Acronym buster

In diving we tend to have a lot of acronyms, love them or hate them they are an important part of diver training. Here I’ll cover a few of the most important ones.

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Toyah Tomkins
Dive Club: Is it worth it?

Have you heard about our dive club? No, REALLY heard about it?

Since we started our dive club membership scheme 6 years ago we knew that it would be popular! The format has evolved slightly over the years but remains unchanged at its core. The aim is to encourage divers to meet other divers, dive more, see more, and grow as divers. Yet only 20% of divers we see choose to join.

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Toyah Tomkins
Why train at a PADI Dive Centre?

When we go shopping, most of us will go to a supermarket instead of 5-6 separate smaller shops. There we can find everything we need under one roof, save time, discover new products, save as part of a loyalty program, and choose from a broad range of products. And feel sure of consistent customer service.

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Toyah Tomkins
Why sidemount?

Having a tank on your back is optional.

Sidemount diving has been around for many years, the technique originated in cave diving where a diver may have to squeeze through restrictions. Despite its roots, sidemount has several benefits in open water! 

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Toyah Tomkins
Essential winter dive gear

The days are short, the water is cold, and the air is even colder. Winter has arrived. Most will have put away the fins until Spring, some will have migrated south, but the hardy few will be ready when a break in the weather comes to be the last out for the year and the first in on the next.

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Toyah Tomkins
Buyer beware: Second hand gear

Diving can be a relatively expensive pursuit, on a level with cycling or golf maybe. Buying one’s own equipment may seem like a substantial outlay and the temptation to save might have you on eBay before you know it. But. Will it end up costing you?

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Toyah Tomkins
How to stay warm

Some just aren’t bothered by the cold. Sub 10 degrees in a wetsuit? “Yes please! In fact I’m too warm”. Others, like myself, are troubled by the prospect. My hands are nippy, my knees weak, my arms heavy and shivers down my spine.

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Toyah Tomkins