Dive HQ Westhaven » New Zealand diving

With every wreck dive you’re guaranteed nothing short of a good time….

divehqwesthaven — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 05:33:08 +0000

For me there’s no better adrenalin rush then descending to great depths knowing you’re about to see something that belongs above sea level, submerged underwater, from boats to cars and even tanks from ww2 can be found. Every time I wreck dive my heart pounds with excitement. I still remember as a PADI Advanced Openwater Diver doing my first wreck dive on the HMNZS Canterbury. This wreck dive is an ex naval ship now an artificial reef up at the Bay of Islands. I’d never been on a navy ship before yet I never thought the day I’d step foot or fin on one I’d be kitted up in full scuba gear exploring it underwater with my mates. It’s something most people will never get to experience in their life.

HMNZS CANTERBURY WRECK

I find wreck diving such a fun experience because not only can I see amazing colours and huge amounts of fish, but with every wreck you’ll begin to realise that they all have their own special place in history and each wreck has its own amazing story. I remember diving the Rainbow Warrior for the first time.

Little did I know I was in the midst of a wreck that had been bombed by French spies in 1985 as an act to scare green peace activist, sadly claiming the life of one of the crewmen. It was quite an intense yet amazing dive which I’ll never forget.

HMNZS Canterbury

Mav

Rainbow Warrior photo by @adventuresofcourteney

Rainbow Warrior Photo by @adventuresofcourteney 2017

Wreck diving is for everyone! If you’re a PADI Open Water Diver and really want to get amongst the wreck diving scene, I encourage you to get out there and sign yourself up to get your PADI Wreck Diving Specialty. It’ll take your skills as a scuba diver to the next level, not only that but I guarantee it’ll change the way you see the ocean forever.

http://divehqwesthaven.co.nz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Mav.mp4

If you are interested in Wreck Diving with us email us at info@divehqwesthaven.co.nz Or if you are interested in becoming a Professional Instructor check out Become an Instructor!

Being a student at Dive HQ Westhaven in Auckland.

divehqwesthaven — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 03:00:32 +0000

Thanks to Chanelle Drummond for her blog post about what it’s like to be a Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction student at the Academy of Diving, Dive HQ Westhaven.

Before starting my course as a dive instructor, funny enough I was afraid of swimming in the ocean. I hated the feeling of not knowing what was below or around me, yet I took a general interest in the marine environment and the ocean itself (without having to be in it). At the start of this year I chose to pursue a career in scuba diving with Dive HQ Westhaven, knowing that I had never dived prior to this course. I decided I to erase my fear and turn it into passion, awareness and knowledge for what the ocean holds beneath the surface. Of course, being able land a dream job working in the ocean everyday and getting to travel the world with it was also a bonus.

Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction – 2016

I am now at the PADI Divemaster stage of the course and I can say that everything I thought I knew about the ocean has changed. From my first dive in the ocean till now, it has got to be one of the most life changing experiences! The underwater world has so much to offer; seeing marine life in their natural habitat and exploring their world without any disturbance is such an unreal rush of thrills, excitement and enjoyment. The best part is seeing your own growth as you go from someone who is nervous and anxious with zero experience, into an independent confident diver.

HMNZS Canterbury Wreck – June 2016

You build so many skills that can be used both in and out of the water, friendships that you consider your second family and memories to last a lifetime as you dive some of the best spots the North Island has to offer. The staff at Dive HQ have been such a massive impact for me throughout this course. They are passionate about what they do, understanding, knowledgeable, patient and always there to help you push your limits as an instructor and get the most out of your time here.

Goat Island with my dive buddies

Diving during the winter will take you out of you comfort zone, build your dive experience and confidence a lot faster. Although it may seem cold, winter time gives you some of the best visibility for diving, and there’s always thermals and dry suits to give you extra protection. The best part – you’ll get the entire summer to look forward to while you complete your instructors.

Sneaky Moray Eel – Whitianga Trip

I think that anyone who is considering taking up a career in scuba diving should at least give it a shot! Dive HQ gives out a free ‘try-dive’ to see how you like the feeling (I did it and it’s what helped me make my mind up faster) before committing to anything. The best advice I can give is to not hold back from doing something you feel strongly about – the outcome will without a doubt be that satisfying you’ll wish you had done it sooner!

