General Interest

We have all experienced fear at some point in our lives, but when these fears begin to control us they can take over aspects of our lives and eventually turn into phobias. One such phobia is Cymophobia. Cymophobia is a fear of waves or wave-like motions which is closely related to Aquaphobia which is the fear of water. Below we are going to take a deeper look into Cymophobia, its symptoms, causes, and what you could do to combat this irrational fear. What Is a Phobia? According to the Harvard Heal Publishing by Harvard Medical School, a phobia is a “persistent, excessive, unrealistic fear of an object, person, animal, activity or situation”. A person with a phobia will go through life either painfully enduring the anxiety and distress that the phobia causes or doing what they can to avoid the triggering situation as much as possible. Phobias are very specific and can cause different levels of distress throughout an individual’s daily life. For example, a person with Cymophobia could live relatively anxiety-free if they live inland and away from large water bodies or rivers. On the other hand, a person suffering from Aquaphobia will go through their life with constant anxiety and distress as water is unavoidable. What Causes Phobias? Both genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to the start of a phobia, according to John Hopkins Medicine. In some cases, phobias can be linked to traumatic or extremely negative first experiences with an object or situation, however, mental health experts can’t confirm whether the first encounter is necessary, or if phobias could be triggered simply because the person is prone to them. What Is Cymophobia? As mentioned above, Cymophobia is the abnormal, irrational fear of waves, swell, and other wave-like motions. The level of anxiety caused by this fear will differ from person to person. For example, individuals suffering from a traumatic tsunami experience may only fear movement in the ocean and not waves caused in a swimming pool. On the other hand, if you suffer from a deep-rooted childhood trauma related to waves in a controlled environment such as a pool, you will likely fear the ocean as well. It should be noted, however, that Cymophobia and the exaggerated fear of waves shouldn’t be confused with a natural fear and caution experienced when surfing some of the world’s biggest waves. In short, fear is natural, but it is the panic that arises with fear that changes health caution into a dangerous anxiety-filled phobia. What Are the Symptoms of Cymophobia? As specific phobias are considered anxiety disorders, the main symptoms that can be expected are much the same as that of an anxiety attack. These symptoms include, but are not limited to: Feeling nervous, restless, or tense. Having a sense of impending danger or panic. Increased heart rate. Hyperventilation (rapid breathing). Sweating. Trembling and shaking. Feeling weak or tired. Individuals experiencing an attack of Cymophobia will likely feel some or all of the above sensations. In some cases, a person with Cymophobia could go into a panic attack if their phobia is triggered and they are not able to escape the situation. Apart from the anxiety symptoms above, a person facing an attack of Cymophobia could face vertigo, dizziness, and nausea It’s common for a person with cymophobia to make a huge effort to avoid contact with areas that may trigger a response. This, in the case of cymophobia, could be simply living away from large bodies of water. What Are the Causes of Cymophobia? The cause of a specific phobia will differ between each individual, but it is believed that a traumatic experience or even a strongly uncomfortable first encounter could trigger a phobia. In the case of cymophobia, this could be a near-drowning experience, getting caught in a rip current and panicking, being dumped by a wave much larger than you can handle, or simply from paddling out in waves too large and triggering your fear from what you see in front of you. Although there is no concrete evidence for how phobias such as cymophobia occur, it is a common belief that both a genetic background of mental illness and traumatic environmental stimuli (such as a tsunami) play a strong role. How Can I Treat Cymophobia? There is no specific treatment for cymophobia, however, there are different forms of treating specific phobias and anxiety as a whole. These treatments, when implemented over time, can help reduce the symptoms of cymophobia, and in some cases, overcome it altogether. *Please note that none of the following is medical advice. If you are concerned about your mental or physical health you should seek out an authorized medical practitioner. Exposure Therapy Exposure therapy is one of the most common forms of treatment for people suffering from phobias. In theory, the more a person is exposed to a situation or object they fear, the less they will be affected by it over time. In the case of cymophobia, a therapist might begin by showing you pictures of waves, progressing to the sound of waves, then to videos of waves, and eventually looking at the ocean from a distance while over time slowly moving closer. There is no guarantee that exposure therapy alone will help with the phobia, but it will aid in desensitizing you from your fear as you go through other necessary treatments such as breath control and relaxation techniques. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is another common form of treatment for those suffering from anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in short, is a treatment that helps people to identify and change their destructive or disturbing thought patterns. These thought patterns often have a negative impact on the patient’s life, such as living by the coast and being in constant fear of a tsunami, even if the chances are 1 million to 1. By identifying these thought patterns, one can begin to find the route of their fears. Meditation and Mindfulness Practices  Meditation has long held the claim to … Read more

