Say hello to Gary Gainsbury, co-owner of Blue Island Divers in Greece. Diving since 2003, Gary loves his Aqualung Titnl LX Supreme and would like to avoid using a drysuit wherever possible.
Name: Gary Gainsbury
Aged: 55
Live In: Antiparos, Greece
Work at: Blue Island Divers
Diver Qualifications: PADI Staff Instructor and Dive Centre co-owner
When and where did you start diving?
Early 2003
Why did you start diving?
I was going to Egypt as a guide for a group of people looking at the tombs/temples at Luxor and wanted something to do for my 2nd week there after they had all gone home. So I took my Open Water before I went there and then drove over to Hurgarda.
What made you choose to become a dive professional?
Once I was hooked on diving I just wanted to go on as far as possible, and the opportunity came to take my IDC in Malta just as I was thinking about a holiday from work…
Which is your favourite dive site and why?
Express Samina near our DC.. It is not yet 14 years old and there is so much to see inside and out, but the vehicles and things still left down there are amazing, and almost everyone that comes back up says its their best wreck dive, which gives us a good feeling also…
What has been the most memorable dive of your life and why?
I took a night dive (many years ago from a Liveaboard) on the Thistlegorm. There was only me (advanced) and a DM. Knowing that there could have been anything within a couple of metres of us was a great high. The torches werent that good..
If you would come back as a marine life form in your next life, what would that be?
Any fish that fishermen use a rod to catch. As hopefully I would be intelligent enough to let them feed me and not get caught.
Who is your dream dive buddy?
My Girlfriend. As when we are pleasure diving I always know where she is (so don’t have to worry about here) and she is great at seeing things that I miss.
What dive locations are on your dream “bucket list” and why?
Anywhere warm, as the thought of having to use a drysuit again puts me off.
What is on your bedside table right now?
My Kindle (Hilary Mantel) and a stuffed shark (present).
What is your favourite piece of diving equipment and why?
My new Aqualung Titnl LX Supreme. They breath so easy compared to any of the others I have used/tried. Even when I am upside down.
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?
Over fishing around the Greek Islands. The local fishermen take so many fish, that I have heard that around some Islands there just aren’t any left to see…
Where will you be in 10 years and what will you be doing?
Hopefully, I will still be on my small Greek Island, but maybe not diving as much, just when I want to and when I am needed..
Learn more about Blue Island Divers at: http://www.blueisland-divers.gr/
