SCUBA reports from NAEC Stoneleigh, setting for the dive show and a focal point for social and industry activity
GODIVINGREPORT
A sea of blue on the BSAC stand
BSAC at Go Diving 2026
SCUBA reports from NAEC Stoneleigh, setting for the dive show and a focal point for social and industry activity
The general consensus was that this year’ s show was a busy and positive affair. Two large halls were bustling with stands and visitors; BSAC’ s own stand was popular as ever, manned with the familiar blue-clad HQ staff and volunteers. There was even more going on behind the scenes, specifically in the breakout room.
A lot of work had gone into the club’ s breakout offering, which got underway on Saturday an hour before the show was officially open. David George successfully battled a seasonal lurgy to open with a Q & A on updates to the Advanced Diver grade. This was was followed by an open forum to put questions to the BSAC Board. Next up was the ever-popular Diving Officer’ s workshop, hosted by BSAC’ s Business Development Officer Adrian Collier and National Diving Officer Sophie Rennie.
Reflecting BSAC’ s growing emphasis on environmental activity, much of Saturday afternoon was devoted to a workshop on the Marine Champions initiative, a volunteer network to drive grassroots conservation at club level. This workshop was led by Katherine Knight, attended by a group of Marine Champions and featuring sections with Eric Holden, Luke Bullus and others. Afterwards the assembled Champions gathered outside for a group photograph in glorious Stoneleigh sunshine.
Saturday concluded with a session on BSAC’ s Incident Report presented by NDO Sophie Rennie and Head of Diving Sophie Heptonstall. Reflecting BSAC’ s drive to share its safety development work, a version of this talk was delivered by the two Sophies on the Inspiration Stage on Sunday.
Sunday also saw another Marine Champion presentation, this one geared towards recruitment, with Katherine Knight and Eric Holden explaining how to get involved. Later that day, BSAC’ s Head of Community Debbie Powell held a workshop aimed at helping grow clubs – lots of grassroots activity and advice.
Otherwise, the show featured the usual array of speakers and stands, the Main Stage presided over by SCUBA’ s own Andy Torbet. Keynote speakers included commercial diver Chris Lemons( of The Last Breath fame) and Deadly presenter Steve Backshall. The dive trade stands were busy on both days, while rising interest in conservation was reflected in the popularity of stands representing the Shark Trust and Biteback. �
All okay on the RegalDive stand
A busy weekend for the AP Diving stand
BSAC Marine Champions assemble!
Andy Torbet interviews scientist Lizzie Daly
David George’ s session on Advanced Diver
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Emily Cunningham MBE( left) at the Marine Champions workshop