APRIL 2008
Welcome to the first quarterly newsletter from Sunshine Divers, giving you an update on the school, current and forthcoming events, staff, students and divers.
This year, more than ever, dive shops and local committees have been working together to create a greater awareness of local environmental issues. With this particular impetus, Ko Tao recently held its annual festival on the 29th of March.
Sunshine Divers, along with many other dive shops on the island, contributed their services and divers to the underwater clean up, designated to the more populated areas of shore on the island. Judging by the accumulated rubbish, their combined efforts and enthusiasm definitely paid off. The evening’s festivities hosted an array of educational stalls, varied entertainments and of course, a chance for Ko Tao’s residents and visitors, both foreign and local, to come together and party!
Sunshine Divers continue to proactively contribute to environmentally aware projects, both on land and underwater. This year introducing a coral reef conservation programme to the Padi Open Water course, adding Recycling bins to the shop and beach area, and offering our continued support to Project Aware. Thankfully our students’ attitudes reflect that of the school, with a majority of students being certified at Sunshine, choosing to donate to the organization.
The past year has been an exciting one for Sunshine Divers, seeing an incredible increase in certified students and fun divers. Behind the school, which maintains its status as a Five Star IDC Resort, is the motivation of the staff; headed off by Natalie and Tim Hunt. As of this month, both now hold the title of Course Director, after Natalie’s recent successful completion of the course which signifies the final step in the Padi Ladder, and so congratulations go out to her. |
Meanwhile, Natalie’s success is not the only staff tribute to the school, as this past year has seen two of Sunshine’s DMT’s move through the ranks. Both Greg Stokes and Matt Ward have completed their Instructor development course (IDC), with Matt continuing on to the Master Scuba Diver Training level (MSDT) . Matt and Greg are now both core instructors in the Sunshine Team. Also joining the team this year is Dutch specialty instructor Ties Lahlali, who completed his IDC last year in March, and Gaetan Mottas from Switzerland, who takes on the role of Dive master from his predecessor Greg. Both bring their enthusiasm and passion for diving to the school.
Next month, senior instructor, Emily Dommel will be taking a break from teaching, to combine her experience as a MSDT to become a student once again, for the next level of training, to become a Staff Instructor.
Let’s not forget the all important Dive Master Trainees (DMT) that has passed through the school in these recent months to leave as accomplished Dive Masters….
The Aussies: Chloe, Serena and Macca
The Canadians: Matt, Nick and this month, Benoit and Chris
The Brits: Nick (aka Paddy)
The Swedes: Saga (another home grown open water to instructor)
On board now as Sunshine’s newest DMT’s are Michaela, Andrea, Darren, Ellie, Liam, Leo and James. Incidentlely, Liam, James and Leo are all the open water babies of instructors Emily, Nat. Obviously, the diving and the island has proven to be too addictive!!
Combined, DMT’s, staff, students and fun divers all contribute to the fun, relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Sunshine Divers.
…And on a final note; congratulations to Greg’s students Gerald and Malen who got engaged on their fun dive at Chumporn Pinnacle!! |
