We are now planning the 2024 diving trip, but we thought we’d leave the 2023 blog up to give a taste of life at Porthkerris.
What’s next for my young diver?
Mr Peake will be sending a detailed email later this week, but most of our young people achieved one of the two entry-level PADI qualifications:
We had hoped to progress students to Open Water Diver but the weather was against us.
So what’s the next step?
All the learning completed at home or at Dive Project Cornwall is registered on the PADI system, and so can be continued at any point with any accredited PADI dive school. You may want to move forward to Open Water Diver in more benign conditions abroad, but I cannot move on without remarking on how amazing UK diving can be. The choice is yours.
If you would like to move on to the next level locally, you can contact James Neil at InDepth Diving, sponsor of this week’s event. James has previously offered to train family members at cost, so please reach out to him at james@indepth.email to determine cost and availability to complete the path to Open Water Diver.
And then?
Once you have Open Water Diver you can rent gear and dive across the planet. Realistically, the early days will see you diving with a dive master or instructor to work on those early skills like buoyancy and trim. After that, you may remain a holiday diver, or perhaps you will choose to join a local British Sub Aqua Club branch to develop your skills throughout the year and enjoy that amazing UK diving.
Do feel free to contact me directly at mdp@cleeveschool.net
Friday – Coverack and Kennack Sands
The winds were unfavourable for novice divers on Friday, so we took the minibuses down to the port of Coverack and then to the beach at Kennack Sands. We even decided to let people wake up at their own pace, leading to some late starts.
Coverack is a beautiful little village with a tiny harbour and amazing chip shop! We treated everyone to chips, which were consumed whilst chilling by the harbour wall. The RNLI shop did good trade, and everyone took time to relax and chat.
We then left for the beach at Kennack Sands. This is a beautiful location where our young people could spread out in a safe environment. The rock pools were incredibly popular, especially after the Marine Conservation Society visit on Tuesday.
In the evening, there was a short prizegiving. Everyone got their certificates, but before that our amazing students all stood up and explained the posters they had made. This was an incredible moment with many young people smashing through their anxiety and speaking up. Well done everyone!
Thursday – into the sea!
Thursday saw the majority of our divers progress into the sea at beautiful Porthkerris Divers. Every single student was amazing, behaviour was incredible and so many people got into the sea and under the water. Andy and his amazing Dive Project Cornwall team have been superb from start to finish, and every member went the extra mile to ensure lots of diving took place. Between dives, snorkelling and paddles the site shop and snack bar did excellent trade!
The water was a bit chilly and I didn’t see fish but its okay cause there was a devious crab (other people saw fish though). Darren is an absolute G. So are Ryan, Mike, Hayden, Jowen, Jo (the shop lady with nice ice cream), Gregg, Andy, Miguel Hartley, Peaky and Mrs Hawley.
Charlie fully deserved everything.
Lilly
I didn’t go in the water other than getting my toes soggy on the beach but it was a very entertaining experience and was jolly making fun of everyone else diving. Tent.
Bethany
Due to a cold, I was unable to dive any deeper than 1 meter in the ocean. However the experience was incredible as we have done many activities, met many people and sang a lot of Katy Perry and Oasis. Also the lovely diving instructors who Lilly has listed above have allowed for my continued training back in Cheltenham to finish my course. Dive Project Cornwall was a great experience and one I would recommend.
Charlie
I was able to scuba dive just over four metres down, and I was able to see all sorts of marine life like different sorts of fishes and crabs. One of my favourite parts of the week was in the pool and chilling at the bottom of the deep end, and well as the two dives in the sea that we did.
Charlie did not stop talking about seagrass.
Halle
Burger
I have been asked to explain the backstory of “burger”. Once upon a time, Mr Peake (Peaky) thought it was a good idea to get a summary of everyone’s first day at the dive project. Many groups said things praising the journey and the weather however, Things took a turn with Charlie and Luca. I misheard Charlie asking what we should write and I thought he said “burger or sausage” so I said “burger”. This lead to “burger” being written in the book and thus the “burger saga” had begun.
Luca
There were some students that were unable to scuba dive but at the end of the day we went for a snorkel in the sea (although I got dragged into it).
Anja
I got a free week off school and got chased by a crab. I also dug a hole.
James
The water was wet and the crabs were spiky, it was also pretty cold and sandy.
Praney
I didn’t do much diving, but I still loved the experience of the whole trip.
Ashley
I did the pool dives 1 and 2 and enjoyed the experience of the dives. The lesson’s pace should be slower and there should be more time to do the pool dives before the instructor properly assessed the diver.
Fay
I enjoyed the last dive in the sea because the first time we went in we went slowly and we did a few skills which was very fun, the second dive we did in the sea was a bit quicker and we managed to see a lot more animals and interesting things that were in the sea. The dive project team have been amazing and if I had the chance I would definitely do it again.
Lexi
Food was great, water was wet, weather was very inconsistent, but week was an amazing experience overall.
John
Dives were great. Underwater was very exciting and there was a crab.
Alex
I loved the sea dives, I almost got attacked by a crab. It was very fun and the food was scrumdiddlyumptious.
Arthur
I found the dive quite exhilarating, the underwater adventure was very fantastic, I saw so many sea creatures; crabs, fish and my personal favourite starfish.We also looked at different types of planktons my personal favourite is the settling down its had a star like body. I do recommend to others to dive. Do it.
Carmel (Caramel)
Diving is fun. I saw crabs in the sea. It cool. I enjoyed the experience.
