OCTOBER 2026 ADVERTISERS
DIVED UP
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Back with a splash
Andy Torbet and friends drop in on Scoob & Snork Fest 2026. Report by Pat Holliday
SCOOB & SNORK FEST RETURNED TO Spring Lakes in Long Eaton near Nottingham on Saturday 25 July, with hosts Diverstime delivering on their promise of a bigger, bolder second outing for the one-day diving and snorkelling festival.
Following the success of last year’ s inaugural event, this year’ s get-together drew crowds back to the West Lake for a day billed as part dive show, part summer party. Again, the event was headlined by TV adventurer, BSAC Snorkel Ambassador and Marine Champion Andy Torbet.
Having stolen the show last year with the UK’ s first non-military skydive-to-scuba dive, Andy returned with an alternative spectacle for 2026: a five-strong‘ Skydive to Snorkel’ team. Jumping one after the other from around 5,000ft, the group parachuted into the West Lake where Andy finned back to shore before emerging in front of the assembled crowd— a suitably dramatic opener for the day ahead.
Away from the aerial theatrics, the festival offered members the opportunity
to try a rebreather or scooter, while kit stalls from the likes of Cressi, Suunto and Ocean Reef gave attendees the chance to try the latest gear before they buy. DJ Bertie kept the atmosphere upbeat, while visitors enjoyed delicious grub from the food stalls or hit the water for themselves.
Organiser Mark Griffin, who opened his BSAC centre Diverstime at Spring Lakes in 2023, oversaw shore and water based activities on the day. Mark said:“ It was great to welcome BSAC divers and snorkellers, as well as family members, to this year’ s festival. Once again Andy’ s aerial entrance was truly spectacular and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves in the water.
“ As a BSAC Training Centre offering a range of regional and commercial courses, we hope to see many of our new friends return to Spring Lakes to dive and train with us in the months ahead!”
BSAC CEO Mary Tetley added:“ I really enjoyed seeing everyone having fun at the Scoob & Snork Fest, which is what BSAC is really all about! Welcome to our new Marine Champions who signed up at the event, it shows our members are keen to get involved in marine conservation and clean-ups as well as enjoy diving and snorkelling.”
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OCTOBER 2026 ADVERTISERS
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