Oceans 5 Blog

Discover the Thrills of Chess on Gili Air: New Saturday Classes at Oceans 5

Starting from July 20th, the serene island of Gili Air is set to become a hub for chess enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Oceans 5 Gili Air is excited to announce the launch of free classes every Saturday, providing a unique opportunity for both beginners and experienced players to enhance their skills and enjoy the timeless game of chess. The classes will be guided by the renowned teaching method developed by R. Brunia and C. van Wijgerden, the official methodology endorsed by the Dutch Chess Association.

A Structured Approach to Learning

The classes at Oceans 5 Gili Air are designed to cater to a wide range of participants. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned player looking to refine your strategies, these sessions offer something valuable for everyone. The foundation of the teaching material, the Brunia and van Wijgerden method, ensures a structured and comprehensive approach to learning chess. This method is well-regarded for its systematic progression and emphasis on both practical and theoretical aspects of the game.

Schedule and Structure

The evenings are thoughtfully divided into two segments to accommodate different age groups. From 18:00 to 20:00, children are invited to dive into the world of chess. This early evening session focuses on making the game enjoyable and accessible for young minds, instilling fundamental concepts and fostering a love for the game. Children will engage in interactive lessons, solving  diagrams, and participating in friendly matches. Following the children’s session, from 20:00 to 22:00, adults take center stage. This later session is tailored to provide a deeper understanding of strategies and advanced techniques. Participants will work through challenging chess puzzles, discuss game theories, and put their knowledge to the test in competitive play.

Practical and Homework-Based Learning

A key feature of the classes at Oceans 5 Gili Air is the blend of practical exercises and homework-based practices. Each week, students are given six diagrams to solve as homework. This approach encourages continuous learning and practice outside of the class, reinforcing the concepts covered during the sessions. The homework not only helps in improving problem-solving skills but also prepares students for the next class, where solutions and strategies will be discussed in detail.

The Benefits of Learning Chess

Chess is more than just a game; it is a powerful educational tool that offers numerous cognitive and developmental benefits. Incorporating chess into the normal education system has shown significant improvements in logical thinking, pattern recognition, and decision-making skills. These classes are designed not only to teach the game but also to enhance critical thinking abilities and perseverance. One of the profound lessons that the game imparts is the understanding that in life, much like in chess, you can’t always win. This acceptance helps in building resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges and failures. Chess also promotes independence and self-discipline, as it requires players to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes.

Join the Gili Air Chess Club

The Gili Air Chess Club invites everyone to be a part of this enriching and enjoyable experience. The best part? It’s absolutely free. Whether you’re looking to introduce your child to a new intellectual pursuit or seeking to challenge yourself in a stimulating environment, these classes offer the perfect platform. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the goal is to create a vibrant chess community where players of all ages can learn, grow, and share their passion for the game. The picturesque setting of Gili Air adds a unique charm to the learning experience, making it a delightful way to spend your Saturday evenings.

Conclusion

Mark your calendars for July 20th and every Saturday thereafter, and head over to Oceans 5 Gili Air for an evening of chess and camaraderie. Embrace the opportunity to learn from the best, with the expertly crafted teaching method of R. Brunia and C. van Wijgerden guiding you through the intricacies of chess. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned player, these free chess classes promise to be a rewarding and fun-filled journey. Join the Gili Air Chess Club and let the games begin!

The Gili Islands: A Diver’s Paradise

The Gili Islands in Indonesia offer a paradisiacal lifestyle for dive instructors. Each day, these passionate professionals plunge into the crystal-clear waters, encountering a stunning array of marine life. They share this vibrant underwater world with their students, nurturing a love for the ocean and fostering new generations of divers. However, this idyllic scenario comes with a profound responsibility. Dive instructors must recognize that their role extends beyond teaching diving techniques; they must also be ambassadors of the ocean, dedicated to its preservation and protection.

The Threats Facing Our Oceans

The oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, and the coral reefs are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems. Yet, these reefs are under severe threat from rising water temperatures, pollution, overfishing, and increased boat traffic. The Gili Islands are no exception. Without conscious and concerted efforts to protect these environments, the reefs could be irreversibly damaged, leading to a decline in marine biodiversity and the loss of a vital source of income and enjoyment for the local communities and tourists alike.

The Direct Impact on Dive Instructors

One of the most compelling reasons dive instructors should be ocean ambassadors is the direct impact of their actions on their “office.” The coral reefs and marine life form the foundation of their daily work. If these ecosystems degrade, the very essence of their profession and the beauty they share with their students will vanish. This potential loss underscores the necessity for dive instructors to lead by example, demonstrating best practices in environmental stewardship.

