Learning to dive is a fantastic achievement in it’s own right but doing so and winning yourself an Oceanic Package or dive holiday is one step better. Throughout the months of June to December in 2013, those who completed their PADI Open Water Diver course at a participating PADI & Oceanic dive centre came out with the chance to win one of three Oceanic prize packs.
After completing his course at Aquatic Adventures Rowville, Michael Bateson won third place in the PADI & Oceanic Go Dive & Win competition earning him a fantastic Oceanic dive package valued at AU$1,275.00.
“I was amazed by the colour and the variety of aquatic life there was at the South Channel Fort in Port Phillip Bay. I would never expected to see such things so close to home.”
As happens to all new divers, Michael has caught the dive bug. With plans to get more dives under his belt before undertaking the PADI Advanced Open Water course, he would love to do some of these dives at the Great Barrier Reef, a premier dive destination not only in Australia but the World.
It was a similar feeling of joy for second prize winner Julia Zhu, who won herself an Oceanic Flex package valued at AU$1,999. Having completed her PADI Open Water Diver course at Abyss Scuba Diving in Sydney, Julia offers the following advice for impending divers:
“Stop thinking about it, just go and do it. I regret not doing it earlier. I was always waiting for someone to go with me, but then one day I just decided to book the course for that very weekend and it was the best decision ever.“
What was Julia’s favourite part of her Open Water Diver course?
“My favourite part about the course was when I went into the water for the first time. It was a mixture of thrill and calm, two complete opposite feelings at the same time. It was amazing. What I enjoyed the most was how calm it was underwater and all you can hear is your own breathing and the sound of bubbles. I think it’s the perfect place.”
Ecstatic first prize winner, Alex Cruice, completed his Open Water Diver course at the Brisbane Dive Academy and loved reacquainting himself with the ocean, years after completing a Discover Scuba Diving experience at Lady Elliot Island. Alex offers the following insight for those considering a dive experience of their own:
“If you’re up for an amazing experience, don’t hesitate to try scuba diving. You might have to step outside your comfort zone, but it’s like another world down there!”
Having won himself a trip for 2 on a Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Liveaboard Vessel for 3 nights, including flights and the opportunity of up to 12 dives, this prize pack sure made the decision to become an Open Water Diver a valuable one!
Congratulations to all three of our Go Dive & Win prize winners. For more information on the PADI Open Water Diver course or to keep up to date with our latest prizes and competitions visit www.padi.com.
