This week we have something extra special for Episode 153 as the TGN boys got a chance to catch up with Laurent Ballesta while he was finishing decompression following the completion of the Gombessa 6 project. Laurent is a true explorer, photographer, filmmaker, and cutting-edge diver (not to mention a friend of the show) that has been at the helm of the Gombessa series since its inception and it’s always a treat to hear about his latest experiences exploring the world deep underwater.
Another great podcast. I think this should be a new series where you interview people but they have to in a diving bell at the time. 😁😁 Paul from Scurfa next please. 😄
James I just wanted to toss out a word of caution about full face snorkel masks for your kiddos, just in case you or any other listeners had not heard: many of these masks, particularly the cheap knock-offs readily available on Amazon, run the real risk of hypercapnia (dangerous, potentially lethal CO2 buildup) in users over a lengthy or strenuous snorkel session. If you decide to go with one of these, be sure to buy from a reputable snorkel and dive gear brand (Cressi, Aqualung, etc.), as these, while more expensive, are better designed to avoid this. This has been your friendly dive gear PSA...
Wow, what a dream, to speak with Laurent Ballesta on mission from the diving bell. You mentioned, James, that he is a hero of yours, and he certainly is one of mine, too. You're spot on -- he IS Cousteau onboard Calypso and in the Diving Saucer. He's Stan Waterman and Peter Gimbel hunting for Jaws. He's Ron Church planting a flag on the seafloor in the Deepstar 4000. He's directly living out the legacy of George Bond, Bob Barth, and Scott Carpenter, saturating his tissues while making calls to outer space. All while he and his crew are wearing a killer watch and matching red wetsuits. Come on already, what more could your inner 12-year-old want!? Complete and utter living legend. I've gotta be real: If anyone comes to TGN for the watches, but sleeps on Ballesta, to me they're just missing the target.
I do understand what Jason means when he says Ballesta has less of a flair for PR than Cousteau, for better or worse. While not so much the controversial showman as Cousteau, he is much less directly accessible. He's not being beamed into everyone's living rooms, for one, and I tend to think that his highly Franco-centric media presence means he isn't showing up very strongly in our stateside social media algorithms, either... Probably for the best, anyway.
One thing Ballesta said that really made me wonder is that the divers can't really talk to each other inside the bell at terminal depth because the helium and the incredible pressure can "paralyze" their vocal cords. I've never heard of this before, and would love to learn more! Is it a bit of hyperbole, like "breathing peanut butter" that you sometimes hear about, or is it a real temporary or even permanent danger to these aquanauts?
What a great interview. Crazy cutting edge diving. Interesting to see the French Navy taking an interest in this tech as well. Wouldn't be surprised if we see frogmen doing deep sea rebreather operations moving forward.
I'd love to see if you guys could have Cody Townsend on- great alpinist/pro skier. He regularly does podcasts with Blister and also is doing a rad multi-year project. Pretty sure he is sponsored by swatch too.
Did anyone else notice Ballesta’s Blancpain had a 3 hour timing bezel? Would that mean it has a fourth hand traversing the dial every three hours similar to how a GMT does every 24? That got me thinking about how a GMT hand and bezel could be used to time a 24 hour flight safety interval after a dive.
I see today’s WSJ has a story that mentions Valerie Taylor and Blue Water, White Death:
‘Playing With Sharks’ Review: A Makeover for Man-Eaters
A National Geographic documentary on Disney+ celebrates Valerie Taylor, the photographer, filmmaker and conservationist who worked on ‘Jaws’ and is trying to rehabilitate the traditionally scary image of sharks
Great interview. Cool guy. Love that there's a new dive watch in the works. One I'll never be able to afford, but hey it's still cool. And my kids have some of those full-face snorkel masks but they've always preferred a mask and snorkel, even from an early age. Keep up the good work... loving the weeklies!
Thanks so much for another great episode and this fantastic interview. Also appreciate your super in-depth coverage of the SPB143 over the past year. I certainly understand any fatigue you have in the continuing discussions. Was always curious though to get both of your impressions of the SPB151/153 line released around the same time. I know Cole recently released a long impression piece but wanted to see if either of you had a chance to see it in the metal and your initial impressions. I picked up the black one and put it on a rubber waffle strap and its one of the most fun watches I have worn in a long time.
I was surprised by James's comment that the first episode that had a Laurent Ballesta interview didn't have more downloads. I'm not a diver, nor interested in pursuing the hobby, but I still found both interviews fascinating listening.
Semi related. Does anyone have experience with 4th element wetsuits. Looking for a thin wetsuit for Florida diving that is also a little more environmentally friendly. I’ve heard great things but my local shop is order only and doesn’t stock them.
I'm looking for an underwater point and shoot camera for snorkeling and shallow freediving, less than 15m. Any recommendations?
Should I put my Sony RX100 in the Sony waterproof housing? It's a little expensive, for $350 I could just buy another water dedicated camera or try eBay?