PADI Course Director Sander Buis’s Approach

PADI Course Director Sander Buis at Oceans 5 Gili Air recognizes this critical responsibility. He has made environmental conservation a cornerstone of his Instructor Development Course (IDC). By incorporating more conservation and environmental awareness into the IDC curriculum, he ensures that future dive instructors are not only skilled in diving techniques but also in sustainable practices. Sander’s IDC candidates are taught to minimize their environmental impact, understanding that they are mere visitors in the ocean who must tread lightly.

Practical Measures for Conservation

This approach involves several practical measures. Instructors and their students learn about the fragility of coral reefs and the importance of not touching or disturbing them. They are encouraged to practice buoyancy control to avoid accidental damage to the reef. Moreover, dive instructors are trained to recognize and report signs of coral bleaching and other environmental threats, contributing to broader conservation efforts.

Influencing the Diving Community

Beyond individual actions, dive instructors can also influence their students and the diving community at large. By embedding environmental awareness into their teaching, they can instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship in new divers. This ripple effect can lead to a larger, more committed community of ocean advocates who understand the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

Active Conservation Efforts

Additionally, dive instructors can participate in and organize conservation activities, such as underwater cleanups, coral planting initiatives, and educational workshops. These activities not only directly benefit the environment but also raise awareness among tourists and local communities about the importance of preserving the ocean.

Embracing the Role of Ocean Ambassadors

The role of a dive instructor on the Gili Islands—and indeed, anywhere in the world—must evolve to meet the challenges facing our oceans. By embracing their role as ocean ambassadors, dive instructors can ensure the sustainability of their profession and the preservation of the marine environments they cherish. This responsibility is not just about maintaining the beauty and health of the reefs for future generations of divers; it is about safeguarding a crucial part of our planet’s biodiversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dive instructors have a unique and powerful position as stewards of the ocean. Their daily interactions with the marine world and their influence on new divers make them pivotal in the fight to protect our underwater ecosystems. Through education, example, and active conservation efforts, they can help ensure that the coral reefs of the Gili Islands and beyond continue to thrive, providing a beautiful, vibrant, and sustainable environment for all to enjoy.

The Dual Standard of Gili Islands Government Regulations

Background Information

With the creation of Gili Matra, a marine protected area hailed for its ability to protect marine life, gain international recognition, and boost tourism, the Gili Islands welcomed a hopeful project in 2012. But underlying the seeming good intentions is a concerning double standard in how government rules are applied, which highlights a contradictory strategy to conservation initiatives.

Challenges in Regulation: 2012–2021

Moving forward to 2021, all water sport businesses are required by law to have conservation permits on file. Though this seems like a small need, many firms have found that the administrative processes involved in obtaining these permissions are quite onerous. Long-standing dive businesses are left facing an unclear future by the difficult, time-consuming, and uncertain process.

2024 Quota System

A new law in 2024 made the difficulties watersport operators in the Gili Islands faced even more difficult. To control the amount of divers and snorkelers allowed on Gili Matra each day, a quota system will put in place. Supposedly taken to reduce strain on the sensitive reef ecosystems, this action has caused concern among tourism-dependent companies.

Comparative Impact of Conservation

Still, the obvious issue is, is the government using uniform criteria in its conservation initiatives? Research done all over the world indicates differently. Research repeatedly shows that land-based activities have far more detrimental effects on reef ecosystems than do divers and snorkelers.

Unchecked Degradation of Environment

The true offenders of environmental destruction in the Gili Islands do, in fact, frequently go unpunished. Problems with the delicate ecology include poor water waste management, widespread littering, and growing noise pollution. Moreover, the spread of permanent buildings on immaculate beaches in flagrant violation of current laws exacerbates environmental problems.

Effects of Two Standards

The contradiction becomes clear: although companies that try to follow the law are penalised, those who break environmental laws get away with it. This inconsistency not only compromises the credibility of conservation initiatives but also allows unrestrained environmental deterioration.

Setting a New Course

Real environmental stewardship requires a paradigm change. Politicians need to take a comprehensive stance that tackles the whole range of environmental issues the Gili Islands are facing, rather than picking out scapegoats within the diving and snorkelling population.

Summary

Ultimately, the Gili Islands’ government regulations’ use of a double standard clouds well-meaning conservation initiatives. The very objectives that legislators want to accomplish run the danger of being undermined when they single out watersport operators while ignoring more urgent environmental issues. The Gili Islands’ full promise as an example of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation can only be realised by a coordinated and inclusive approach.