Wiith friendly faces at North West Dive Fest
“ And, it’ s an important hobby to have. The more we open the door to new divers or share our photos and videos with those who will never dive, the more we increase everyone’ s understanding of the effect humanity is having on the planet.
“ I started instructing for another organisation in 1996 and then I crossed over to BSAC in 2011. Crossing over allowed me to broaden my skills, knowledge and experience of UK diving. I like the practicalities of helping students who are struggling. Seeing them overcome their struggles and fears is so rewarding,”
Working as a nurse on the frontline through Covid reinforced just how short and cruel life can be.“ It took me over 12 years to complete my Advanced Diver,” she says,“ I hope to progress further and am considering going for First Class Diver. I hope to keep involved in instructor development and helping diver development in the regions.”
TEACHINGTIP
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Being a role model is so important, at any level; it keeps us and the sport safe, and inspires new divers.
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FAVOURITEKIT
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My new Suunto Nautic dive computer, as I can read it so easily.
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“ As Yorkshire Regional Coach, I have really enjoyed helping members develop their skills and move through their diving qualifications; from Sport Diver, to Dive Leader and Advanced Diver.
“ We hear so often that members are frustrated when club training is focused on try dives and Ocean Diver training,” she explains.“ Being able to help with diver training helps the individual member, but it also means increasing the experience within clubs.”
With at least 650 logged dives(“ I haven’ t logged them all,” she admits) under her belt, Carrie has some favourite dive spots, in the UK and further afield.“ If I was only allowed one more dive, the west coast of Scotland is where I would want to go,” she says.“ I’ d be on a trip taking in the dive sites around
" I have really enjoyed helping members develop their skills "
An Sgarp, an uninhabited island lying off Hushinish on the west coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, where I would particularly like to dive around Kearstay again.”
Cornwall comes a close second, Carrie says, because of the pink sea fans( Eunicella verrucosa). These rare, protected cold-water corals are nationally scarce and globally vulnerable. The Red Sea, the Maldives and the Great Barrie Reef make
Carrie’ s list in third, fourth and fifth places.
What advice would you offer a newly qualified Ocean Diver or Snorkel Diver, I ask.“ Get out there diving and snorkelling. Join a local active club and, above all, have FUN!”.
“ Oh, and while I’ m here.” Carrie exclaims,“ Would anyone like to take over the baton as Yorkshire Regional Coach as I come to the end of my term?” �
Instructing next-gen women divers at pool night
Pink sea fan in Cornwall
Become an Instructor!
Sports Divers and up( for scuba) and 16 + year olds( for snorkelling) can start instructor training.
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