This week’s special guest on the popular Facebook Livestream DIVETALKS, orchestrated by Divesoft, is Cave, Tec and Sidemount expert Garry Dallas, known to many as “Sidemount Bob” or “Chewie”. He co-owned and served as Director of Training for the RAID UK & Malta Training Agency and is also known for his work on Apeks brand exploration projects. You’re sure to learn something new about sidemounts and more with “Sidemount Bob” when you tune into DIVETALKS this Thursday, August 6th at 1pm.
Born in the UK, Garry Dallas was first introduced to Jet fins, 1960s vintage round mask and snorkel by his father when he was 13. Although intrigued and curious about the underwater realm especially while dry caving in his teens, it wasn’t until his late 20s before he took a diving course when things really took off. Since then, Garry has gained countless certifications through different agencies and cultivated a love for Sidemount diving, in particular. His other diving accomplishments include becoming a CCR instructor, technical advisor, primary and co-author for some RAID Diver Training Manuals, product tester and ambassador for a number of dive-related brands. Garry has participated in exploration efforts in cenotes of the Yucatan district Mexico, mines in the UK and caves in Spain.
However, when it comes to Garry Dallas, it’s very likely you were first introduced to him as “Sidemount Bob” as he is globally reputed. Over the years he taught through PADI TecRec/Trimix, SSI TXR and SDI/TDI Full Cave until he worked his way to become a RAID Recreational, Technical and Cave1&2 Instructor trainer and examiner. Several years ago, he began his goal to take Sidemount further to the next level of CCR Sidemount for general and cave use. The right tool for the right job!
Apart from this affiliation, he was made an honorary member of “Artic on the Edge” a contingent of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Garry is also known for his public speaking, as he often speaks at Dive Shows and on podcasts in the UK and internationally, while presenting at clubs discussing adventures and the importance of diving skills and awareness and how to achieve this. As well as visiting schools helping educate our younger generation to protect our oceans and all-terrestrial animals.
Be sure to join Garry on this week’s DIVETALKS Livestream as it’s your chance to learn something new from a diver who’s been around the world, with vast cave diving experience. Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 6th at 1 p.m. EDT and leave questions for Garry in the comment section below the stream for him to answer. Follow the link HERE at the given time and get ready to become a sidemount expert like “Bob” himself!
