Simon Campbell

Enemy of the diver

Over the years I have seen many diving incidents borne out of bad diving practice and lack of practise. This has inspired me to write a book: 'Enemy of the Diver'.

It takes a humorous journey through the many 'Enemies' that are ready to bite you in the ass with every fin stroke. Of course it has a very serious message and hopefully some bloody good advice that someday may save your life. I also give tips on how to turn these 'Enemies' into 'Friends'!!!

Hopefully you will enjoy my rantings and the article will give you a taster. I really want you all to participate and give me some of the 'Enemies' you have encountered in your diving career so there is a comments section at the foot of the article. Remember these can be in or out of the water; anything used will be credited to you!

• A selection of ‘Enemies of the Diver!

Finding a boat

I have always loved the sea and since my passion for Diving took a grip of our lives (this of course includes Angela - yep, by default she is also in the grip) we have considered buying a boat. As things have developed and the boys are now leaving home we think it's an increasingly good idea.

People say that the two best days of your life are the day you buy and the day you sell. This may be true but what's the worse thing that can happen?

Of course, in the usual Campbell gung-ho style, we don't just want to sail on it we are going to live on it! The associated articles are a brief resume of our adventures to date...

• An overview…
• MV Chalice
• Arctic Janus

National Instructor 2007

On the associated pages you will find an overview report of the 2007 NI Exam that took place in the Kyle of Lochalsh between 3rd and 7th August. The notes were made hurriedly and as the event proceeded I did lose the plot somewhat so I apologise if the chronology of events is not spot on. If you take the exam you will understand!

Above you will see the links to the individual sections of my ramblings. I hope you find it amusing, give you an insight into the days as they build to the crescendo on the final evening and hopefully inspire you to have a go yourself. Go on, you know you want to...

• Introduction - the pig arc incident
• Day one - Sweeney time
• Day two - Buoyancy Blues
• Day three - Fileshell fun
• Day four - Last day lunacy

Planning a club trip

A major benefit of club diving is getting the chance to leave the crowds of pay-as-you-go divers to head off in small, specially tailored club trips.

Club expeditions cover all sorts of diving, from day trips to inland sites to lengthy underwater adventures searching for new sites in remote parts of the country. However, organising a club trip for the first time can be daunting. According to the experts, a successful dive expedition is all about planning, delegation, enthusiasm of the group and luck with the weather.

• Part one
• Part two
• Summary - Top ten tips