Another great podcast. I think this should be a new series where you interview people but they have to in a diving bell at the time. 😁😁 Paul from Scurfa next please. 😄
James I just wanted to toss out a word of caution about full face snorkel masks for your kiddos, just in case you or any other listeners had not heard: many of these masks, particularly the cheap knock-offs readily available on Amazon, run the real risk of hypercapnia (dangerous, potentially lethal CO2 buildup) in users over a lengthy or strenuous snorkel session. If you decide to go with one of these, be sure to buy from a reputable snorkel and dive gear brand (Cressi, Aqualung, etc.), as these, while more expensive, are better designed to avoid this. This has been your friendly dive gear PSA...
Wow, what a dream, to speak with Laurent Ballesta on mission from the diving bell. You mentioned, James, that he is a hero of yours, and he certainly is one of mine, too. You're spot on -- he IS Cousteau onboard Calypso and in the Diving Saucer. He's Stan Waterman and Peter Gimbel hunting for Jaws. He's Ron Church planting a flag on the seafloor in the Deepstar 4000. He's directly living out the legacy of George Bond, Bob Barth, and Scott Carpenter, saturating his tissues while making calls to outer space. All while he and his crew are wearing a killer watch and matching red wetsuits. Come on already, what more could your inner 12-year-old want!? Complete and utter living legend. I've gotta be real: If anyone comes to TGN for the watches, but sleeps on Ballesta, to me they're just missing the target.
I do understand what Jason means when he says Ballesta has less of a flair for PR than Cousteau, for better or worse. While not so much the controversial showman as Cousteau, he is much less directly accessible. He's not being beamed into everyone's living rooms, for one, and I tend to think that his highly Franco-centric media presence means he isn't showing up very strongly in our stateside social media algorithms, either... Probably for the best, anyway.
One thing Ballesta said that really made me wonder is that the divers can't really talk to each other inside the bell at terminal depth because the helium and the incredible pressure can "paralyze" their vocal cords. I've never heard of this before, and would love to learn more! Is it a bit of hyperbole, like "breathing peanut butter" that you sometimes hear about, or is it a real temporary or even permanent danger to these aquanauts?
What a great interview. Crazy cutting edge diving. Interesting to see the French Navy taking an interest in this tech as well. Wouldn't be surprised if we see frogmen doing deep sea rebreather operations moving forward.
I'd love to see if you guys could have Cody Townsend on- great alpinist/pro skier. He regularly does podcasts with Blister and also is doing a rad multi-year project. Pretty sure he is sponsored by swatch too.
Did anyone else notice Ballesta’s Blancpain had a 3 hour timing bezel? Would that mean it has a fourth hand traversing the dial every three hours similar to how a GMT does every 24? That got me thinking about how a GMT hand and bezel could be used to time a 24 hour flight safety interval after a dive.
Jason - Not related to the episode, but saw this article and thought you would like it if you haven’t already seen it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/15/business/jeep-80th-anniversary.html
Great episode! Very interesting, and a good follow-up to Laurent’s previous TGN appearance.
Just wanted to pass along a YouTube channel that encapsulates the TGN (excluding the watches) get out there and explore feeling:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClSn_RiudM3oTxnrNg4QX3Q
I'm about Jason's ago and have been talking about learning SCUBA for 10 years. One of these days I'm gonna do it.
I see today’s WSJ has a story that mentions Valerie Taylor and Blue Water, White Death:
‘Playing With Sharks’ Review: A Makeover for Man-Eaters
A National Geographic documentary on Disney+ celebrates Valerie Taylor, the photographer, filmmaker and conservationist who worked on ‘Jaws’ and is trying to rehabilitate the traditionally scary image of sharks
https://www.wsj.com/articles/playing-with-sharks-review-a-makeover-for-man-eaters-spielberg-jaws-11626991175?st=fi8otyhq0qcah3s&reflink=share_mobilewebshare
Great interview. Cool guy. Love that there's a new dive watch in the works. One I'll never be able to afford, but hey it's still cool. And my kids have some of those full-face snorkel masks but they've always preferred a mask and snorkel, even from an early age. Keep up the good work... loving the weeklies!
Awesome interview, so cool the hear from someone so impressive, yet seemingly so humble and down to earth. Awesome! "I just want to solve mysteries"
Thanks so much for another great episode and this fantastic interview. Also appreciate your super in-depth coverage of the SPB143 over the past year. I certainly understand any fatigue you have in the continuing discussions. Was always curious though to get both of your impressions of the SPB151/153 line released around the same time. I know Cole recently released a long impression piece but wanted to see if either of you had a chance to see it in the metal and your initial impressions. I picked up the black one and put it on a rubber waffle strap and its one of the most fun watches I have worn in a long time.
I was surprised by James's comment that the first episode that had a Laurent Ballesta interview didn't have more downloads. I'm not a diver, nor interested in pursuing the hobby, but I still found both interviews fascinating listening.
Semi related. Does anyone have experience with 4th element wetsuits. Looking for a thin wetsuit for Florida diving that is also a little more environmentally friendly. I’ve heard great things but my local shop is order only and doesn’t stock them.
Inspiring interview! Thanks guys.
Camera recommendation?
I'm looking for an underwater point and shoot camera for snorkeling and shallow freediving, less than 15m. Any recommendations?
Should I put my Sony RX100 in the Sony waterproof housing? It's a little expensive, for $350 I could just buy another water dedicated camera or try eBay?
Thanks.