On 27/8/2012 “Die Tauchprofis”, Dierk and Manfred celebrated their 10th anniversary with a colourful programme all about diving in the open air swimming pool Elm in Hemkenrode.
In these 10 years the owners Manfred Schmitz and Dierk Drost have constantly expanded the dive shop, held countless courses, sold dive equipment and thus paved the way for many people to enter the underwater world.
The weather was cloudy but dry, which meant there were hardly any bathers and diving was possible in all the pools.
Manfred and Dierk had provided plenty of food and drink and there was a barbecue.
Many diving friends, water sports enthusiasts and supporters came to Hemkenrode. The previous owner Rainer Hartwig (until 2012 “Tauchsport Hartwig”), who is still doing the overhaul of the regulators and other technical equipment, was also there.
Instructors from the “Die Tauchprofis” team had prepared a varied programme, and there were plenty of tanks and rental equipment available so that everyone could go diving:
Andreas Hartmann presented the new MARES Horizon rebreather, which is lightweight and easy to use. This semi-closed, nitrox-powered system allows long (decompression) dives of up to 4 hours to a depth of 40 metres. He also brought along two scooters that can be used to be pulled underwater to cover longer distances with less effort. This is a great relief, especially when technical diving with multiple tanks. Andreas also runs the rebreather courses for “Die Tauchprofis”.
Andreas Hartmann presented the new MARES Horizon rebreather, which is lightweight and easy to use. This semi-closed, nitrox-powered system allows long (decompression) dives of up to 4 hours to a depth of 40 metres. He also brought along two scooters that can be used to be pulled underwater to cover longer distances with less effort. This is a great relief, especially when technical diving with multiple tanks. Andreas also runs the rebreather courses for “Die Tauchprofis”.
Grischa Buchholz had prepared a “skills course” in which the participating divers were able to demonstrate various diving skills, which were then evaluated by Grischa according to the PADI 5 point system. Various stations were then set up to demonstrate the skills, such as taking off and putting on the mask, recovering the regulator, turning and floating. The last station was “reverse juggling” with a spoon and a tennis ball that was NOT allowed to shoot to the surface, where you had to dive a certain distance and through two hoops in time. At the end there was a small awards ceremony with prizes. Among the participants were three Junior Open Water Divers, all of whom did a great job, according to Grischa.
Stephan Moldzio gave a workshop on underwater photography. He had brought a variety of camera systems, from a compact camera waterproof to 18 metres, to a more advanced but still handy system camera with interchangeable lenses, to a professional system camera with a full format sensor. After a short presentation of the technical features and benefits, there was an introduction to the basics of underwater photography, tips and tricks and common shooting mistakes. Then it was time to try out the cameras in the 4-metre diving pool and take pictures of crawling sea creatures. With and without flash, with zoom, ultra wide angle or macro lens. Participants were able to practice and try to get the best shot of the sperm whale fighting with the deep sea squid, the crocodile or the coelacanth.
A beautiful day of diving came to an end and after sunset everyone helped to pack up and tidy up. Keep up the good work, diving professionals, thank you for the good cooperation & here’s to the next 10 years!
Underwater Photography Specialty Course Date
In September Stephan Moldzio will be running a special “„PADI Digital Underwater Photographer“course which will include theory, practical sessions and two dives with the camera.
You only need to be a snorkeller or a certified Open Water Diver. Please send enquiries and bookings to info@marinebiologyworkshops.de or here or via „Die Tauchprofis“.
