Twinset Fundies, Nitrox and Deep, June 2008

“Over the past few months Ian has been instrumental in my foray into the world of technical diving. His breadth of experience and knowledge is obvious when discussing diving theory but really comes into it’s own when in the water and diving under his supervision. As a mentor, the progressing diver such as myself couldn’t ask for more - he analyses and critiques personal technique, always able to point out areas which need improving, really stretching and raising the bar to make you the best diver you can be. Combine his meticulous approach with his patience and you have the perfect platform to grow from. As a student you’re expected to work hard with Ian, he doesn’t offer praise lightly, but when he does it’s truly earned. As I move forward in my diving career Ian will be a resource I will call on time and again. For diver training from entry recreational to experienced technical - Ian sets the standard. - Simon”

Catch up with you soon.

Simon

Wreck Course and Twinset Fundamentals 2007

I have been on a few courses that Ian has led as the instructor. I feel he goes out of the way to give you all of the training you require and more. Like with all courses you can be taught the bare minimum that is required of the course however Ian goes that mile further. He teaches from experience not just the manual.

I feel exceptionally comfortable in the water with Ian as he is constantly monitoring you ensuring you are safe and in control and learning what he is teaching. He is more aware of what you are doing in the water than yourself. His debriefs are exceptional and has greatly helped me in working out problems I have had with my diving with things like trim and buoyancy.

I have more courses to do and will certainly be requesting Ian to instruct on these. He has turned a hobby into a passion for me!

Cheers

Iain

Twinset Fundamentals 2007

Thank you for guiding me through the basics of twinset diving.I genuinely learned a lot and it certainly was exactly what I was looking both specifically regarding twinset diving and the use of the wing and generally in how a course should be run.

I certainly hope to take up your kind offer of some review diving later in the year.

Kind regards,

Nigel

Tri-ox 2008

I have had the privilege of diving with, and being instructed by Ian for just over a year or so now. During that time Ian has guided me through my tentative first steps along the path to technical diving, as well as being a constant source of useful advice on just about any aspect of diving.

That was the first thing that struck me about Ian. He patently LIVES for diving. If he is not instructing at the weekend, he will either be taking yet another course aimed at improving his own techniques, or he will be in the water putting them into practice.

Unlike many instructors that spend all their time in the pool or the class-room, Ian really goes on the dives that he trains people for. So when he offers advice on kit configuration or technique, it is based on his actual first-hand experience diving with it.

Ian possesses all of the qualities that I would look for in an instructor. He is always professional, always thorough, always gets his message across clearly and he has on occasion been forced to show MORE patience than your average saint!

In the water Ian exudes the aura of confidence that you would expect of someone who spends so much of his time there! Nothing seems to throw him. He remains cool, calm and collected throughout, and this really rubs off on those around him - I feel more confident by association.

Ian’s poise in the water carries over into his demonstration skills. It all looks so ridiculously easy when he performs the various drills!

People often talk about a “Role Model”, well to me that is Ian. Over the last year, as much as anything it is the little things that have crept into my diving, almost unnoticed, just from watching Ian in the water. Suddenly I’ve found myself flatter in the water, my finning technique is slightly different, my buoyancy seems better, my confidence is up, I’m using less air…

Friends have remarked that I’m not the same diver I was a year ago. I put that down almost exclusively to diving with Ian.

I enjoyed my diving last year immensely, and I can see no reason why this year won’t be even better as I continue my training under Ian’s guidance.

Rob

Advanced Open Water Course 2008

Hello!

I did really enjoy it, thanks - in no small part down to you. You are just the right sort of person to teach me, as you made me feel completely at ease and looked after. I am sure my confidence will continue to grow and that Roger and I will be able to enjoy some great diving in Thailand & Malaysia in May as a result.

I am looking forward to doing my Rescue diver course with you soon - but only if you can be my instructor (or one of them) for that too of course!!!

Have a lovely weekend

Vic