Every year, over 300,000 tourists visit New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Florida — nonchalant of the fact that they are at the ‘Shark Attack Capital of the World’. According to Florida Museum, this small area in the United States consistently tops the global charts for the most number of shark attacks with a total of 320 cases since 1882. This makes up 48% of the county’s total cases of unprovoked attacks!  What makes this beach in Florida the epicenter of shark attacks, and what can you do to protect yourself in case of a chance encounter? This article contains all you need to know about this place and much more.  New Smyrna Beach, Florida The exact number of shark attack cases around the globe is uncertain, but for the longest time, the United States leads the number of the most shark attacks. At least 16 shark attacks happen in this country every year, with at least 1 fatality every two years.  A possible reason behind this statistic is the nation’s advanced technology that allows its tourism government to document all cases of shark encounters, therefore creating biased results over third-world countries wherein attacks could be unpublicized and undocumented.  That said, we will look at all facts and evidence that have ever been recorded to know more about where and why shark attacks frequently happen in the US — most importantly, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. According to ISAF or the International Shark Attack File’s program director, Gavin Naylor, the probability of you getting attacked by a shark on this beach is ten times higher than any other place in the world. The organization also suggested that anyone who’s been at the beach and swam its waters has been approximately 10 feet away from a shark.  Have you heard of the saying that you have more chances of being struck by lightning than being attacked by a shark? Sad to say, but that’s not the case in Florida, National Geographic says. Since 1959, this state has had more shark attacks (a total of 603) than lightning casualties (459). Fortunately, not all shark attacks end up in death. The years 2007 and 2008 mark the highest number of shark attack cases in Volusia County’s New Smyrna Beach. In 2016, a total of 15 shark bites took place in this area, and by 2020, 16 attacks were recorded by the tourism government of Florida. Even with the pandemic and restricted travel regulations, a significant number of cases are still being recorded in this famous beach spot.  Contributing Factors of Shark Attacks in NSB  Although Volusia County is known as the ‘Shark Attack Capital of the World’, the sharks who inhabit its waters are not as deadly as great whites, tiger sharks, or bull sharks. The culprits of most attacks in New Smyrna Beach are the blacktips and spinner sharks.  Blacktips are characterized by the black markings on the tips of their fins. They are seen in coastal waters, often feeding on small schools of fish. Since they prefer to hunt in shallow waters, they are more likely to interact with humans, leading to more cases of shark bites. The abundance of blacktips during migration is also a factor in these attacks. When blacktips migrate due to water temperature changes, feeding, or reproduction purposes, over 100,000 blacktips are expected to head to the shallow waters of Florida, which isn’t quite beneficial to the beachgoers.  These sharks come close to the shoreline from September to November, and from March to April. The peak, on the other hand, is during September when most shark encounters happen. Experts have concluded a possible reason behind unprovoked cases. New Smyrna Beach is known as a popular surfing spot during the summer season. Due to the influx of the number of tourists coming to the beach, the chances for run-ins and surf-related shark bites also increase, especially in surfing zones. The percentage of surf and board-related shark attacks is also at an all-time high in this area, with 50.8% of victims being surfers or bodyboarders. Surfers may have accidentally hit the blacktips with their surfboards, or they may have landed on the sharks during wipeouts.  Sharks are apex predators that feed on seals, carcasses of whales, and fishes. Since surfers commonly wear black wetsuits and ride boards when surfing, sharks may have also mistaken them as seals, which is their primary prey. Humans are not part of their diet, which further supports the mistaken identity theory.  According to multiple studies conducted by experts, a shark’s reaction to seeing a surfer from underneath the water surface is the same as when they see and hunt for seals. This also goes for polluted or murky waters. When sharks aren’t able to see their prey clearly, they mistake surfers and swimmers for their food.  Unlike great whites whose attacks often end in fatal incidents, shark bites in New Smyrna Beach aren’t always fatal. It’s because the sharks there only go for test bites — meaning they only bite out of curiosity.  Shark Attacks in Other Places Aside from Volusia County in Florida, shark attacks are also frequent in other parts of the globe. Here are some of these places you might want to avoid. Eastern Cape, South Africa If you’re a fan of Mick Fanning, then you’ll surely remember the video of his shark encounter during the J-Bay Open way back in 2015. Jeffreys Bay, along with Port Saint Johns Beach, are amongst the world’s deadliest and dangerous shark attack beaches in the world. Researches have determined the main cause behind these incidents, and it’s because of the abundance in the seal population in this area.  New South Wales, Australia Bad news: A lot of animals in Australia can kill you. Nothing comes close to the giant spiders and crocodiles in this continent, and just when you think the water’s your escape, sharks also add to the long list of dangerous animals in Australia you should definitely avoid.  The blacktips of New … Read more

As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ended, I looked back to the old video I watched where water skiing was introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1972 Munich Olympics. It was the first and only year water skiing graced the international sports event.  Not many people know this, but water skiing used to be one of the original extreme sports popular among professionals; however, years after that, this sport feared extinction. The Olympics didn’t include water skiing in their roster. So eventually, people lost interest. Those days are long gone, though. Today, water skiing is gaining popularity once more as water ski beginners and enthusiasts multiply over the years.  According to USA Water Ski, there are over 600 different water skiing clubs and 11,000 active members across the United States. 80% of those people actively compete in tournaments, while the remaining percentage water skis recreationally.  I know there’s a reason why you’re here, and perhaps it’s because you want to try water skiing as well. But sometimes, beginners of this sport face this dilemma — water skis are just so expensive. Prices of quality skis can range from $500 to over $1,000!  