Learn to Dive on Your Doorstep

Dive Solutions now @ Ocean Leisure

Want to learn to dive in West London? Not as implausible as it sounds thanks to Dive Solutions. Based next to Stamford Brook Tube Station, Dive Solutions shares the state of the art Ocean Leisure premises that were recently featured on BBC’s Inside London series.

Cleverly designed to utilise the Victorian railway arches to their utmost potential, the complex houses a truly spectacular stainless steel swimming pool which is kept spotlessly clean and at a luxurious 33 degrees. Changing rooms, brand new training equipment, classrooms and a fully equipped dive shop complete the whole dive experience with the two businesses operating in perfect synergy.

Headed by diving devotee Kitty Jempson, Dive Solutions run a comprehensive series of courses and activities to suit everyone from children's parties to dive masters. So whether you are a total newcomer to scuba diving, looking to refresh your skills, gain more experience or wanting to take the first steps towards a diving career, they will have a course to suit you.

A popular course is the Open Water Diver Course which gives you the basic principles and knowledge needed for safe and enjoyable diving. For younger enthusiasts, aged from eight upwards, there is Bubblemaker where members of the PADI Seal Team enjoy action packed AquaMissions. Course fees are all inclusive covering materials, log book, tuition, equipment hire, certification card, even dive site entrance costs.

Courses generally run over weekends, but tailor made programs for those with little time to spare or for those who would like more personalised instruction can easily be arranged to be structured over evenings, weekdays or weekends to suit.

It all sounds great for the water confident but what about those who are less assured in the water?

“You soon forget where you are and it is really a very peaceful, relaxing experience. It’s like being in another world” Kitty explained “Diving certainly keeps you fit. Swimming ensures I stay trim and my lung capacity has improved. Being under water for long periods burns an astounding amount of calories,”

She went on to say “I believe the key to the success of Dive Solutions is its small scale. People are attracted by the personal touches I am able to add. Small classes make for effective learning and I can establish good connections with my pupils. And, of course, the monthly club night at the local pub is popular.”

There is no age limit and no membership fee imposed on those wanting to join the club, all they ask is for new members to have an interest in diving and a willingness to socialize. An informal club night is held on the second Tuesday of every month from 6.30pm at The Raven pub opposite Stamford Brook Underground

For full details of Dive Solution’s courses, visit www.dive-solutions.com or contact Kitty on 020-8834 7238, 07811 384 025 or visit Ocean Leisure/Dive Solutions at 11 Wilson Walk, Stamford Brook, London, W4 1TP.

Photographs by Duncan Longden

February 15, 2005

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