Another great month in sunny Santa Pola….we’ve been busy teaching the students at the British School of Alicante, celebrating Instructor Dave Holland’s 40^th (he looks a lot older) and we finally got rid of our American Instructor Curtis (only joking!!) Curtis came in to do a Snorkel Safari and ended up staying 6 months! He’s been a great asset to the team and we look forward to his return next June.

XMAS IDEAS AND 20% OFF GEAR SALE!

We’re also having an end of season sale with all dive gear at 20% off. There are some great bargains to be had such as a Cressi Mask and Snorkel set for only €38.40! With Xmas only 7 weeks away how about considering a Gift Certificate for friends and loved ones? Gift certs’ can be used for PADI courses, fun diving, snorkelling and dive gear. CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS

FOCUS On….PADI Specialities

We’ll be starting off our 3 for 2 Speciality course promotion with the Equipment Speciality course on Sunday 11^th Dec. We’ll also be running Nitrox, Dry Suit, Oxygen provider etc. over the next few months. Visit our Speciality page.

BSAC

As well as being a PADI 5Star centre Dive Academy is the only BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) training centre in the Alicante region. Visit our BSAC page.

Congratulations
Congratulations to the following divers on passing their diving courses-

PADI Open Water Diver– Billy Cairns, Jose Carlos Santiago Tome

PADI Advanced – Carlos Rojas Silva

EFR First Aid– Dave Price,Carlos Rojas Silva, Ken Holland, Matt Holland

PADI Rescue– Dave Price,Carlos Rojas Silva, Ken Holland, Matt Holland

PADI Oxygen Provider Speciality- Dave Price, Ken Holland, Matt Holland

PADI Deep Speciality- Dave Price

Well done to the above and we hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

Phew what a month! October came and went with the main news being that Matt and Marco both passed their Instructor exams (see below) plus in the water we’ve had hundreds of barracudas around Tabarca..if you are in Spain jump in and get wet!

100% PASS RATE WITH DIVE ACADEMY!

It’s been busy, busy on the PADI ‘Go Pro’ front with Jake finishing his Divemaster course and Matt and Marco both passing their IE (Instructor Exams) in Mazzaron last week after 10 days of IDC (Instructor Development Course) with Course Director Colin Snowcroft – assisted by new PADI Staff Instructor Dave Holland. Matt is going to be instructing at Dive Academy and Marco is heading off to Asia – congratulations guys and well done!

We also ran PADI Speciality courses in October for existing PADI Instructors wishing to expand their knowledge base (see congratulations list below)…

Many thanks to Colin and Dave for doing such a fantastic job and continuing our 100% pass rate!

If you are interested in a career in diving, Dive Academy run Instructor courses twice yearly with the next one being in June 2012.

XMAS IDEAS AND WINTER SALE!

With Xmas only 7 weeks away how about considering a Gift Certificate for friends and loved ones? Gift certs’ can be used for PADI courses, fun diving, snorkeling and dive gear FOR GIFT CERTIFICATES – CLICK HERE

What’s on in November……

We have the normal daily schedule of PADI courses including Rescue and First Aid and fun diving up and running. Please visit our new calendar section CALENDAR

 FOCUS On….PADI Rescue Course

We’ll be running the PADI Rescue course on the 13^th and 19^th of November CLICK FOR DETAILS

 Congratulations
Congratulations to the following divers on passing their diving courses-

Discover Scuba Divers – Too many to mention!!
PADI Scuba Diver – Billy Cairns

PADI Enriched Air Speciality – Marco Schwarz

PADI Advanced – Dave Price

EFR First Aid Instructor– Marco Schwarz

PADI Divemaster – Jake Garland

PADI OWSI Instructors – Marco Schwarz, Matt Dexter

PADI Speciality Instructors – Mike Thomas, Marco Schwarz, Matt Dexter

(Deep, Wreck, Enriched Air, Oxygen Provider, Naturalist, Dry Suit, Digital Photography)

PADI Staff Instructor – Dave Holland

 Well done to the above and we hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

Hi Everybody!

September proved to be another exciting month here in Santa Pola. We had our annual beach clean-up, a TV crew following us around (see below) and the dive team tackling go-carting! Also we need to mention Marco on passing his Divemaster course – well done buddy!

FAME AT LAST!!

We have had the TV cameras here this month as we have been taking part in an American TV program called House Hunters International which should be airing around December time – watch this space!

BEACH CLEAN UP

On Saturday 10th September staff and friends of Dive Academy Santa Pola held their annual beach clean-up. As part of the international PADI Project Aware Day, thousand of divers worldwide and from over 180 countries participated in this event to promote marine awareness. Divers and non divers alike, all chipped in for this worthwhile cause.