But don’t fret. If you’re looking for cheaper water ski alternatives priced at $300 and under, you’ve come to the right place.  What makes good water skis? Did you know that water skis were invented by cutting up pine boards and strapping leather to the feet? Fast forward to today, even affordable skis are made from fiberglass, graphite, and aluminum. They’re also coated with resin layers for longevity and smoother rides. Top 8 Best Cheap Water Skis When looking for starter water skis, pay attention to the materials, their special features, and the bindings that may be included in the package. Check out these 8 water skis to help get you started on your water skiing adventure!  Rave Sports Rhyme Combo Water Skis — Our Top Pick O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis — Best Budget CWB Connelly Big Daddy Waterski — Best High End HO Blast Combo Skis with Adjustable Bindings — Best for Family O’Brien Jr Vortex Kids Combo Water Skis — Best for Kids Airhead Wide Body Combo Skis O’Brien Vortex Widebody Combo Water Skis RAVE Sports Pure Combo Water Skis 1. RAVE Sports Pure Combo Water Skis — Our Top Pick Specifications:  Price: $229.99 Type: Combination Skis Length: 65″ (167 cm) Weight limit: >110 lbs Skill level: Beginner to Advanced Other features: Slalom toe hold On the top of this list is the brand that pioneered making inflatable water trampolines — Rave Sports. The Rhyme Combo Water Skis are just the perfect starter skis for beginners. With these skis’ wider board surfaces measured 65” or 164 cm long, you can easily get up on a plane and turn in larger curves effectively.  Though they’re too wide for intermediate and aggressive skiers, beginners won’t have a hard time learning water skiing with these. They provide more balance and stability so they track well in water. The Rhyme Combo Water Skis also provide less effort when it comes to deep-water starts, so it’s also easier for the boat to lift you. They also come with comfortable and adjustable bindings for a snug and more secure fit.  Finally, these skis are all-around. One of the skis can be interchangeable as a slalom because of its rear toe hold for your other foot. For the price of only $229, the Rhyme Combo Water Skis will surely make your water skiing experience worthwhile.  2. O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis — Best Budget Specifications:  Price: $154.59 Type: Combination Skis Length: 68″ (172 cm) Weight limit: >210 lbs Skill level: Beginner to Advanced Other features: X-7 adjustable bindings, Dual Tunnel Design, Nylon Fins, Rear toe strap If you’ve been browsing through water gear and equipment, then there’s a good chance you’ve already come across the household brand O’Brien. This company has been creating water sports products for over 50 years, from life jackets to SUPs — you name it, they have it. Because of their reputation, they’ve already gained thousands of loyal patrons globally.   The O’Brien Celebrity Combo Water Skis are their most popular product for beginner to more advanced water skiers. These 68” long skis have adjustable X-7 bindings that fit men’s foot sizes 4.5-13 comfortably (although some users comment it’s hard to adjust these things). They also have side-cut bevels and dual tunnels for better control and stability.  These water skis are designed with a flat rocker for seamless threading through the water and effortless deep-water starts. This saves fuel and energy on the boat as it takes a shorter time to make you come out of the water. Finally, these skis also have nylon fins for water traction and a padded rear toe plate for progressing in slalom techniques.  3. CWB Connelly Big Daddy Waterski — Best High End Specifications:  Price: $232 Type: Slalom Skis Length: 69″ (175 cm) Weight limit: >220 lbs Skill level: Progressing Beginners to Intermediate Other features: Polyurethane (PU) resin core, Aluminum fin, Connelly advanced profile technology, Adjustable bindings, Rear toe strap The Connelly Big Daddy Water Ski is for progressing adult beginners who aim to improve their water skiing ability. With this slalom ski, you’d be able to learn how to make wide turns and generate big splashes of waves in no time. Larger builds won’t have a problem using this world-famous big ski because it has a weight capacity of more than 220 lbs. It has a narrow underfoot design with wide tails and fins that makes for effortless starts and smoother glides for slower speeds of 28 mph and under. Aside from that, Big Daddy can also cover 550 square inches of water surface area seamlessly. This water ski’s core is made from closed-cell polyurethane resin layered with fiberglass so it’s durable and stable. It also comes with adjustable front bindings and a slalom toe hold that will fit your other foot comfortably. There’s a spot by the aluminum drop-through fin where you … Read more

Nothing relieves a long day of water sports than a quiet moment in a hot tub. The best versions of it give you the perfect space to entertain and unwind. They are the closest to nature king of therapy out there, helping you keep your happiness and health, and free from stress and pain.  Some people spend their time in the hot tubs to regenerate and relax. Some, hop in and use it as their meditation space. And, why not? The first step in meditation is to relax. The body, as soon as it dips the comforting form of water, gets that sense of pure relaxation.  That being said, a lot are looking for the best hot tub they can come home to after a long day of work. The long list of hot tubs feature a variety of models, features, and they come in different price ranges. But, let’s cut the long chase and get down to the two of the most popular in the hot tubs world – Caldera and Hot Springs.  Which is better? That’s what we’ll find out.  Caldera Spas vs Hot Spring: Detailed Comparison Knowing the history of these two brands, you’ll understand why they are the biggest names in the hot tub industry. Both are competitive, both are passionate about their craft. But, let’s see how they differ in their lines of products.  Caldera Utopia Series Utopia Series is Caldera’s limited and high-class combination of a superior detailed spa. Hydrotherapy that is not just easy to use, but costs little for operating, it is the most ideal personal care experience you’ll get. Design Features: Redesigned seat configuration that boosts comfort and provides superior ease-of-use. FreshWater Salt System that keeps water clean and fresh up to a year.  