News
Event Review: TEKCamp 2016
As many of the Scubaverse audience will know, Nick and Caroline are not really into the technical aspect of diving, and were, therefore, surprised to be invited along to TEKCamp earlier this month. Not ones for turning down a photographic opportunity, they jumped in the car, drove from Manchester to Somerset and joined in all the fun on day 2 of the 5 day event at Vobster Quay.
On arrival, it was instantly obvious that there was no shortage of things to do for anyone attending the event. Stands from manufacturers and training organisations lined the edge of the water, with lots of shiny gear to drool over, look at and even try out. Small groups of divers were gathered around instructors who tasked them through techniques or new equipment. Vobster is one of the deeper inland sites, with a maximum depth of 36m and so is a perfect location for this event. Rebreathers, sidemount, twinsets, extended range, scooters – gear littered every available space as divers got ready to get into the water. Divers who attend can go to workshops, talks and have underwater tuition by some of the leading names in the technical diving world.
We jumped in the water with Cat Braun, who was there with the Mares team, to take some underwater photographs. Cat runs Tekstreme Technical Diving, and can usually be found in the much warmer waters of the Red Sea. She was in the UK for this event at Vobster and to complete SSI Extended Range Instructor training the following week at Stoney Cove. As usual, we turned down diving to any great depth and got her to pose for us in just a few meters of water!
If you were out of the water, and you had time to spare, you could wander around the various stands and check out the latest gear from Apeks, Fourth Element, Sea & Sea, Mares, Suex, Miflex and more. All manufacturers had representatives who were there to talk you through their gear.
Basically, if you want to get into technical diving, you want to improve or brush up your skills, you want to try out the latest tech equipment, or you just want to sit back and listen to some of the leading lights in this field, TEKCamp is a must-visit event.
To find out more about TEKCamp, visit www.tekcamp.co.uk.
News
Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
News
Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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