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Why I became a Technical Diver…

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In his debut blog for Scubaverse, Commercial and Technical Diver John Wheeler explains why, for him, recreational diving was never going to be enough…

From age 12 to around 18 I followed the same path as most, from PADI Open Water through to Rescue Diver. But with a child-like sense of adventure, always wanting to see what’s around the next corner, over the next hill or what lies in deeper waters, there was only one direction for me. The last 3+ years of my diving have been a journey, picking up the next stage and diving deeper and longer.

I first came across Technical Diving when in Dahab on holiday. Dive sites like the Canyon and Blue Hole felt like a tease: being able to see the sites below me but being unable to explore with a single cylinder and an all to rapidly approaching no decompression limit. Chatting to instructors and guides out there and hearing about helium and twinsets stuck in my 16 year old mind, and once back in the UK, with Google and YouTube at my finger tips, I began researching what would become an obsession.

One of the biggest questions I get now, from non-divers and new divers alike is “how deep do you go?”. I try my best to avoid the question as its pure ego fuel. I see no point in bounce diving deep just to say you have. Diving for me needs a purpose and having spent the last 4 years living in Plymouth, wreck diving has been my focus.

So how did Technical Diving improve the explorer in me? Technical Diving covers two aspects in my eyes: to dive for longer safely and to dive deeper safely. The first step for me was to add more gas to my shallower dives. More gas = more time and a greater safety margin, starting initially by moving to a twinset and then, in simple terms, adding more stages and different gas from there.

Technical diver training is far more intensive than recreational training; it has to be. With greater associated risk comes greater theory and skills to minimise those risks. But these skills not only benefit your deeper diving, they benefit ALL diving. Greater buoyancy control enables you to take better photos, move without disturbing wildlife and be more comfortable in the water, all making your diving more enjoyable.

The journey into Technical Diving is an ongoing one, the next step for me is jumping onto a rebreather… more on that soon!


Follow John at: www.nextstagediving.com.

John cut his teeth diving out of Plymouth whilst studying for a degree in Marine Biology and Oceanography. Whilst at university he undertook a professional diving course which set him up for his career in diving. Having thoroughly explored the easily accessible wrecks around the south coast there was only one way forward. Jon is now a technical diver ever looking to forward his skills to explore deeper and longer.

Blogs

Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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idc

Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)

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In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.

Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.

Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit  www.thebreakers-somabay.com.

Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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