SCUBAHUB
A Dan with a plan
Return of the dive show - a review
THAT ANNUAL FIXTURE IN THE UK ’ S SCUBA calendar , the dive show , made a cautious comeback in an unexpectedly rural setting in March . The event took place across three days at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre near Coventry , with the first day set aside as an industry-only affair .
Covid concerns were largely set aside , as stall holders and visitors alike indulged in spontaneous handshakes , hugs and heartfelt reunions after a long period of isolation . While the guest speakers
The BSAC contingent : Dom Robinson ; Mary Tetley ; Debbie Powell ; Adrian Collier
Industry legend Dean Martin
and stands represent the physical aspect of a show , it ’ s surely the opportunity for socialising that is its heart and soul . In this regard the show was undoubtedly a success .
It was the first such event since the longstanding show run by the Eaton family was dissolved with the liquidation of Diver magazine . The rights to both the event and the magazine name have been bought up by the managers of the Coventry show , who have already indicated it is likely to remain at the same site .
The trappings of a modern dive show were mostly in place , with television divers Monty Halls , Andy Torbet , Steve Backshall and Miranda Krestovnikoff drawing crowds on the main stage . The swimming pool was busy with try-divers , underwater photography was well represented with Alex Mustard ’ s UPY presentation and the centre ’ s staff were good humoured .
Stand holders were postive
Shark Trust chumming with free beer about the weekend , but several visitors subsequently commented they would have prefered to have more places to buy kit . It was , in that respect at least , a low key return for the great British dive show . But given the economic constraints of these times , the organisers deserve praise for staging a spirited and resourceful event . Simon Rogerson
PARAPLEGIC DIVER DAN Metcalfe-Hall , a member of Bingham SAC , is plannng a 5k marathon dive at Stoney Cove this September , to raise money for the air ambulance which he says saved his life .
Dan Metcalfe-Hall describes himself as “ your typical workaholic builder ” until the age of 26 , when he was involved in a motorcycle accident . It left him as a T8 paraplegic , with no movement or feeling from just under his chest and down .
He became a competitive hand cyclist , but was then involved in a second accident , which damaged his neck and shoulder .
For a while he struggled with mental health and PTSD issues . However , Dan had already started diving ; his new friends at Bingham SAC encouraged him to get back in the water . “ It was a lifesaver ,” he says . “ I felt free in the water ; all the stress was gone and I was in this new world underwater ... I had found a new purpose and drive that I hadn ’ t experienced in a long time .”
Now , Dan is taking on a new challenge . He will attempt a 5km underwater route around the perimeter of Stoney Cove , which is estimated to take him about six hours using arm power and specially made hand fins .
“ We will have to change cylinders underwater , as each one only lasts me 50 minutes ,” says Dan . “ But we know what we ’ re doing and with my safety divers and awesome team , we ’ ve got this !” The dive is scheduled to take place on 28 September .
Dan is fundraising for the Magpas Air Ambulance – which he credits for saving his life after the original crash – and also the Scuba Trust and Stoney Cove ( to raise money for improved disabled facilities ).
To find out more , visit Dan ’ s JustGiving page at tinyurl . com / Wheelsdan
• Read about Dan ’ s experience at an Instructor Foundation Course ( IFC ) in this issue ’ s Learning Curve .
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