Loving the boat life! My ‘divemates’ Dan & Siva

Thanks Chanelle for your blog. It’s great for those interested in becoming a dive instructor to get a first hand account of what it’s like to study Scuba Diving with Dive HQ Westhaven, here in Auckland. Thanks for all your hard work on Dive HQ Westhaven’s social media accounts. Not only have you been a great asset to our organisation while you are studying with us. You will also be a great addition to any dive centre here in New Zealand or Overseas. Enjoy the rest of your Course with us!

This is winter! Never a dull moment in the deep blue

Chanelle graduates with The Academy of Diving at Dive HQ Westhaven this year, before the NZ Summer season starts.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Scuba Diver training options at Dive HQ Westhaven for both Recreational and Professional Courses. CLick on the link below.

Dive HQ Westhaven

Enrolling Now! Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction February 2016

divehqwesthaven — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 23:00:31 +0000

Join us on our Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction Feb 2016

Become a Professional Scuba Instructor in 2016!

Do you have plans to travel overseas? Need another part time job that you love? Are you keen to be part the ever growing adventure travel and tourism industry here in New Zealand? Well, our 36 week Diploma in Scuba Instruction may be the perfect course for you. NZQA Student Loans are available.

Next Course starts 8 February 2016

Part-time Course available at weekends

Summer School available if all ready studying

You can get a FREE brochure info pack from us “no pressure”
Just Private Message us on Facebook (see above)
with your address. tel no. and email and we will send it out to you this week.

Be part of our diving community. Next Course starts this Feb. Call Today!

Limited Places available

text “Careers” to 02102508990
email to: michael@divehqwesthaven.co.nz
or click through to our website:

www.divehqwesthaven.co.nz

Academy of Diving at Dive HQ Westhaven. Auckland City. NZ

What’s the Difference between PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver?

divehqwesthaven — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 23:05:43 +0000

If you did your PADI Opewater with Dive HQ Westhaven. You have probably heard your instructor mention the PADI Advanced Openwater Course (AOW) Diver course. You may have even thought about enrolling in the course. But are you still wondering how the AOW course differs from the PADI Openwater Course (OWD) course, and what new things you will learn and experience? If so, keep reading.

Dive HQ Westhaven- PADI Open Water Diver course: Learning to dive

What happens in the course?

You learn the fundamental skills needed for diving. During the course, you read, watch videos, take quizzes, and demonstrate mastery of basic scuba diving skills. By the time you have been trained and are certified by one of our experienced Dive Instructors. You will be confident and excited about furthering your New Zealand Diving Experience.

Parts of the course:

The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of 3 main portions: Knowledge Development, Confined Water Dives and Open Water Dives. You can choose one of three ways to complete your Open Water Diver Knowledge Development.

Why take the course?

The underwater world holds some of life’s most incredible experiences. We’ve listed 10 Reasons to Become a Scuba Diver, but essentially the OWD course will allow you to become a certified diver.

Dive HQ Westhaven-Advanced Open Water Diver course: Go on dive adventures

What happens in the course?

The AOW Diver course is comprised of five different Adventure Dives. An Adventure Dive concentrates on a particular activity or skill within the realm of scuba – it is the first dive of a Specialty Diver course. There are 26 PADI Adventure Dives to choose from.

While you’re doing your AOW dives, you’ll be accompanied by a PADI Professional. They are there to answer questions and help you fine-tune your technique and learn new skills.

The dives in the AOW Diver course are very different from those in your OWD course. The Adventure Dives are similar to a regular dive, except that you focus on a particular diving specialty. The Deep Adventure Dive of the course involves diving deeper, between 18-30 metres / 60-130 feet. During the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive you practise navigation skills underwater while diving.

Parts of the course:

Of the five training dives you complete, the Deep Adventure Dive and Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive are both mandatory. As for the other three dives, you get to choose what interests you the most. Students in the AOW Diver course have very little classroom time and no written exams.

Why take the course with Dive HQ Westhaven?

You’ll gain more experience diving while under the supervision of one of our experienced instructors. It’s an opportunity to try a sampling of different specialties to see what interests you the most. Many of our AOW course run along side an organised trip. We get you out into the Ocean at Poor Knights, HMNZ Canterbury, Rainbow Warrior, or one of many other great New Zealand dive sites.

Now that you know the difference, are you ready to advance your diving skills? Contact us or drop us an email to talk about taking your Advanced Open Water Course.

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