GO CARTING…

With Vanessa chickening out at the last minute the tension heated up at Rio Safari race track. Friendship went out of the window for the next hour; Matt had a nasty look in his eyes, Jake had the whipper snapper confidence of a young Lewis Hamilton, Dave and his ‘Mansell –esque’ physique  and Freddie suspiciously calm as the Dive Academy crew hit the race track….Odds were as follows-

Damon ’Shrek’ Rose – Team Green 5-1

Curtis ‘Lepricorn’ Truesdell – Team Tangerine Dream 4-1    

Matt Dexter – Team Saggy Sack 4-1

Dave Holland – Team Fins 3-1 (evens to fit in the car)

Vanessa ‘The hand-brake Queen’ Moore – Team Chicken. Withdrawn

Captain Carlos – Team Cuba 6-1

Freddie ‘Steady’ Banks – Team Legal Eagle 3-1

Marco Schwartz – Team Slow 6-1

Georgia ’Lightning’ Rose – Team Even Slower 4500-1

Jake, wanting to add silverware to his Mother-care Pontypridd’s smiliest baby (1999) trophy made the early running only to be undone by some underhand, dirty cheating tactics by Leeds United fan Matt however Dave (even with the extra pounds) showed some expertise and won the inaugural Dive Academy Go Carting championship.

A great day was had by all and once again a big thank you to all the crew for their hard work through the summer!

What’s on in October……
We have the normal daily summer schedule of PADI courses and fun diving up and running. Please visit our new calendar section CALENDAR

 FOCUS On….PADI Instructor Course

Our PADI Instructor Development Course is now confirmed from 21^st October  to 28^th October in time for the Instructor Exams on 29^th/30^th October in Cartegena. Contact us for an information pack or visit out GO PRO section.

 Congratulations
Congratulations to the following divers on passing their diving courses-
BSAC Ocean Diver – Melania Calestani

Discover Scuba Divers – Too many to mention!!
PADI Open Water – David Price, Lynne Mackay, Daniel Thom, Jorge Montero, Leticia Alvarez, Naiara Aramburu
PADI Advanced – Paulina Slazack, Chantal Schinkel, Michael Hørdum, Jesus Gonzalez Moreno

EFR First Aid – Jesus Lopez Pastor

PADI Rescue – Jesus Lopez Pastor

PADI Divemaster – Marco Schwartz

 Well done to the above and we hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

Hi Everybody!

August has been an absolutely fantastic month with some great diving plus the Dive Academy crew tackling paintball (see photo) we still all have the bruises to prove it!!  We have had numerous PADI courses running, fun diving and our always popular snorkel safaris…hopefully we can get a day off in September!!

FREE DIVE…

Now that we’ve got your attention please note we’ll be running our annual Project Aware beach clean up on Saturday 10^th of September meeting 16.00 at the Dive Academy centre. Divers and non divers are all welcome to join this worthwhile afternoon. We’ll also be heading to Times Square in Gran Alacant afterwards for some well earned drinks! 

What’s on in September……
We have the normal daily summer schedule of PADI courses and fun diving up and running. Please visit our new calendar section CALENDAR

 FOCUS On….PADI Instructor Course

Our PADI Instructor Development Course is now confirmed from 21^st October  to 28^th October in time for the Instructor Exams on 29^th/30^th October in Cartegena. Contact us for an information pack or visit out GO PRO section.

 Congratulations
Congratulations to the following divers on passing their PADI courses-
Discover Scuba Divers – All the participants from Chit Chat summer camp and many, many more!
PADI Scuba Diver – Katherine Kozlowska
PADI Open Water – Carlos Rojas Silva, Nanna Hørdum, Alina Hørdum, Ruben Martinez Peral, Juan Antonio Benito, Joakim Moe, Kathrine Pettersen, Julian Moe, Pablo Alarcon, Conchi Freire Rico, Hamish Baugh, Declan Rooney, Jose Miguel Hernandez Perez, Miguel Hernandez Solis, Toby Saliba, Michael Saliba, Edward Crossingham, Jolene De Jonker, Elle Crossingham, Jose Maria Freire Rico, Byron H Bradley
PADI Advanced – Johnny Ghosal, Jaime Margareto Menendez, Enrique Ferrando

EFR First Aid – Larisa Conman PADI Rescue – Larisa Conman PADI Oxygen Providers- Freddie Banks, Larisa Conman

Well done to the above and we hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

Hi Everybody!

We’ve had a crazy busy month in July with warm water and great visibility. July 2011 has easily been our busiest month ever which wouldn’t have been possible without the great team we have assembled here at Dive Academy. Many, many thanks to (in no particular order) – Annique, Freddie, Ness, Matt, Curtis, Marco, Inés, Carlos, Dave, Jake, Colin and……Ziggy! Much love and HIGH FIVES guys!