SpaGlo® zone lighting reinforced with an interior LED Points-of-Light multi-color system for an even more intense impact. Speaker grill surface mounts integrated into the shell, plus contoured pillows that offer comfortable neck support. Deeper foot ridges in the lounge seat offering more area for pampering feet and to better appreciate the effects of the back jets. Hot Springs Highlife Collection Hot Spring’s Highlife Collection is the peak of their decades of innovation as one of the industry’s biggest players. It hosts a whole list of exclusive features that give users the ultimate spa experience with an exceptional hydrotherapy massage, the most uncomplicated and effective water care, all while being a money-saving and energy-efficient.  Design Features: Unrivaled Moto-Massage® DX moving jets that offer two powerful water streams sweeping up and down your back 100% water filtration  Full-foam insulation and Energy Smart® system for economical energy efficiency Easy operation with a wireless remote control that functions from up to 30 ft away The wood-free polymer support structure and base pan that lasts for years When it comes to hot tubs, it is important to note that the number of jets should not be your basis in picking the one for you. Rather, you would want to focus on quality over quantity. In reality, the more jets a tub has, the weaker the power is likely to be compared to relatively similar tubs with lesser jets.  Another vital factor to keep in mind is the size. Make sure that it fits with your situation. A large tub is always best for big families or for anyone who loves throwing pool parties. If you want a bit more intimate therapy, then you may want to go with a smaller one.  Caldera Spas Founded in 1976, in Vista, California, Caldera Spas is a company that specializes in hot tubs. In fact, they do more than sell hot tubs. They design and carefully construct consumer goods like spa, home improvement, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle with extraordinary benefits that brings positive change and transformation in people’s lives.  Caldera Spas innovation gives people access to effective warm water massage therapy right at home’s comfort. It helps consumers feel renewed and refreshed, even when it is just a few moments in the tub.  Releasing stress is part of the company’s vision. Whether they are the accumulated stress of your daily life or the tension in your workplace, Caldera Spas aims for rejuvenating, soothing, and releasing of tension through hot tub hydrotherapy.  Caldera Spas believes that releasing stress is the most important aspect of your physical health as well as your attitude. Stress and tension affect practically every part of our lives, potentially taking in how well our immune system functions up to our ability to relate to the people around us.  Hot Spring Spas Hot Spring’s history of global recognition dates back to 1977 when Jeff and Jon Watkins built the first portable spa. Since then, their dedication to developing and innovating the best spas has been acknowledged time and time again.  A year after their first portable spa, they released their first fully insulated hot tub, full of underwater lighting and top-loading filters. From that, they have done some serious innovations that became the industry’s standards. Their Moto-Massage introduced in the 80s made quite an entry being the first moving hydrotherapy jet.  Hot Spring spas are circulated and distributed by a network of more than 800 dealerships all across the globe. They value customer satisfaction that each dealership employs highly experienced support representatives to embody their brand.  The same dealers handling Hot Spring spas are passionately involved in making a difference in local communities. They run the 40 Acts of Kindness campaign that aims to give back and make every day better.  The Winner for the Match-Up Picking one over the other especially with huge brands like Caldera and Hot Spring Spas is always tough – both are equally amazing. Not having the same features make them unique in their own ways. That is their way of standing out to different customers.  The debate whether which hot tub is better can go on and on. But, it truly just boils down to what you need. If you are up for a tub that has all … Read more

It was a sunny day in March of 1985. As Shirley Ann Durdin was diving for scallops in Peake Bay, South Australia, a great white shark measuring about 20 feet suddenly attacked her and tore her body in half. Her family, who was 150 yards away from her, was helpless and can do nothing but watch. Her floating headless torso was all that remained of her. And when the rescuers finally came, the great white came for seconds and devoured what was left of her, too.  This story is just one of the numerous cases of shark attacks in the world involving the great whites. But aside from this predator, which other sharks species are also considered dangerous?  In this post, we’ll discuss about them, as well as some of history’s most horrifying shark attacks and some survival stories.  Why do sharks bite humans? According to the International Shark Files of Florida Museum, there are a total of 73 unprovoked bites and 39 provoked ones that occurred in 2021 alone. These attacks are often caused by increased human encounters, curiosity, and mistaken identity.  Humans aren’t an essential part of a shark’s diet, as they prefer fatty prey such as seals and stingrays. However, when faced with a human, they tend to get curious, so they try to take a bite or two. So how likely are you to get bit by these men in grey suits? The victims of shark attacks are often males because they’re more prone to having encounters with them, and not because sharks have gender preferences.  According to statistics, the number of men who surf and go scuba diving is higher than women. As much as the mainstream media hyped shark attacks, the chance of you getting attacked is 1 in 264.1 million. This is significantly lower compared to being struck by lightning or hitting the lottery jackpot. In 2021, for instance, there were 9 only fatal shark attacks in the United States out of 73 total cases.  The Top 8 World’s Most Dangerous Sharks Out of 548 shark species, only 13 of them have attacked humans. The most number of bites come from the great whites, tiger sharks, and bull sharks. They are also the ones responsible for Australia’s high number of fatality attacks from the years 1958 to 2014.  Aside from those three mentioned, there are also other dangerous shark species that you should be wary of. Here are some of them along with stories of their most gruesome attacks.  #8 Great Hammerhead Shark Known for their hammer-looking heads, the great hammerhead sharks are one of the most feared shark species. But surprisingly, they’re only responsible for 17 attacks on humans since 1580.  These sharks are characterized by their small mouths and eyes on the sides of their head. They have a size that can grow up to 20 feet, with a weight that can reach 500 lbs.  Great hammerheads are often found in the warm waters of Mexico and Florida. They hunt by moving their heads to look for their prey’s electric signals first, knocking them off next, and then pinning them down to the ocean floor as they feed on them.  These sharks don’t typically consume humans because they prefer to feast on stingrays; however, they sometimes bite humans due to their curiosity. Great hammerheads are also cannibalistic, which means they eat their brothers and sisters, as well as their mother’s unfertilized eggs. But while they may seem scary and intimidating, we are more of a threat to them than they are to us. Due to the shark fin trade, their numbers are slowly decreasing, and experts fear that they will become extinct if this continues.  #7 Shortfin Mako If you think you can out-paddle a shark — much more a shortfin mako — think again. This shark species is known for being the fastest shark because of its ability to swim with a speed of 45 to 50 miles an hour.  Aside from being fast swimmers, shortfin makos are also known for being aggressive. Overall, they are accountable for 900 recorded provoked and unprovoked attacks on humans. Most of these attacks are provoked because they’re often caught and dragged inside boats for recreational fishing.  These dangerous sharks are not to be played around with, though. With a bite force measuring 3,000 lbs or 13,000 newtons, shortfin makos have the strongest bite of all sharks. To give you a reference to how strong they are, a human’s bite force only ranges from 247 to 292 lbs. Yikes. Shortfin makos are characterized by their distinctly large, black eyes and pointed snouts. They have an average size of 10 feet, with a weight that ranges from 130 to 300 lbs.  Unlike regular sharks, shortfin makos don’t use electroreceptors to detect their prey. Instead, they use their sense of seeing, hearing, and smelling for hunting.  #6 Oceanic Whitetip Sharks Whitetips are sharks that came straight out of nightmares. This species is responsible for the most unrecorded attacks in shipwrecks and planewrecks, as well as the worst shark attack in mankind’s history. In July 1945, the USS Indianapolis ship carrying 1,196 men was split and sunk by a Japanese submarine, leaving 900 survivors floating aimlessly in the ocean. Unfortunately, the explosion attracted hundreds of oceanic whitetips — sharks known for their aggressive behavior.  Because the ocean was filled with dead bodies, blood, and frantic survivors, these sharks went on a feeding frenzy for days. Out of 900, only 317 men survived. Sergeant Edgar Harrell, one of the survivors, said, “All we heard was men being eaten alive. Every day, every night. You would hear a blood-curdling scream and look and see someone going under.” Whitetip sharks are characterized by their long white-tipped dorsal, pectoral, caudal, and pelvic fins. Currently, their population is decreasing in numbers because of bycatch fishing and Asian sharks fin trade.  #5 Blacktip Sharks Next, we have the resident sharks of New Smyrna Beach Florida — the blacktip sharks. No thanks to … Read more

Researchers publish millions of scientific discoveries every year. But did you know that even though we’ve been sailing the oceans for centuries, and exploring space for only decades, we know more about the universe than the deep earth? Based on NOAA’s studies, only 5% of our oceans are mapped, and 95% of them remain uncharted until this day. The reasons why the ocean remains a mystery are its depth and pressure that makes it nearly impossible to explore. But over the years, however, oceanographers have developed modern technologies that have made amazing discoveries beneath the ocean’s surface. In this article, we’ll tell you all about it.  The Ocean Exploration Technology Modern oceanographic research relies heavily on cutting-edge technology. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with state-of-the-art sensors allow researchers to explore the ocean floor with unparalleled precision. These tools have facilitated significant discoveries and advancements in our understanding of the marine environment. The Ocean’s Most Amazing Discoveries  What experts like most about exploring the deep oceans are the stories they tell others about what they’ve discovered. To help them expose their discoveries are advanced technologies that enable them to dive into the deep. Among those are sonar mappings, scientific buoys, ocean satellites, deep-sea submarines, and undersea exploration vehicles (human-occupied, remote-controlled, and hybrid).  So how much of the ocean have we really discovered over the years? Here are the most significant events and discoveries about life in the deep.  The Ocean’s Deepest Point The ocean contains trenches, forms that are similar to mountain ranges and canyons beneath the water. They are long depressions in the seafloor as the result of tectonic activities, such as when tectonic plates slide under another plate. Two of the deepest trenches in the world are the Mariana Trench located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, and the Philippine Trench in the west of the North Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, the shallowest trench can be found in the Atlantic Ocean because of its seafloor that consists of continental shelves.  The deepest part of the Mariana Trench is known as the Challenger Deep, a crescent-shaped trench that consists of active volcanoes and openings that vent out liquid sulfur and carbon dioxide. According to records from submersibles and bathymetry, this point has a measured depth of 35,768 to 35,856 meters or 6.7 to 6.79 miles.  To give you a ballpark of how deep Challenger Deep is, let’s compare it with Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.  In theory, if Mount Everest is put in the deepest part of the ocean, it wouldn’t even see the light of day. Towering at 8.84 km or 5.49 miles high, this Himalayan mountain will be submerged in the 11 km or 7-mile long Challenger Deep. With this kind of depth, do you think it’s possible for humans to reach its bottom? Actually, yes. The first person to ever go on solo deep diving in Challenger Deep was the renowned film director James Cameron, who also happens to be an avid deep-ocean explorer. According to him, what surprised him the most about this exploration was when he found plastics and candy wrappers at the bottom of the Challenger Deep.  