News
Inspiring a new generation of divers
It is always a real honour to be asked to back to speak at the University you attended (ahem.. more than 20 years ago!!). So we were delighted to be invited for the second year running to do a talk about scuba diving and underwater photography at the University of Manchester. Our remit was to inspire a new generation of divers – so no pressure!
Welcome to the World of Diving
The Manchester University Sub Aqua Club (MUSAC) promoted the talk at Fresher’s Week so that new arrivals to the university could come and hear about the underwater world, why we love diving and why they should get involved. We were asked to talk about UK diving, as well as our overseas adventures, so that we could show just what amazing diving there is here in the UK, as whilst the talk was aimed at getting new divers to learn, it was also about getting existing divers to join their university club and dive here in the UK too. The talk included images from Capernwray, where MUSAC do their training, as well as all around the UK coastline, including seals, sharks and critters that we have encountered.
Alas. Nick was called away to Cuba at short notice, and so this year Caroline was on her own. As last year we had under-estimated the number of attendees and were left with people sitting on the floor and peering in from the corridor, this year MUSAC booked a larger room, which soon started to fill up. MUSAC offered free wine, served in compostable glasses, to help tempt in those that were unsure!
I talked about my life in diving, as an instructor and underwater photographer, my love of marine life (especially seals and sharks) and told tales of mine and Nick’s scuba diving exploits from around the world. I also brought in one of Frogfish Photography’s underwater cameras for everyone to have a look at at the end of the talk.
Virginia, one of organisers of the event said “Caroline’s talk entitled ‘Welcome to the World of Diving’ was the perfect mixture of inspiration, adventure and humour. Delivered at The University of Manchester to the next generation of young divers, Caroline spoke of her career as a globe-trotting photojournalist. Even though the fire alarm went off on the closing slide, we were inundated with students wanting to know the next steps in how they too can experience the underwater world. Thank you once more for sharing your incredible stories Caroline! Our work is now cut out training all the attendees!”
Just as the last slide was projected and the final question had been asked, the fire alarm went off and we had to leave the building. I was chuffed to see that most of the audience stayed and returned to the lecture theatre to sign up to learn to dive with, or to join, MUSAC. It was a real pleasure to see a new young generation of divers keen to get started on their own underwater adventure.
For more information about MUSAC click here.
For more information about Frogfish Photography click here.
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
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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