What’s on in August……
We have the normal daily summer schedule of PADI courses and fun diving up and running. Please visit our new calendar section CALENDAR

FOCUS On….PADI Instructor Courses
We are pencilling in our PADI Instructor Development Course for October in time for the Instructor Exams on 29^th/30^th October in Cartegena. Contact us for details or visit out GO PRO section.

Congratulations
Congratulations to the following divers on passing their PADI courses-
Discover Scuba Divers – All the participants from Chit Chat summer camp and many more!
PADI Scuba Divers – Kaj Raymond Mikkeson
PADI Open Water – Juan Antonio Pinazo Fernandez, Victor Pinazo Garcia, David Pinazo Garcia, Tom Braeken, Felix Martin Campilo, Jonas Larsen, Emil Larsen, Jeppe Larsen, Michael Hørdum
PADI Advanced – Lech Rzedzicki, Andy Chapman, Gary Rockhill, Tom Braeken, Chris Hudson, Joyce Hasler, Peter Hasler, Vivian Hasler,
PADI Rescue – Elvia Pereira

So as we head into August, the sun is shining, the water is warming up and the fishes are waiting! We hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

Hi Everybody!

We’ve had a great month in June with warm water and great visibility. We’ve spotted an Eagle Ray off of Tabarca which is always nice as this is the Dive Academy logo. As we head into July traditionally our busiest month we are looking forward to some more, great diving and snorkeling. Our snorkel safaris have proved to be a real hit with both divers and non-divers alike.

June was also a first for the Rose family as our 2 little uns’ Lucy and Adam took their first underwater breaths doing the ‘PADI Bubblemaker’ experience. I’ve posted the video on facebook -DIVE ACADEMY FACEBOOK

What’s on in July……
We have the normal daily summer schedule of PADI courses and fun diving up and running. Please visit our new calendar section CALENDAR

FOCUS On….Snorkel Safaris
Our snorkel safari is a great day out for the whole family! All you need to bring is your swimming costume, towel and smile!DETAILS

Congratulations
Congratulations to the following divers on passing their PADI courses-
Discover Scuba Divers – All the participants from Easy Horse Care centre and many more!
PADI Scuba Divers – Jack and Harry Thompstone, Geoffrey Adkins
PADI Open Water – Fernando Doncel, Carlos Nieva Palacios
PADI Advanced – Martyn Eebes, Graham Rees
EFR First Aid – Paul Stevens
PADI Oxygen Provider Speciality– Paul Stevens
EFR Instructor– Derrick Foskett, Matt Dexter, Paul Stevens

So as we head into July, the sun is shining, the water is warming up and the fishes are waiting! We hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

Hi Everybody!

Welcome to the Summer! We’ve had a great reaction regarding the lowering of age restrictions for divers in Valencia and bookings aplenty for Junior Open Water course! We’ve got loads planned for June and July and it would be great to see both old friends and new…..

What’s on in June……

We have the normal daily summer schedule of PADI courses and fun diving up and running. In addition our ever popular Snorkel Safaris to Tabarca marine reserve are leaving regularly now. Times Square our friendly Gran Alacant local are planning a day trip on Sat 11^th including some of Gavin the chefs;  ‘posh nosh’ – there are still a few spaces left so book early!

• ·         Snorkel Safaris Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
• ·         Discover Scubas, shore diving, PADI courses – daily
• ·         7^th June Divemaster theory
• ·         8^th June Dive Club 20.00 at Times Square
• ·         10^th June EFR First Aid Course
• ·         11^th June Times Square Snorkel Safari to Tabarca
• ·         11^th June  Boat Diving
• ·         13^th June EFR First Aid Instructor Course
• ·         14^th June Divemaster theory
• ·         18^th June  Boat Diving
• ·         21^st June  June Divemaster theory
• ·         22^nd Dive Club 20.00 at Times Square + First Aid demo in aid of Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre
• ·         24th Boat Diving
• ·         25^th June Try dives at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, Rojales·   
• ·         27th Boat Diving 
• ·         30^th + 4 day PADI Open Water diver course

 
FOCUS EFR-Instructor (First Aid Instructor)

How about learning to become a First Aid Instructor? It’s a great way to earn extra income and/or pass on invaliable life skills to diver and non divers alike. DETAILS

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following divers on passing their PADI courses-
Discover Scuba Divers – All the doctors from Alicante hospital and many more!
PADI Open Water – Miguel, Carolina Morato, Lech Rzedzicki. Olivier Wynant
PADI Advanced – Jenny Eebes, Paul eers, Jake Garland
EFR First Aid – Jake Garland, Colin Bradley, Marco Scwarz
PADI Oxygen Provider Speciality– Colin Bradley, Marco Scwarz
PADI  Rescue Diver– Colin Bradley, Marco Scwarz, Jake Garland

So as we head into June, the sun is shining, the water is warming up and the fishes are waiting! We hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!
Damon and the Dive Academy crew!
www.diveacademy-santapola.com

We’ve had a busy April, Easter has come and gone…. we had underwater karaoke, a trip to the Naranjita wreck, dive club, open waters, a royal wedding, etc… the gloves have come off (literally) as the water is now over 18 degrees and we are gearing up for the summer in sunny Spain!

