News
Maverick Freediver Mike Wells joins RAID International Team
Mike Wells, the former International Training Director of Freediving for Scuba Schools International (SSI), has joined RAID International.
Here is the official press release from RAID:
Mike Wells needs no introduction to the diving world as his records and achievements in the art of Freediving are well known globally. As the former SSI International Training Director of Freediving, Mike conceptualised and wrote the world’s first mainstream Freediving program and in doing so effectively transformed the once cult-like pastime consisting of just a handful of participants into a safety focused, structured, mainstream sport that is today accessible to the masses.
Amongst his many dive industry and personal achievements, Mike also cofounded the iconic World Series Freediving (WSF), providing participants of the sport at all levels access to a spirited and well-run competition platform.
In just a few short years, Mike’s achievements have resulted in thousands of new certifications globally and some respected dive industry observers rightly argue that Freediving is today diving’s largest growth area.
Mike’s passion for the sport has revitalised and provided new income streams for existing dive centres along with new specialised Freediving facilities now opening in popular Freediving destinations. This global Freediving industry has in turn influenced key manufacturers to create Freediving products to feed this new and highly exciting section of the market.
When asked “why the change?” Mike said: “life is all about new challenges and my passion for Freediving has always been about making the sport accessible. So far, we have only dealt with the tip of the Freediving iceberg and I just know there are hundreds of thousands more people out there that want to get involved. Freediving is a rapidly evolving sport and therefore RAID’s focus on online training is just what is needed to take Freediving to the next level. Their revolutionary eTraining system makes the accessibility problem a no-brainer and we are not tied down to printed materials which means we can be extremely dynamic in the way we evolve the training as new research and techniques come to hand.
Importantly many of the RAID team are my friends who had the faith in me when we were getting this out of the ground. RAID is a team of divers who understand exactly what is needed to drive the sport and give me the freedom to get the job done. I am excited about putting my ideas into a new program.
Mike has been appointed to the position of Director of Freediving for RAID International effective July 1st.
In commenting on the appointment, Paul Toomer, RAID International Director of Training said: “Having Mike join the RAID International Team demonstrates, and once again proves, that more and more of the industry visionaries are unafRAID of change so I am extremely thrilled to have Mike with us”.
Terry Cummins, RAID International Director of Business, said: “Mike joining our RAID Team is fantastic news for us and the dive industry generally. Bringing an icon like Mike on-board RAID clearly illustrates that RAID has all the core products within the dive industry extremely well covered; our department heads are very experienced people who really know what they are doing and further illustrates, along with all our other unique features, that RAID is certainly a viable alternative to other training agencies out there.”
Full details of RAID’s plans for a revolutionary new approach to Freediving will be announced shortly. Watch this space…….
For more information about RAID International, visit their website: www.diveraid.com
Marine Life & Conservation
Steve Backshall to headline Shark Trust’s flagship event: For the Love of Sharks
Join a host of amazing, shark loving, speakers including Steve Backshall and the Shark Trust team for an evening celebrating shark conservation at the Royal Geographical Society in London this November.
Date: 29th November 2024
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Royal Geographical Society, London
Tickets: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
The event will be a celebration of all things shark. Those lucky enough to get hold of tickets will hear from engaging guest speakers with a passion for sharks.
The line-up includes (*subject to change if unforeseen circumstances arise)
Steve Backshall: One of television’s busiest presenters, BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve has been passionate about the wild world ever since he was young.
Steve’s impressive TV career has taken him all around the world, investigating a wide array of species and environments. Steve has filmed over 100 hours of children’s wildlife programmes with the BAFTA award winning Deadly 60 franchise and recently, with Sky Nature, for his new series ‘Whale with Steve Backshall’. He has been a patron for the Shark Trust for 10 years.
Simon Rogerson: is a photojournalist specialising in natural history, diving and the sea.
He is editor of SCUBA magazine, the official journal of the British Sub-Aqua Club. Simon started his career as a crime reporter but gravitated towards his ‘less depressing’ interest in underwater exploration, joining the staff of DIVE magazine in 1999. In 2005 he was named ‘Editor of the Year’ in the PPA’s Independent Publishing Awards. Simon also works as a freelance writer, contributing frequently to the Sunday Times and Telegraph, in addition to BBC Wildlife, Esquire, and a host of international diving magazines. He is the author of a book, Dive Red Sea, published by Ultimate Sports. Now based in Berkshire, Simon has been a Patron of the Shark Trust for 20 years.
More speakers to be announced soon. Head to the Shark Trust website to learn more.
The evening will also allow guests the final chance to see the Oceanic 31, shark art exhibition. Some of the artwork will be auctioned/raffled at the event, while the rest will be auctioned online to raise money for the Shark Trust Oceanic Programme.
For the Love of Sharks is an evening with something for everyone who is interested and fascinated by sharks. Join the Shark Trust, their Patrons, Trustees and Staff, along with a host of supporters for this celebration of shark conservation.
For more information or to buy a ticket: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
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
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