Diving deeper
“Most divers are adventurous, outdoorsy people, but anyone can try it out if they are physically able. It can also be a family sport and can be taught. Part of the thrill is overcoming your fears.”
What lies beneath the surface?
Ask a scuba diver, and they will dive into a narrative describing a wealth of sea life, the beauty of God’s creations and temporary freedom from limitations.
In their words, the underwater world is simply awesome.
Members of Dive Den Newcastle are intrepid explorers, launching forays into the depths of the ocean in pursuit of an adrenaline rush like no other.
Chairman, Garry Vermeulen explained why he loves scuba diving.
“The underwater world is so different to the surface; unlike the surface, sea life is attracted to you because they are inquisitive. There are colours all around you and you see the beauty of God’s creations.”
“It’s the overall awe – there’s vision and clarity; it’s three-dimensional and very peaceful,” added Beverley Weir Vermeulen, a fellow member and business partner.
Alongside secretary, Jacky Vermeulen and 20-plus members, Garry said the club tries to meet on the first Friday of each month at Newcastle Swimming Pool, and dives take place every eight weeks or so.
No membership fee is payable and the benefits are many.
Certain Dive Den members have learned to swim through Garry, while others have perfected the techniques to become masters in their own right.
Garry himself is a Master of Diving Training.
“I can train divers for wreck dives, night dives, deep diving, adventure diving, drifts and rescue courses. Certification is certified from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and is internationally recognised. It allows you to dive anywhere in the world.”
Courses offered can accommodate children from as young as eight years old.
So what kind of person should try out scuba diving, and what would they need as a beginner in the sport?
“Most divers are adventurous, outdoorsy people, but anyone can try it out if they are physically able. It can also be a family sport and can be taught. Part of the thrill is overcoming your fears.”
Beginners are required to purchase the so-called soft gear, which includes a wetsuit, weight belt, mask, snorkel and flippers.
Dive Den supplies the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), air cylinder and the regulator or ‘reg set’.
“Anyone interested in scuba diving and having fun should contact me on 082 463 3352 or Jacky on 072 265 2118.”
*Scuba stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.
