News
Out Of The Pit That Covers Me
The story of a week in the Florida Keys working with four amazing young men.
William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus sums up the spirit for four very special young men from Great Britain that I had the privilege to work with in the Florida Keys between 21- 29 April 2013. We were joined by one former US Marine on the programme but my focus will be on the four British guys who I know well.
I first met Dan, a man in his early twenties, at a meeting hosted by the UK Veterans’ Charity in their offices in the village where I live in Buckinghamshire. It was clear Dan was seriously depressed; I knew he had suffered a serious knee injury in an IED explosion in Afghanistan and as many was deeply affected by severe PTSD. The first meeting wasn’t easy and Dan’s non-verbal communications showed that he was very uncertain about Deptherapy and me. I really shouldn’t have been surprised; I had seen an article about Dan in the Veterans’ charity newsletter and immediately knew he would benefit from attending a Deptherapy programme. The offer of a place on the programme was routed through the Veterans’ Charity CEO. And so we met with the CEO who had worked closely with Dan present throughout the meeting.
Move forward a few months to the days immediately after Dan and the other three injured soldiers had returned home to the England from the Florida Keys and Dan sent me a text in which he said of the two of us ‘We are friends for life, you have turned my life around!’
This is the story of how Dan and his three fellow programme members benefited from the Deptherapy programme.
Deptherapy was founded by Fraser Bathgate, himself a paraplegic as the result of a climbing accident. Fraser was the first paraplegic to qualify as a PADI diving instructor. The history of Deptherapy, a UK based charity can be found on the charity’s web-site at www.deptherpay.co.uk
At the core of the Deptherapy programme is one pool dive and three shallow dives, which can all best be described as ‘Discover Scuba Diving’ experiences. But there is much more to the programme than just the dives; there is the relationship that develops between the Deptherapy staff team; the generosity of the community of Key Largo and the added extras: being met at Heathrow and Miami airport by Metropolitan Police Service and Miami Dade police officers respectively. They check in through Virgin Upper Class desk, breakfast in the Club Lounge, and are upgraded on the flight when seating is available.
In addition to Dan, we had another Dan (28), who is a close friend of the first Dan and has a very rare through the shoulder amputation of the right arm and shoulder. He wears a prosthetic shoulder without which he would not be able to wear a bcd. We also had Kevin (27) who had previously been on the programme but who after major surgery we decided was in need of further help and finally Pete who is a single below the knee amputee and who is already a PADI DM and will shortly complete his IDC and IE in Cambodia.
The enthusiasm of the four was clear to be seen as they tucked into breakfast in the Virgin Club Lounge prior to departure on flight VS005 to Miami. In seemed like no time before we were off the flight and being escorted to our waiting SUV by our friends in the Miami Dade Police Department and TSA. Dinner in the Pilot House in Key Largo was the prelude to an early night in bed for all of us. Apeks Aqua Lung had kitted out all the guys so we had sized their kit prior to departure.
Pete worked with me to help teach Dan, the through the shoulder amputee. We had moved his primary 2nd stage to the left hand side of his 1st stage and with Apeks providing the i3 system for buoyancy control rather than the traditional low pressure inflator hose we were able to make the left side of his body fairly free of obstruction. Of course being one-handed does provide problems; how do you put your mask on with one hand? To me when practising this skill it seemed near impossible – to Dan it seemed like second nature. This is a classic example of where instructors need to be very careful in assessing what a physically or mentally challenged person is capable of. They will very often have adapted to life missing a limb etc. Dan was more than capable of assembling and disassembling his scuba equipment with just one hand.
Kevin and Dan (the younger) both have knee injuries and the decision was they would always do backward roll entries to the pool and ocean, rather than a giant stride.
The pool session went without a hitch and it was pretty clear that the two Dans and Kevin had decided that they couldn’t wait for the three ocean dives. The two Dans were beaming and there was a brilliant atmosphere amongst the guys. The buzz was ‘bring on’ the ocean.
Almost every night there was a hosted event to attend, sponsored either by individuals or by local businesses.
So it was down to Horizon Divers in Key Largo for the first ocean dive, blue skies as usual and a calm ocean (but sea sick pills were in demand!). It was interesting watching the excitement and anticipation build in these young men’s faces as they sailed closer to the selected dive site. What can I say – turtles, a Nurse Shark and all manner of fish greeted the soldiers as they experienced perfect diving conditions.
Dives two and three were similarly well received and the enthusiasm for more diving was clear to all. The two Dan’s have signed up to complete their PADI Open Water courses and Kevin will join them as he kick-starts his diving journey.
Four brave young men, amazing memories that will last a lifetime and the warmth and generosity of the people and communities of Key Largo that never will be forgotten.
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
Exclusive Scubaverse Offer: Save on Your Next Adventure
As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
Visit https://www.purediveresort.com/package-offers/ to explore amazing packages and claim your discount with the code: SCUBAVERSE10
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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