In 2019, Cameron’s record was topped by Victor Vescovo, Guinness World Record holder and the first person to successfully dive into the deepest parts of all five oceans. This amazing feat was brought by the expedition known as Five Deeps.  Thriving Ecosystems  Deep in the waters where the sun’s rays can’t penetrate, researchers first believed that life in the ocean’s deepest part is impossible. But as it turned out, they couldn’t be more wrong.  Life thrives when there’s food available, and this is true when it comes to underwater ecosystems. Although food is scarce, marine organisms are able to live off minimal food by having slow metabolisms and consuming minerals from the seafloor. They also rely on what experts call the ‘marine snow’, or the shower of organic matter, remains of decaying animals, and feces that fall from the shallow waters.  The deepest parts of the ocean also have hydrothermal vents that emit water that’s hot enough to melt metal. Surprisingly, researchers found a teeming ecosystem surrounding these vents consisting of flea-like creatures, snailfish, amphipods, and tubeworms. A lot of organisms can adapt to deep-sea environments, even with their most extreme conditions. Most fishes in deep zones can withstand depth pressure that comes with massive force because they don’t have air sacs. Instead, they have piezolytes to protect their molecules from getting crushed by high pressure. Ninety percent of deep-dwelling organisms are also bioluminescent in able to adapt to their pitch-black habitat. Some of them become luminescent because they consume bacteria with light-emitting cells called photophores.  Unusual Creatures of the Deep The deeper the ocean is, the weirder the creatures become. The following are some of the marine organisms caught on footage by oceanographers. They are animals that don’t require sunlight and some of them are also known to exist for millions of years.  Bristlemouth fish This species is the most abundant vertebrate on the whole planet. In numbers, these fishes can take trillions — maybe even quadrillions! Bristlemouth fishes are often found in the Melosopelagic zones of oceans in tropical regions.  Like some worms and butterflies, this species is characterized by a male-first hermaphrodite attribute known as protandrous, a phenomenon wherein some bristlemouth fish start as male, then switch to female as they grow.  Kitefin sharks Next, we have the largest bioluminescent vertebrate that’s known today and also the slowest moving shark — the kitefin shark. This fish is characterized by its lobed fins, thick lips, blunt snout, and large eyes that allow it to see in deep seas. They’re often caught by fishermen because of their sizable oil-rich liver, skin, and flesh.  Chimaera (Ghost sharks) Known for their ghost-like features and unusual body parts, chimaeras are cartilaginous fishes that are known to exist before dinosaurs. They have the slowest evolving genome, hence why they appear … Read more

The most bizarre life forms are found in the deepest part of the ocean. According to NOAA, humans have only explored 20% of the sea — the other percentage remains unmapped and uncharted until this day.  Among the elusive and mysterious creatures that lurk deep beneath its waters are ghost sharks, or also known as chimaeras — species that are believed to be one of the oldest fishes in the ocean.  There are only a few human encounters with deep-sea ghost sharks. In 2009, their very first footage was caught by a group of researchers miles beneath the coasts of California. There we see how ghost sharks look and how they behave in their natural habitat. If you want to learn more about them, this post contains curious and amazing facts about this peculiar creature. What are deep-sea ghost sharks? Chimaeras or ghost sharks (scientific name: Callorhincus milii) are fishes from species that are relative to sharks and rays. They’re known in many different names such as “King of Herring”, “rat fish”, and “elephant fish”.  All over the globe, there are over 50 known species of ghost sharks that vary from their elongated noses and tails. They are also divided into three groups — plow-nose, short-nose, and long-nose.  Surprisingly, the species of chimaeras already exist even before there were dinosaurs. They’re known to have emerged after the Devonian extinction, which is approximately 420 million years ago. The earliest evidence of this species is the skull found in South Africa in the 1980s that researchers claim to be 280 million years old.  Habitat Deep-sea ghost sharks live 8,500 feet or 2,600 meters under the water and are thought to only exist in the Southern Hemisphere. Since they’re deep-dwelling in the ocean, they’re rarely seen alive. Their first sighting was from footage caught by an ROV where a pointy nose blue chimaera was filmed. Other variations of this species can be spotted going to inshore bays during their mating season;  however, Chimaeras are confined to the deep sea since they live in rocky habitats such as the ocean floor. They also prefer cold water; thus why they’re seen in places like New Celadonia, Australia, and New Zealand (not including the Antarctic).  Similar to other living organisms in the deepest part of the oceans, chimaeras also have what experts refer to as ‘Deep-Sea Gigantism’. It’s an occurrence wherein deep-sea dwelling animals are larger than their shallow-water relatives because of certain environmental factors such as:  Food scarcity Low predation Increased oxygen concentration  Extremely low water temperature That said, ghost sharks or chimaeras can grow up to 4.1 feet (125 cm) to 4.9 feet (150 cm), with a maximum size that can reach 6 feet. They also have a life span of 15 years.  Characteristics  Chimaeras have a morphology that’s is unlike any other animals in this world. Similar to the Greek legendary monster of the same name, ghost sharks appear as if their parts come from different kinds of animals. For one, they have teeth that resemble that of rodents. These consist of three pairs that continuously grow instead of falling off like sharks’ teeth do. Chimaeras are opportunistic feeders, and their teeth are made of mineralized tooth plates that they use to crush and munch on molluscs and worms.  