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Deep Blue Returns to Surrey Quays ❄️

Wednesday saw us return to Surrey Quays — and back to the Arctic, complete with near zero-degree temperatures. Given that the last time we ran Deep Blue we had frozen ponds in St Katharine’s Dock, it might be time to swap the Arctic for the jungle next time…

For those new to the format, Deep Blue challenges teams to dive beneath the ice, managing a strict 10-minute timer between air holes. Along the way, teams can recruit SEAL units to hunt on their behalf, or upgrade their capabilities with a visit to the Wise Walrus — perched (as ever) on top of a local hill.

Fast Starts and Early Strategy

The SEALs were in high demand from the outset. Seal 2 offered little resistance, recruited four times within the opening two minutes by Wintermute, Bobs, Campbell and SoloSam. Cool Runnings, Last and Furious, and No Pace, All Vibes quickly followed.

Seal 3 became the next key target, with Campbell, R&E and Cool Runnings all securing a second SEAL within the first seven minutes — setting each one up to collect over 35kg of fish.

Seal 1 proved more challenging, with only four teams managing to crack it. The double puzzle required teams to identify anagrams of David, George and Andrew, determine the missing fourth — Patrick — and then rearrange all names back into alphabetical order. SoloSam were first to solve it, closely followed by All Pace, No Vibes.

Big Plays Under Pressure

Beneath the surface, conditions were favourable. An additional air hole meant there was no excuse for running out of air, and despite a demanding loop at the southern end of the map, no fish were lost underwater.

As the clock ticked down, confidence was high and teams began banking significant hauls. Cool Runnings secured 131.5kg with 10 minutes remaining, Last and Furious followed with 165kg with four minutes to go, and Campbell delivered the largest single deposit of the game — 171.5kg — with just three minutes left.

Wintermute left it even later, banking with only two minutes remaining before a final sprint to the finish.

The Walrus Dilemma

The Wise Walrus once again introduced a key strategic decision: invest in further upgrades, or maximise returns at your current level?

Last and Furious and Bobs opted to take the risk, committing to a second lesson with 32 and 26 minutes remaining respectively. Campbell, however, chose to remain at Level 2 — a decision that ultimately proved decisive.

As for the optimal strategy? Still up for debate. One thing is certain: falling down the steps by Seal 3 (as discovered during recce) is not recommended.

Final Results 🏆

A huge congratulations to everyone who took part — and to those who stayed on to celebrate afterwards.

• 1st: Campbell

• 2nd: Cool Runnings (Spike)

• 3rd: Last and Furious (Tom)

In the pairs competition, Ryan & Eleanor continued their winning streak, while No Pace, All Vibes impressed with a second-place finish on debut.