Dive sites around Hurgarda
SCUBA MAN SAYS… EGYPT TRY IT FIRST
Diving in the RED SEA, without a doubt gave me the passion for travelling and the sea. I had not long done my advanced course when our local dive shop organised a trip to Hurgarda, Egypt. The first dive in warm water, in fact the first dive in anything warmer than 6 degrees…Wow. First thing I noticed….was I could see !!! Ok, I am being cruel..there are some awesome dives in the UK and i hope to cover them soon too on this BLOG. I remember seeing this huge moray eel. Peter was his name …no really !! the dive leader made you pat his big head on the way passed…otherwise he would follow you around the dive !!! YIP I patted his head. Of cousre I would honestly advise and hope that any divers nowerdays DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING and leave only bubbles.
I weighed in at about 14 stone those days and my tank of air only lasted about 20 mins. So if you are an “air pig” please do not worry. Enjoy the time you have…you will get better and better the more that you dive. Nowerdays at 16 stone…but i am on a diet I can make an average dive last over 2 hours on the same tank!!….. yes, breathing all the time.
Anyway, first trip was 7 days of life changing bliss….I knew then that I wanted to do that for a job…..but it was just a dream….wasn’t it?
NOTE: The diving in egypt has changed since that first splash, but I do think in general. Hurgarda is calm, warm has close sites and is a great place to get your first few dives in after certification. Those first few dives without being taught will no doubt be the deciders of whether you do continue to dive or you quit. So pick a good dive shop and stay safe.
SCUBA MAN.
Where to start?
It is very important to find a good reputable diving school/instructor.
Also of course decide if you do actually want to get wet in the UK !
I am a big fan of learning in the UK as I think that once you have dived in the UK you can dive anywhere. Definitly TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Equipment I mean… Do a try dive. In a pool then the sea. If you enjoy it, then start thinking about buying your own kit. So many people buy kit, then find out that for some reason they dont like it. !! Yep some strange folk out there LOL.
GET CERTIFIED. There is nothing like having that open water certification. Its like freedom..or it was for me !
Let go diving………………………….
In future posts I will be relating to my first dives and posting some real life experiences. I hope that you join in.
Happy bubbles Paul. SCUBA MAN
Eagle Ray
Paul doing saftey briefing before a dive
Scuba Diving Expert
As a naturally adventurous person I have always had a love for the sea and whatever lived in it. I blame that on Jack Cousto.
I bought my first SCUBA Diving kit in 1994 and after purchasing it decided I should find out how to use it ! (This is NOT how I would recommend you go about it). After diving in quarries and mud pools as well as rough seas and hard to get to coves I discovered the warm water abroad !
I went on holiday for 9 days and stayed 4 years!!!!! (Girlfriend was not pleased) Oooopps.
I did my PADI exams to instructor level while living in the Dominican Republic and have taught over 1000 students at all levels mostly while working at Northern coast diving. I teach 12 specialities including DEEP DIVING, NITROX, WRECK etc etc.
I received my Master diving instructor in 2000 and moved to Oahu, Hawaii where worked in a great dive shop, DEEP ECOLOGY. While in Hawaii I also did a 100 ton ships captain licence.
I have instructor qualifications for several organisations including SSI, TDI/SDI and PADI.
So, why this blog?. Well, I do not envisage getting back into the classroom to teach anymore but I get lots of e-mails asking for advice. Where to learn and with who? Which organisation? Where to dive?, Where to see sharks and where not to?….so, ask away….
Most people that are laid back are people that get satisfaction in life by simply having a job, family and simple thrills. However, there are also those who want to make the most out of life. These people are naturally adventurous and want to try out everything that the world can offer. These people try extreme sports, such as skydiving and they also find great thrill in scuba diving. If you are such a person, then you will find that SCUBA diving can offer you the thrill, adventure and excitement that you have been looking for. ENJOY.
