paavima: Great way to start the year in Madiha.

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)