Had a great time at DEMA 2013 in Orlando Florida. It is a fun time that starts with the opportunity to catch up with colleagues from all around the world - Jennifer Cumming travels from Equador - Galapagos Islands - each year, Emad Burhan makes his way from Saudi Arabia and of course my North American colleagues from all corners of Canada and the United States - Shannon Kozac, Mike Delaney, Ken Holliday, September Mills, Ross Neils, Bryan Eslava, Bill Rascoe, Richard Holmberg to name a few. After our welcome from James Morgan - Vice President of Training and Customer Service at PADI - we break out into various rooms for updates and practical sessions led by - PADI personnel - Eric Albinsson, Johnny Wetzstein, Alan Jan travel from various locations in the United States but Colin Melrose made the trek all the way from Australia! You know this has to be a great time when everyone travels from such distances to be included!
A good amount of time was dedicated to introducing the new Open Water Diver Materials and discussion on the "why" changes were made and the "how" to implement the changes. PADI is even introducing another knowledge development method - the Touch - so gadget guys can read Open Water Diver manuals on their IPad or Androids. Very cool, and there are plans for future course manuals to be available in the same manner.
DiveStrong Canada had its inaugural attendance at DEMA this year. While Randy and I have been several times in the past, this was the first representing our company DiveStrong Canada. Very exciting to talk to some faces from the past regarding travel and to meet new people and plan for future events. Watch the blog and the travel page for upcoming plans - you too can start to check off your bucket list!
HOPKINS - Belize - The view from the beach in front of Hopkins Underwater Adventures
Check back often over the next little while - and read up on more DEMA happenings as well as trip information as it gets confirmed. Lots happening - a very exciting time indeed!
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