PADI Platinum Course Director Stephen J. Aynsley

I do this ice trip every year, if you're one of those that says 'next year' then this year is last years 'next year' 😆😉

My good friend and I call this 'pulling the Lorax', basically releasing gas from a Sidemount harness is a similar manoeuvre to how The Lorax flies in the movie.
📸 Ashley Kirkham

Diving into a world of symmetry – where balance meets beauty 🌐

📸 Ashley Kirkham

Time to switch things up...switch the gas that is. Moving from a nitrox deco gas to an air break before another gas switch to pure oxygen might seem basic but if not done with great attention then there are problems just waiting to present themselves. Discipline is key 💪🏽
📸 Ashley Kirkham

I'll have a platinum please, actually make it seven! Being awarded the PADI Platinum Course Director rating is always an honour, one I've worked hard to achieve every year by dedicating myself to this craft and always pushing myself to be better.
🙏🏽 thanks to Bay Islands College of Diving for always supporting me
💯 thanks to each of my candidates who always pass
👊🏽 thanks to my fellow CDs Dive SAGA - Instructor Training & Travel & Renata Bonfa for creating an insanely high level that allows us to succeed
🖤 thanks to Erin Rinard for supporting my efforts

I feel at home in black & white, I am from Newcastle after all 🖤🤍

📸 Ashley Kirkham

Peeking over my shoulder to see if we're over the site yet. Sidemount at the surface...and tec Sidemount at that, does not make it easy to twist & turn, it wants you face down - negative tanks on the bottom and buoyant harness on top. This is why (although it's not considered standard) collapsible snorkels aren't crazy if you have surface swims
📸 Ashley Kirkham

Even though I understand the physics behind it, I'm still amazed that we can just remain suspended like this 🤯 I think about it whenever I look down a massive wall whilst knowing I won't 'fall'
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In the words of the immortal Capt. Jack Sparrow, "Up is down"!
📸 Ashley Kirkham

Exploring inside the wreck of the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg on a recent trip to Florida for an Ocean Technology Systems photoshoot and Dive SAGA - Instructor Training & Travel YouTube episode. Copy this link to watch the episode; https://youtu.be/POPYRYd_8_s?si=M_UZ3yIwBoUgArQD
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