Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Share this on
Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Deep beneath the shimmering turquoise waters surrounding the Greek island of Kalymnos lies a treasure trove of natural wonders. Among these, hidden among the rocks and coral, are some of the finest and most valuable sponges in the world. For centuries, the Kalymnian sponge divers have ventured into the depths to harvest these sponges using a technique known as skandalopetra.
Skandalopetra is a traditional method of sponge diving that dates back thousands of years. It involves a diver descending to the ocean floor while connected to a heavy stone, or skandalopetra, by a long rope. The diver uses the skandalopetra to guide their descent, and once they reach the seabed, they collect sponges by hand. The diver then signals to the surface that they are ready to be pulled up by tugging on the rope. This ancient technique requires incredible skill and endurance. Divers must be able to hold their breath for long periods of time and withstand the intense pressure of deep-sea diving. They must also have the strength to haul heavy sponges to the surface. Skandalopetra diving was dangerous and required great courage and skill, but for the Kalymnian sponge divers, it was a way of life.
The practice of sponge diving has been part of the culture and livelihood of the people of Kalymnos for centuries. In ancient times, the island was known for its wealth of natural sponges, and the locals quickly became skilled at harvesting them. Over time, sponge diving became an important industry, with sponges being exported around the world. In the late 1800s, the invention of the deep-sea diving suit allowed for more efficient and safer sponge harvesting, but it also led to overfishing and the depletion of sponge populations. Despite this, the tradition of skandalopetra diving persisted, passed down through generations of Kalymnian sponge divers.
In the 20th century, the sponge industry suffered a significant decline due to the introduction of synthetic sponges and the overfishing of natural sponge populations. This decline had a devastating impact on the economy of Kalymnos, and many sponge divers were forced to seek other forms of work. Despite the decline of the industry, the tradition of skandalopetra diving continues to be passed down through generations. It is an important part of the island's cultural heritage, and efforts are being made to preserve this ancient practice.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in skandalopetra diving, both as a cultural practice and as an extreme sport. Kalymnian sponge divers have worked to revive the tradition, and tourists come from around the world to witness the skill and bravery of the divers. Skandalopetra diving is not without its dangers, however. It is crucial that those who practice this ancient technique do so in a responsible and sustainable manner, respecting the environment and the dangers of the sea.
Efforts are being made to preserve the tradition of skandalopetra diving and the culture of the Kalymnian sponge divers. The Kalymnos Island Sponge Divers Association, founded in 1970, works to promote the sustainable harvesting of natural sponges and to preserve the traditions of the island's sponge divers. The association also promotes education and training for young people interested in learning the art of skandalopetra diving, ensuring that this ancient tradition is passed down through generations. In addition, skandalopetra diving has become a popular subject of documentaries and films, bringing the ancient practice to a wider audience and raising awareness of the importance of preserving the traditions of the Kalymnian sponge divers.
While the sponge industry may never again reach the heights it once did, the tradition of skandalopetra diving remains an important part of Kalymnos' cultural heritage. The bravery and skill of the sponge divers continue to inspire awe and admiration, and the unique techniques and tools used in skandalopetra diving are still passed down from generation to generation. Today, visitors to Kalymnos can witness skandalopetra diving demonstrations, visit museums dedicated to the history of sponge diving, and even try their hand at sponge diving themselves. Skandalopetra diving has become an important part of the island's tourism industry, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the rich cultural heritage of this unique Greek island.