FAVOURITEKIT
FAVOURITEKIT
My underwater camera , as I can
“ take pictures to remember all my dives . Being able to go back and show your friends and family all the amazing things you have seen is fantastic . The camera I currently have is a Lime Green Fujifilm FinePix XP 120 , which was brought for me in 2017 , and it is still going strong . This camera is waterproof without a housing and the only upgrade I ’ ve made is a yellow floating wrist strap for when I am snorkelling .
”
Tom tackles tee shirt teaser
Enjoying a kayak on a club outing
experience of running meetings , let alone being on a committee ; managing a whole branch . But the feeling you get when the club is progressing and doing well is fantastic .”
Tom also organises and leads snorkel and dive trips . “ Seeing everyone ’ s happy faces after diving is great ,” he says . Based in Hampshire , most trips are to the South Coast . Plymouth is a favourite for diving and Porthkerris for snorkelling . He also supports Aldershot Dolphins by instructing when needed .
“ Having some time away from my studies , work and club tasks is amazing ,” says Tom , who is on a degree apprenticeship in Systems Engineering . “ Being under the waves is so peaceful and quiet that you forget about all the things you have to do and just focus on the great scenery and life that is there to see .
“ You also gain lifelong friends ; we definitely have some laughs . I organised a week-long trip to Cornwall for the snorkellers and the other instructors thought it was funny to sew my tee-shirt sleeves together so I couldn ’ t put it on . ( You can see me in the photo , left , trying to work it out .)”
Having discussed the current Snorkel Training Programme with local instructors and Diving Officers who all felt the same way , Tom felt the snorkel programme was not the best fit for a club setting . On his
Advanced Snorkel Instructor course , he gave some feedback to National Diving Officer Sophie Rennie , and couple months later he got an email from HQ asking if he wanted to be part of a project scoping out what could be different . So , of course , he got involved .
“ Being part of a breakout team that created the proposal for the new Snorkel Training Programme ( identifying qualifications , theory and practical skills ) has been a great opportunity to work alongside not only other keen clubs , instructors and snorkellers , but also with HQ staff ,” he says . The proposal , aligned to the new Snorkel Guide qualification , has been initially approved by HQ and the NDO and the hope is that clubs will benefit , increasing the engagement for all , from young children to adults .
“ I love to teach Snorkel Diver and Ocean Diver courses ,” Tom says . “ When trainees have never been diving it ’ s just a great feeling getting them into the underwater world to see what you love .” I ask Tom what he would say to someone just qualifying as an Ocean Diver . “ As much as it is sometimes great fun and rewarding to progress and build up your qualifications quickly ,” he says . “ I would advise taking the time to enjoy your diving ; build up your experience more slowly . Enjoy your diving .” �
SKILLSTIP
I started out as
“ a snorkeller , and this has helped my finning technique and my breathing rate . So , if you get the chance , have a go at snorkelling , even if it ’ s in a pool . I think it is very rewarding , and you ’ ll get more out of your scuba diving too .
”
Helping a fellow snorkeller
Become an Instructor !
Sports Divers and up ( for scuba ) and 16 + year olds ( for snorkelling ) can start instructor training .
Scan for more info
Or visit bsac . com / instruct 59