/photographer Mike Glover and Mike Bates,
one of the boffins from the Marine Biological Laboratory at
Port Erin. The Marine Lab. was also the venue for the film
distribution, film processing, air filling, shower room and
competition exhibition room.
Twenty-two
competitors picked up their Fuji films, kindly donated by
Fuji UK Ltd and Keigs. Like all Splash-ins, the competition
was open to all and sundry and several sundries stowed away
on the various ferries to compete in what will be a yearly
event on the Island.
A
strong easterly wind ruined all the previous day's recce on
the best sites - no rock pools for us. Port Erin then also
became the best location for the competitors. There is a break
water surrounded by very friendly fish and is a safe shore
dive. An easy launch access for inflatables; allowed Captain
Gordon to ferry groups out to 'The Bowls', Calf Island, the
wreck of the Clan McMaster and other "secret" locations
and in all yielded an above average entry for the judging
that evening.
While
the votes were being counted, the large patient audience were
treated to a selection of photographs of Basking Shark by
Michael Glover. These were taken in early summer of this year
and are quite possibly the best photographic record of the
beasts so far. Lawson Wood then showed two new audio-visuals
on 'Scotland' and 'The Blue' as tension mounted.
Well,
'On the Day' competitions have a way of sorting us lot out,
not only did the locals take all the prizes, but one of them
had never used a camera before!
First
place went to Ben Hexstall, a graduate student at the Marine
Lab, and borrower of several bits of underwater photographic
equipment.
Second
place was won by Maura Mitchell. She of dolphin fame showed
us youngsters a thing or two.
Third
prize went to Tom Dickie, former TT motor bike champion who
was a total novice here. However, his elation was somewhat
dampened the following afternoon when, trying to capitalise
on his new found success and talent, he became the newest
member of the British Society of Nikonos- Floodersl
This
event will become an annual fixture in the underwater photographic
calender. The Isle of Man is well suited to hosting a great
competition and a great weekend. Special thanks must go to
the Port Erin Marine Laboratory and Sea Life Centre for hosting
the evening. |
