Say hello to our first ever diver profile, Michael Turner from Reefers and Wreckers in Clitheroe, Lancashire. Michael is a full time scuba professional and PADI Staff Instructor who has been diving since 2007. Not only is he an instructor for Reefers and Wreckers but he is also the man in charge so if you want to learn to dive in the North West of England, Michael is the man to speak to!
Full Name: Michael Turner
Age: 33
Live In: Barrowford, Lancs
Working For: Reefers and Wreckers Scuba Diving Ltd
Diver Qualifications: PADI Staff Instructor
When and where did you start diving ?
August 2007
Why did you start diving?
I remember my Dad walking down a beach in Tenerife for his first try dive when I was about 7. I was too young to join him and ever since then I always wanted to learn to dive. Once I had the money and time available I then learnt to dive in Turkey with Euro dive and it has changed my Life.
What made you choose to become a dive professional?
I wanted to be able to share with and see other people`s enjoyment when they take their first breaths underwater and to return the many hours of instruction that had been given to me, mostly by volunteers that worked for the dive centre. I also have one of those natures that won`t let me stop until I have got as high as I can.
Which is your favourite dive site and why?
Mmmm, don’t have one particular favourite as they are all different, you could say its Capernwray with the amount of time I spend in there 🙂 I love Scapa for the Wrecks, The Red Sea for colour and relaxed diving. Malta for Wrecks and Scenery. I will also have the Galapagos to add to that in a couple of years !
What has been the most memorable dive of your life and why?
The Um El Faroud in Malta – My first dive as a trained Tec diver. That dive had it all, big Wreck, life and lots of penetration, combined with a few nerves. I remember thinking all the way round the dive how great it was.
There was another in Scapa on the Barge and F29 where there was a seal that just wouldn’t leave me alone. Big Wrecks and Seals, Brilliant !
If you would come back as a marine life form in your next life, what would that be?
Dolphin – Always seem to be having fun, apart from when they are caught in nets/long lines
Who is your dream dive buddy?
My Wife Sal 🙂 Tec trained, good diver and we can do it together without worrying if the other is sat at home bored ! The only downside is every trip costs double 🙁
If I couldn’t take her then it would have to be Simon Taylor-Watson (Tekdeep, rEvo Rebreathers) as he has his own place in the Red Sea 😉
What dive locations are on your dream “bucket list” and why?
Galapagos for the Abundance of life.
Truk for the Wrecks And history
Micronisia for the small stuff
Fiji for the Mantas, Whale sharks..
Norway – for the experience.
What is on your bedside table right now?
The Underwater Photographer by Martin Edge
What is your favourite piece of diving equipment and why?
Apeks Tec 3, Without them I wouldn’t be getting wet at all.
If you were to launch a campaign to raise awareness on a specific issue that affects divers, the oceans or marine life, what issue would you target and why?
Plastic and its effects on the ocean – Especially the Pacific Garbage Island. I love it when customers come into the shop and ask me if I can put their things in a bag. I tell them I will carry their things to the car before I explain what effect all this plastic is having on the world. Education one at a time may take a while but if we all did it then we might get somewhere.
Where will you be in 10 years and what will you be doing?
A PADI Course director and hopefully be working somewhere sunny. Any room at yours Lee ?
