It was not until I retired from semi pro competitive sports altogether that I would have the occasional tourist 'intro dive' on the Barrier Reef and once more my interest was piqued.
It was mid 2007 when I decided that getting certified (no...not certified crazy!) was something that I would like to do. I was determined to do it and have a shark dive for my 50th birthday. I began making enquires and after a time it became obvious that Sydney Dive Academy was the place to go. I was most impressed with Peter Cross (Px) and the fact that teaching people to become 'real divers' was the priority above all else and that, in my opinion, the Sydney Dive Academy system was the one that was going to offer me a higher standard of teaching.
Eventually I arrived at downtown Matraville and was handed over to Peter Perry for my first experience in the wide open spaces of Botany Bay. All went well and the training was more enjoyable than I had ever imagined. Needless to say I am proud to consider Peter Perry among my friends.
I have made a good number of friends since joining S.D.A. and some like Ricky Chambers who has buddied with me on over 100 dives and a trip to the Solomon Islands I hope will still be friends in twenty years time.
I have very few regrets in life, one is that I didn't take this up many years earlier.
Thank you Peter Cross and thank you S.D.A. My life is so much richer for knowing you all.