Depending on the variety of their species, some Chimaeras also have snouts similar to elephants, as well as nostrils that are very much alike to what mammals have. Unlike sharks that use their tails to propel themselves in the water, ghost sharks make use of their large dorsal fins to glide in the water — similar to how birds flap their wings. Their name also fits their odd and creepy appearance. Ghost sharks are known to have the slowest evolving genome in any of the vertebrates, a reason why they don’t look like any of the modern-day species. When inspected closely, it’s noticeable that chimaeras have strong resemblances with the animals from the Devonian period.  Chimaeras are fishes that don’t have scales. Their colours vary from greyish-blue to brown. And instead of having multiple gills, they only have one external gill on each part of their body that also acts as their means of locomotion.  Chimaeras’ skeletons are also a cross between cartilaginous and bony (like sharks), so they’re nearly impossible to fossilize. For this reason, there are only little known facts about this species until today. The only documented pieces of evidence about them are several video footage, dead carcasses washed ashore or caught by nets, and the fossilized skull found in the Karoo region, South Africa.  How they adapt  The eerie features of ghost sharks allow them to adapt to living in deep waters where the sun’s rays can’t penetrate. Their large eyes consist of reflective tissues called tapetum lucidum that glow underwater. These tissues also enable them to absorb as much light as they can.  Ghost sharks have upper jaws that are connected to their skulls. Similar to sharks, they also have protruding snouts that are sensitive to electromagnetic fields and movements that help them when they’re hunting for prey. As their defence mechanism, chimaeras have venomous spines located on their first dorsal fins to protect themselves from other predators’ attacks.  Chimaeras also have ghost-like movements that are quite hypnotic to look at. Typically, most animals who live in the deepest parts of the sea move slow because of the high pressure and cold extremity. However, in their case, they are able to move faster than others because of their large fins that allow them to cover more distance while using less energy.  The lateral line canals of the chimaeras are another one of its many curious features. The dots, as well as the stitch-like looking lines that run on their entire body (more so in their head), are part of their sensory organs. Like their snouts, these are able to detect vibrations and movements in the water.  Reproduction Chimaeras are considered solitary animals based on how they’re always alone … Read more

In a world where the allure of the ocean captivates the hearts of many, some individuals find themselves deeply drawn to its mesmerizing depths. These individuals, known as thalassophiles, share a profound connection with the sea that goes beyond mere fascination—it’s an intrinsic part of their being. But what exactly does it mean to be a thalassophile? Are you one of them?  Join us as we explore the depths of this unique affinity and uncover the signs that signify a deep bond with the ocean. What does ‘thalassophile’ mean? The word thalassophile is the combination of the ancient Greek words, ‘θάλασσα’ (thalassa), which means sea, and ‘φίλος’ (philos) for dear or beloved. Other poetic terms that are similar to its meaning include oceanophile, aquaphile, or aquanic, but thalassophile is the most popular term for the specific fondness of a person towards the ocean. Have you also felt a special connection with the deep blue waters? You may find certain online theories that state the reason why thalassophiles are interconnected with the ocean, but how true are they?  There are some who romanticize an evolution theory wherein the human blood and seawater have the same components, however, a study proves that it isn’t true.  Seawater has three times more sodium content than human blood. Meanwhile, minerals like zinc, copper, magnesium, and iron content of human blood are also more significant in number compared to seawater.  The Ocean’s Benefits While you may not be connected with the ocean in terms of mineral components, you and the ocean have a more complex relationship than you might think. The ocean affects the climate and the oxygen you breathe. It’s also where you get food and other energy resources.  The ocean affects your physical and mental health. A lot of people find the seawater’s shades of deep blue and turquoise naturally calming and rejuvenating. It’s a place where you can meditate and feel connected with yourself and the things that surround you.  In 1904, René Quinton, a French biologist, published a book, “Eau de Mer, Milieu Organique”, (Seawater: An Organic Milieu), regarding how seawater can be beneficial and a source of treatment to humans.  But even before René published his book, age-old civilizations have already been using seawater as a form of healing tradition. Ancient Romans and Arabians were among the firsts who introduced sacred sea baths for spiritual cleansing to the Europeans between 710 and 1492 A.C.  When its first facility was established in France in 1778, thalassotherapy became well-known. It became a therapy that made use of seawater, muds, and seaweeds to improve blood circulation, tone the muscles, and rejuvenate the skin.  Nowadays, there are various thalasso centers scattered around the globe. The famous ones are located in France (Hotel Thalasso & Spa chain) and Spain (Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa). Meanwhile, the Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa in New York is one of the most popular clinics in the United States.  The ocean’s natural, constant calming rhythm can also improve a person’s mental health. By getting in touch with its relaxing properties, thalassophiles are able to meditate by simply looking at the views of its horizon. Their brains and senses are also stimulated by the ocean’s scents and sounds.  The reduced noise also gives you a break from the city’s overstimulation. It allows you to think and become aware of your mindful state. It’s impossible to be unhappy when you’re in the ocean. Being in the waters helps release feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine. Perhaps it’s the reason why Hawaii is hailed as the happiest state in the United States for 6 years. The Hawaiians are born-thalassophiles who grew up next to the most beautiful beaches in the world.   The water’s healing property is not only for the body but also for the heart. This is a reason why the most memorable moments are held near the sea when people are gathered around watching sunsets — like engagements and honeymoons.  “We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea whether it is to sail or watch, we are going back from whence we came.” — John F. Kennedy Are You a Thalassophile? Here Are 8 Signs. Being a thalassophile doesn’t just mean you’re in love with the ocean, because it’s natural for a person to be captivated by it. It’s much more than wanting to visit the beach every summer, or taking a dip now and then to clear your mind. Here are some signs of a true thalassophile. #1: You want to settle down by the sea Having a thalassic love affair with the waters means you have the overwhelming desire to be close to it always. It’s setting your heart on the goal of eventually living by the seaside. It’s your retirement plan, or maybe you’re willing to have a change in your career so you can live the life everybody dreams of. The tropics are your home, and one of your life goals is to have a house near the sea. You don’t mind living in a shack or beach cottage, as long as you spend your days witnessing glorious sunsets.  #2: You take interest in the beach culture There’s no way you want to be friends with people who despise the beach. You want to meet like-minded people who share the same love for the ocean. You’re want to know their different life stories, their culture, and how their daily lives are like. Since you spend most of your time at the beach, the locals also see you as one of them. #3: You love the ocean’s simple pleasures  Being a thalassophile is understanding how life by the beach means — the joy and the simplicity of it. It’s living for the smallest things that make you happy, like the smell of the ocean air and the salt in your hair.  You also enjoy walking barefoot and digging your toes in the sand. You can lie on a … Read more

After months of cloudy and cold winter, nothing beats seeing the first glimpse of the sun’s rays and feeling its warmth. There’s just something about the sun that instantly melts the winter blues away!  For many people, their most memorable moments often happen during summer — when the best waves for learning how to surf occur, and the beaches come most alive when the sun is shining oh, so brightly! Because of its power that uplifts people’s moods and spirits, a lot of movies, songs, and greeting cards are inspired by it.  So if you have a family member or a surfing buddy that needs some cheering up, there’s nothing a good ol’ sun quote can’t do. Here we have compiled the best ones that are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. The Best Quotes About the Sun Each one of us has our pick-me-ups to help us get through the day. Some drink their morning coffee, read quotes for inspiration, and others go outside for some sun. Combine all three, and you’re sure to have a great day ahead! For best results, you can start reading these sun quotes we’ve found in books and online.  “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.” — A. P. J. Abdul Kalam “The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.” — JayDee Mahs “Keep your face to the sunshine.” — Walt Whitman “Don’t let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow. Live for today.” — Nandina Morris “The sunrise, of course, doesn’t care if we watch it or not. It will keep on being beautiful, even if no one bothers to look at it.” — Gene Amole “The sun is a daily reminder that we too can rise again from the darkness, that we too can shine our own light.” — S. Ajna “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” — Les Misérables pub.1862 “If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.” — Frank Lane “The Sun illuminates only the eyes of the man but shines into the eye and the heart of the child.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson “Staring up at the sky on a bright, sunny day makes me dream and gives me ideas.” — Marc Jacobs “The sun don’t shine on the same dog’s ass all the time.” — Catfish Hunter “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne, The American Notebooks “Ô, Sunlight! The most precious gold to be found on Earth.” —  Roman Payne “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” — John Ruskin “Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.” — Walt Whitman “When the sun has set, no candle can replace it.” — George R. R. Martin “The Sun himself is weak when he first rises and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on.” — Charles Dickens “The sun shines everywhere, not just at the beach.” — Brande Roderick “I used to cover my windows in heavy curtains, never drawn. Now I danced in the sunlight on my hardwood floors.” ― Kimberly Novosel, Loved “Every day is a good day to be alive, whether the sun’s shining or not.” ― Marty Robbins “Do not lose hope. Please believe that there are a thousand beautiful things waiting for you. Sunshine comes to all who feel rain.” ― R.M. Drake “May sunshine surround you each new day. And may smiles and love never be far away.” ― Catherine Pulsifer “Be like a flower. Turn your face to the sun.” ― Kahlil Gibran “Some sunshine is good for the soul, but I always make sure I wear a big hat.” ― Miranda Kerr “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald “In your darkest hour, give thanks, for in due time, the morning will come. And it will come with a ray of sunshine.” ― Michael Bassey Johnson “After every storm, the sun will smile; for every problem, there is a solution, and the soul’s indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer.” ― William R. Alger “Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, ‘You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” ― Hafez “When the morning sun wakes up, the darkness in the valleys looks for a place to hide!” ― Mehmet Murat Ildan “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ― Christopher McCandless “The sky takes on shades of orange during sunrise and sunset, the color that gives you hope that the sun will set only to rise again.” ― Ram Charan “There is sunshine in my soul today.” — Unknown “I only really and truly fully relax on my own. Give me a sun lounger, a pool, and a sea view, and I’m happy.” — Miranda Hart “Even the Sun directs our gaze away from itself and to the life illumined by it.” ― Eberhard Arnold “Like the moon, I will fade away, But like the sun I will rise again.” — Unknown “When the Sun kisses the horizon, that’s when you see the sky blush.” — Anthony T. Hincks “Laughter is magic that dispenses clouds and creates sunshine in the soul.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich “Being in the Sun is like going to parties – too much ages your … Read more