Monthly Archives: April 2011

The day following the EFRi course saw another three people join the group. Lorraine, an old friend from UK (old only in the fact that we have known her for a long time!) joined us to help Staff the course. Lorraine did her IDC with us around 4 years ago, and very shortly afterwards became a PADI IDC Staff Instructor. It’s good to have her around to help!

Learning how to organise a pool session (not skiing!)

Alan and Phil joined the team. They were very quiet for the first morning. It’s difficult to join a class where bonds have already been made. But it was clear right from the start that everyone in the room were prepared to work as a team, and they were all prepared to enjoy themselves. The first day of the course had to be spent in the classroom, first for orientation, and then to cover essential subjects to prepare us for later days. Keith was getting a bit itchy! yesterday, EFR instructor course, and now today… two days inside, without getting wet! The fact that he had to walk past the pool to get to the classroom made things worse!

Fun on DSD Workshop

However, from the next day onwards every single day saw us either in the pool or in the sea at some stage. Keith got plenty of diving in during the next 8 days! Keith had a wonderful sense of humour, and had us in fits of laughter one day. He had to make a classroom presentation and conducted it all in the style of Sean Connery as James Bond. Unforgettable!
Alan and Phil soon became part of the team, and there was a real sense of camaraderie at all times.

Phil the "Lizard"

After the first day, we spent more and more time outside, this suited Phil! He soon got the nickname “Lizard” because he would always pick the sunniest spot and bask
Yvonne was a great asset to the course. She was very organized and always had the right answer to most questions! There was more than one time that I suggested that we swapped seats! She will certainly make a fine Instructor.

Hard at work on PADI IDC

The whole course was very relaxed, starting around 8.30 each morning and finishing around 5.00 pm.  All candidates relished their homework. They were each assigned a mission to drink at least 2 bottles of Sakara (local beer) every night. No Slacking!

It was a fantastic course, and I’m sure that all 4 of them will go onto become very popular and excellent instructors. I am looking forward to hearing about their progress.