Great moment.

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There have been many amazingly touching moments from the many I've spent working on the paavima project, but this past Monday 22nd I had without doubt, one of the best as this group of 5 divemasters (and dear friends) finished all their requirements to become PADI Assistant Instructors.

Among them were Indika and Sameera, who were both certified from PADI Open Water divers up to Assistant Instructors through the paavima program and in large part through me as their instructor.

The idea of becoming PADI instructors is not as distant for any of them now that they got a taste of what it will take, and for all of us that came to Madiha offering to share our love for diving and the ocean it's encouraging to see that perhaps what we were able to offer might actually leave an echo that could last quite a while. Hopefully, Indika, Sameera, Chamin, Rishan and Shirly will soon be able to help the communities throughout the island who earn a living by diving do so in a safer, better way.

Once again, congratulations guys!!!!
Vlad.

Captain Sameera taking us there.

Sameera and Rishan showing off their impecable buoyancy.

Indika showing off his impecable buoyancy.

Sameera and Vlad.

Rishan and Vlad.

Chamin and Vlad.

Indika and Vlad.


Shirly and Rishan.



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B & L.

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Brigitta and Leigh decided to take an open water class through paavima after hearing about the project from our mutual diver friend Aaron.

Not only are both talented divers but their enthusiasm for anything underwater is truly engaging.

Hope to see you guys in Madiha often!Vlad, Brigitta, Leigh, Dr. Terney and Sameera.

Brigitta, Leigh and Sameera.

Brigitta meditating without a mask underwater...

Dr. Terney entertaining Brigitta and Leigh with a bit of Sri Lankan magic...

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Vivian and Nikki

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When we met they were said they were hesitant to even snorkel on their own and now, they're confident divers!

We won't take credit for that one, either. We believe Vivian and Nikki were merely undiscovered naturals at this diving thing.

Thanks for participating in the paavima project Vivian and Nikki. Hope we get a chance to dive together again one of these days.

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John and Werner come to Madiha

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paavima.org exists thanks to the volunteers that make it happen. Luckily for the project, John and Werner answered a post I placed on the PADI website some time ago and they are now in Madiha continuing to nurture what we started last season.

Unfortunately, this time around I won't be able to spend another 7 months in Madiha like I did last year along with Phil and Chava, but I'm glad, as I know they are too, that John and Werner are here to grab the teaching torch and run with it.

Guys, thanks!!
Vlad.

John

Werner

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Thumbs up, Thusitha

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It took him a few months and a few bouts of claustrophobia but our friend Thusitha finally earned his very well deserved PADI Open Water Diver certification.

Great job buddy!

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Jason is now a diver too.

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Jason is not only one of the founding paavimates but is also, now, a certified diver!

Congrats buddy! (And Rach, you're next!!)
Vlad.

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Real life rescue by paavima-trained divers

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Sameera and Jayanthadas came to the aid of an older man swimming beyond the reefs in Madiha beach a couple of days ago.

As the man was struggling to stay afloat Jayanthadas saw him, and with Sameera, swam immediately towards him from the beach. Between the two of them they were able to drag him back to the shore within minutes and to end the episode nicely take a smiling picture all together. Nice one guys!!!

Commenting on the rescue and what happened...

The misleading and dangerous reef area.

A truly happy ending.

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Ruhuna University marine biologists go advanced

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Sujeewa, Anushika, Kumara and Asela, just completed the requirements to become Padi Advanced divers.

Here are some photos as Dr. Terney, also from Ruhuna serves as divemaster during the course.

Congrats guys!
Vlad.

Divemaster candidate and boatman, Chamly, vigilant over the swells, from the boat.

Dr. Terney

Nayani going down the line.

Anushika, Asela, DM Indika, Kumara and Sujeewa.

Anushika and Asela.

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Thanks Aaron!!

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Hey buddy, here's a blog hug not only for being a great dive buddy, but for all the support, good vibes and other great friends you've sent paavima's way Aaron.

Hope we get a chance to dive the memorial together one of these days, and perhaps, even the Cote D'Azur...

Cheerios,
Vlad.

Aaron

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Great way to start the year in Madiha.

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ow class 29dec06-01jan07

Christie, Steve, Scott and Brad gave paavima a fantastic new year gift by completing their open water course with us on Jan first. This was the first course of the season we were able to hold and we were all elated at the opportunity to activate the program after the harsh monsoon season. Indika, the star divemaster did a fantastic job, Sameera impressed us all as a divemaster candidate on the verge of making the grade and Chamly, Chamin, Jayanthadas, Ravindra, Indika Muna Singh got some good practice helping out with the class and putting in time and effort as divemaster candidates.

Below are a few photos from the class and also some great notes from Christie and Steve, Scott and Brad.

Christie & Steve said:

We did our course over the new year weekend- what a fantastic way to bring in 2007! Vlad was a great instructor, really patient, thorough and fun, and the other dive masters, esp. Indika, were extremely helpful. Also great to pay such a good price, and to help the project out!!! ~ Christie & Steve





Scott said:

A meaningful way to get certified in a reasonably quick and affordable way; contributing to a worthwhile, local eco-friendly initiative, and also interacting directly with the local culture. -Scott Chaplowe (American Red Cross)






Brad said:

Just a note of how totally stoked I am with your paavima open water dive course last week down at Matara. Sri Lanka is great on top and even better when submerged! Thanks to your professional tuition - and alot of patience and care - I'm finally with all my underwater friends who I've so long wanted to hang out with. I mean the fishes.. as well as the new dive buddies I made from the American Red Cross who took the plunge with me on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Vlad, you're an ace teacher and totally cool bloke. The organisation you guys have created is such a welcomed gig and the way you've structured it to help others less fortunate in giving locals access and knowledge of their marine and coastal environment is breath of fresh air (21%!!) on this war torn, post tsunami island.

Seriously, keep up the great work and its been a pleasure dealing with you.... see you through the mask and bubbles real soon.

Brad Farmer
Project Manager, Alangkara Resorts, Sri Lanka
50 Church Street, FORT GALLE
(Founder, Surfider Foundation Australia)

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On their way to becoming divemasters...

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Sameera, Chamly, Chamin, Jayanthadas, Ravindra and Indika Muna Singh are working hard towards their divemaster certification. We've been practicing the 20 basic skills and in-water rescues and they guys have been doing a great job. Here are a few picts:

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Ruhuna marine biologists AND newly certified divers!!

Congrats to Nayani, Sujeewa, Harsha, Asela and Kumara who after a few bouts of sea sickness showed true Lankan resilience and finished all their Open Water Diver requirements. They are now fully certified divers AND marine biologists! They'll be starting their Advanced Diver course shortly.