HSA - Handicapped Scuba Association

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

06/03/2026

HSA did a small group trip to Papua New Guinea with Michelle Galler, Julie Perez & Jim Gatacre. Interesting but scary place.

The Asaro Mudmen of Papua New Guinea are among the most recognizable cultural figures in the world, known for their towering clay masks and bodies coated in pale river mud.

According to local tradition, the story began generations ago in the Asaro Valley. After suffering a defeat in battle, a group of warriors hid in the muddy banks of the Asaro River. When they emerged at dusk covered in white clay, their enemies believed they were spirits and fled. The warriors later recreated the appearance to intimidate rival groups.

What’s especially interesting is that researchers believe the elaborate Mudmen performances seen today are relatively recent. The tradition gained international attention after performers appeared at the first Goroka Show in 1957, where the dramatic masks became a sensation. Since then, the Mudmen have become one of the most famous cultural symbols of Papua New Guinea.

Whether the ghost story reflects an actual historical event or a legend that grew over time remains unclear, but the Mudmen continue to represent a unique blend of history, oral tradition, and cultural identity.

📸:

05/29/2026

Awesome! Look closely to see what they are.

05/27/2026

Founded by Aldo Torti CD02-0349. Aldo was the HSA’s first Course Director! He convinced Gatacre to start training Course Directors!

05/23/2026

Five divers got to spend time with a basking shark who was near shore. This was a very rare encounter!