News
Diving with… Will Stratford – Survival Dive Stop, Pernera, Cyprus
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
Will Stratford
What is the name of your business?
Survival Dive Stop
What is your role within the business?
I’m the diving operations manager and the main instructor at Survival Dive Stop. I’m responsible for organising all dive activities at the centre and ensuring that all of our customers have an exceptional time.
How long has the business operated for?
Survival Sports have been operating for nearly 30 years. The diving part of the operation was fully established in 2011.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I have been diving since I was 11 and have now been diving for 25 years. I became a professional diver in 2000. Since then I have travelled to various parts of the world before owning an inland dive centre in the UK. I moved back to Cyprus in 2017. I mainly teach PADI courses and have been a PADI IDC staff instructor since 2008. I also teach BSAC, and PSAI for Technical diving.
What is your favourite type of diving?
I love all types of diving whether I’m guiding, instructing or just pleasure diving. Every dive with Survival Dive Stop is an adventure.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Survival Dive Stop aren’t just a business. We are friends to all our customers. Our friendly, relaxed, chilled dive centre keeps people coming back to us time after time. We are one of the only centres with our own on-site pool – great for confined water training. Divers aren’t just a number to us, they are a personal friend.
What is your favourite dive in your location and why?
Simple, it has to be the Zenobia. Why? The Zenobia is rated as one of the top five wrecks in the world and we are fortunate enough to be only 45 minutes away. The wreck offers something for every level of diver, from people doing their first wreck dive to the most experienced Technical wreck divers. Diving on the Zenobia is guaranteed to make every diver smile.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Whatever your request! The dive team at Survival Dive Stop will do their upmost to accommodate your requirements. We offer highly competitive guided diving, PADI & NAUI courses from complete beginner to Instructor in-house, also Technical training and diving. We are also one of the only companies in Cyprus offering inclusive dive & stay packages at exceptional prices.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
I love every aspect of being a Scuba instructor – it is definitely a cool job to have. I get to do something I love and earn a living from it. What’s not to love! I have to say, though, even after all these years, seeing the smiles on divers’ faces or getting a diver over a problem on a course still gives me a great feeling.
What is your favourite underwater creature?
It has to be either the Loggerhead or Green turtles. Both of which are commonly spotted on our local dive sites. Just sitting watching them is an amazing experience. At one of our dive sites the turtles are super tame and you can interact with them in their natural habitat for a truly unique experience.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
At the moment there are no big developments at Survival Dive Stop; although we are always striving to better ourselves and work hard to ensure we exceed customers expectations, time after time.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Thankfully unlike other popular dive destinations, Cyprus doesn’t have any issues or travel restrictions. This makes Cyprus an attractive alternative to any off-limits destination.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Yes, Survival Dive Stop regularly participates in beach clean-ups, and actively promotes PADI Project AWARE. We also try to educate tourists and party boat operators the damage that they can cause when discarding unwanted rubbish into the sea.
How do you see the SCUBA / Free diving / snorkelling industry overall? What changes would you make?
Overall, the Scuba and various parts of the dive industry are in a good state. Training organisations are generally moving with the times and are introducing new programs and revamping existing ones. I’m not going to get into the politics of diving as Scuba diving is meant to be fun and enjoyable.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
As a diver do you want to dive in a relaxed friendly environment? If so, then Survival Dive Stop can guarantee you an exceptional diving holiday. With our superb value dive and stay packages starting from just €395 including 6 local shore dives and 7 nights self catering accommodation, it’s excellent value as well. Our team will tailor make a dive package to accommodate your needs and requirements.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Email: divestop@survivalbuddies.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/survival.protaras
Blogs
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
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News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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