New Age Regulations for Valencia

Great news from PADI this week, Valencia has finally fallen into line with most of Spain and lowered the minimum diving age to 14 years old. This is a sensible decision and great news for Dive Academy. For kids who are 12 and 13 we are also able to train and take these guys diving as the minimum age in Murcia (about an hour away) is only 12 years old. For example if a 13 year old wished to do their PADI Junior Open water we could do the classroom and pool sessions here in Santa Pola and do the actual sea dives just over the border in Cala Cortina or similar. For more details contact us directly

Underwater Elvis Karaoke!

The underwater Karaoke went well with Gran Alacant’s resident nutcase Terry O’Shea (Terryoke). Terry did extremely well in what proved to be tough conditions on the day. Over €300 was raised for MABS a local cancer support group. Donations can be made in the Dive Academy centre or call Jean on 966698306.

 DIVE Insurance

If you are dusting off the dive gear ready for the summer it’s worth remembering that dive insurance is mandatory in Spain (and the UK). Annual insurance can be bought online by following the link below. It is only €35 per year instead of the normal ‘in store’ price of €40.

Buy annual dive insurance with Scuba Medic dive insurance CLICK HERE

FOCUS on PADI Rescue

The PADI Rescue course is a great confidence builder; we’ll be running this rewarding course in the middle of May. Spaces are still available. RESCUE DIVER

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following divers-

Discover Scuba Divers – Dan, Mark Dawtrey, Terry O’Shea

PADI Open Water – Miguel, Carolina Morato,

PADI Advanced – Glen Crossingham, Colin Bradley

EFR First Aid – Jake Garland

PADI Wreck Speciality– Ken, Gary & Matt

PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality – Ellen Cotton

PADI Assistant Instructor – Matt Dexter, Derrick Foskett

So as we head into May, the sun is shining, the water is warming up and the fishes are waiting! We hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

www.diveacademy-santapola.com

We’ve had a great March with lots going on, in and out of the water! We’ve introduced a few ‘newbie’s’ to the underwater realm with the promise of much warmer water on the way (honest!) and a bit further down the line we are halfway through Matt and Derrick’s Assistant Instructor course.

Underwater Elvis Karaoke!

This month Gran Alacant’s resident nutcase Terry O’Shea (Terryoke) will be donning his white jump suit and sequins and performing Elvis numbers underwater with the help of Dive Academy Santa Pola  on behalf of the MABS cancer charity. The event will be held at Little Church Bay at 16.30 on Sunday the 24^th of April, please come along and show support for this great cause. Donations can be made in the Dive Academy centre or call Jean on 966698306.

 DIVE Insurance

If you are dusting off the dive gear ready for the summer it’s worth remembering that dive insurance is mandatory in Spain (and the UK). Annual insurance can be bought online by following the link below. It is only €35 per year instead of the normal ‘in store’ price of €40.

Buy annual dive insurance with Scuba Medic dive insurance CLICK HERE

FOCUS on PADI Specialities

Buy 2 get 1 FREE! During 2011 if you complete 2 PADI Specialities with Dive Academy we will give you the PADI Oxygen Speciality FREE! And remember as a Rescue diver or above, if you complete 5 Specialities you can become a Master Scuba diver.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following divers-

PADI Open Water – James Thompson, Colin Bradley, Mick Apps

PADI Enriched Air Speciality– Matt Dexter

PADI Dry Suit Speciality – Derrick Foskett

With a big thanks for Dave Holland our super sub instructor from Preston! (Dive Academy T-Shirt is in the post Dave ….honest!)

So as we head into April, the sun is shining, the water is warming up and the fishes are waiting! We hope to see you all again soon…

Best Fishes!

Damon and the Dive Academy crew!

www.diveacademy-santapola.com

LOCAL DIVERS CLEAN UP OUR BEACHES

“As part of the World Beach Clean up Day on 25th September, Dive Academy Santa Pola divers and friends headed to Little Church Bay near Gran Alacant. With divers in the water and collectors on the beach the event proved a great success