Ethan
I enjoyed the dive because I got to see all the cool animals: like fish, anemone and massive crabs. it was extremely fun. The bloop bloops were really cool.
Darcie
Save the fishies.
Annabel
The diving was an amazing opportunity for us, one I don’t think any of us would have had otherwise. Thanks to the dive team, and especially Andy, who helped with my mask problem in the sea, but the castaway jokes were horribly un-original.
Wilson
Dive Project Cornwall was a wonderful and surreal experience I have been very fortunate to be able to come there.
Joshua Thomas Watson The First The Last The Great
What a week its been. The longest but best week of work I’ve ever had, and I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute.
These kids have been a credit to you all. I’ve had the pleasure of watching each and every one of them grow and overcome so many different challenges. Its 100% been the highlight of my career. We should all be incredibly proud of these young people, we’ve had tears and laughter and so much fun. It will be very strange to leave tomorrow as The Dive Project Family have made us feel so welcome. Its a truly inspirational place, with an exceptional team. I can’t wait to come again . Thank you everyone its been a blast.
Mrs Hawley ( Camp Mum !!)
Whenever people ask me why I enjoy being a teacher I am reminded of moments like this. To take 20 fifteen year olds camping for a week is a rollercoaster of emotions. To see these amazing young people develop over a week-long adventure is inspiring and has built everlasting memories for them and the adults involved. What a wonderful group of individuals they are. Dive Project Cornwall magnifies why it is important to develop young minds outside the classroom and give them experiences that will shape their lives forever. The staff have been moved by what we have witnessed our young people achieve. It has been an emotional journey for all involved. We must do this again and offer experiences like this to as many as we can. What an incredible week, thank you to Dive Project Cornwall for making this a trip of a lifetime!
Mr Hartley – San Miguel 🙂
When I saw the initial Dive Project Cornwall publicity I knew we had to go for it. But we couldn’t have achieved anything without the incredible buy-in from our amazing students. The energy involved in building Whalebur, writing the essay and filming the video set the scene for an incredible week at Porthkerris. This week has been truly inspirational and we have seen our young people develop in so many ways. It’s not just about diving, it’s about living together, getting on, facing challenges and overcoming fears. Dive Team Cleeve are amazing – just like the outstanding staff at the project, and of course Emma Hawley and Michael Hartley. Thanks so much to everyone at Dive Project Cornwall for an experience I shall remember forever. These young people are en route to an unbelievable future.
Mr Peake – Peakey
Wednesday – Part 2
Meanwhile, in the pool…
Wednesday
It’s the last day in the pool, but that’s not all happening at Porthkerris.
Pool work is continuing, with most of the students progressing to the sea tomorrow.
And there’s plenty else to see.
Tuesday – Part 2
Marine Conservation Society
We were delighted to welcome Tom from the MCS to our camp. We did a beach tidy, then had a look at some of the tiny creatures to be found on the beach.
Giant Strides
The only way to make a splash!
Tuesday – Part 1
So, it’s raining again, sometimes with the added bonus of thunder and lightning. Nevertheless, today has seen walks, a visit from the Marine Conservation Society and of course some pool action.
Monday – Part 2
DiveTeamCleeve’s Team Seals have had their first pool session:
Monday – Part 1
It’s a bit gloomy today!
After a huge amount of rain last night, everybody has been down to the pool to get fitted for their dive gear. The Dive Project Cornwall team carefully briefed every team, selected wetsuits, gloves and boots for everyone. Then, all our divers learned how to assemble their dive gear, successfully connecting their regs, BCSs and cylinders. All good!
Right now, some people are in the pool doing their first learning session, others are on a walk with Mr Hartley, whilst the remainder are working on ocean awareness projects.
Jowen made a weather chart…
… and then the mizzle ruined it!
We have a winner
The first of many! Well done John.
We’re here!
So it was a long journey, with lots of singing and some questionable food choices, but the team arrived at Porthkerris Divers at 1630 on Sunday to meet the Dive Project Cornwall team. We stopped for a break at Taunton Deane, and then for lunch at Cornwall Services – Arthur confidently advised us that it’s the best services anywhere. Everyone has had safety briefings, the teachers had a long session with Andy Forster, and then we all enjoyed a welcome BBQ.
The minibuses are unpacked, everyone has their space in a tent, and we’re good to go. Tomorrow we’ll be fitted for our dive gear, two groups will have pool sessions and we’ll all get more used to moving around the site.
We really enjoyed our trip around the site and seeing where we will go diving. It was great fun.
DiveCleeve Team Seals
Medical Permission
We are asking families to authorise use of low level painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen while we are away.
Please use this link which opens a form where you can authorise (or not) use of painkillers.
In the event that your son or daughter is in need of pain relief and they are without medication we may provide them with paracetamol or ibuprofen only with parent permission.
Nearly time to go – 9 days!
It’s nearly time to leave so make sure you look at the kit list to make sure you have your gear sorted. It may be cold at night, so bring something to snuggle into! Mr Hartley will check you have all your forms sorted, but check out the Downloads page if you want to make sure in advance.
One key thing is shower money! The showers take £1 coins, and you will need to bring enough for a shower every day – or you’ll either smell of swimming pools or seawater!
Any questions, drop Mr Peake an email at mdp@cleeveschool.net.
So this is where the posts will go…
When we are in Cornwall, we will post all our latest news here on the blog.
Don’t expect any posts before then!