We have recovered, repacked and have had time to reflect on the biggest dive event held in Wellington –
The 24 Hour Dive Challenge!
Now in its 4th year this event is designed to highlight the great work of the Wellington Volunteer Coastguard and to help raise funds to support their efforts.
Held on the 28th & 29th of November 48 divers completed 128 dives in 24 Hours – from 3pm on Saturday through to 3pm on Sunday at Scorching Bay.
Our first task was to set up Event HQ – a massive marquee complete with a gear room and full kitchen – You need to feed the masses especially when you add diving into the mix.
Eventually divers started to rock on up to the beach and the madness kicked off with the first buddy team descending at 3pm , closely followed by the first introductory diver of the weekend – she loved her first ever dive on scuba!
Some of our recreational divers had booked in for a specific 45 minute dive (or 2 or 3…) to help us cover the full 24 Hours and gained sponsorship for their participation. We also completed introductory & refresher dives while some of our divers completed their PADI Open Water Diver Course and worked towards their PADI Advanced Open Water ratings by completing the Navigation, Night and Search & Recovery Adventure Dives during the event.
Dives continued throughout the wee hours of the morning with lots of creatures observed during the dives – and creating debate about whether it was a shovelnose ray or a smooth skate!
Sunday was a massive day with a lot of activities and organised chaos. Rachel finally got her wish and a bouncy castle on the beach which she did share with the kids and families got involved with our first ever sandcastle competition.
And the divers continued diving with the last divers entering the water at 2:30 under the close supervision of the hard working volunteers of the Wellington Volunteer Coastguard!
This massive event could not happen without the support of our divers, especially those that volunteered their time not just for the joy of diving but in helping set up and packing up camp after a long weekend.
We would also like to thank those businesses that offered their support to the event and donated some great prizes for our divers. We would like you all to return the favour show support to the following:
Interislander – East by West Ferries – Mitre 10 Mega Petone – Pak n Save Petone – Oceanic New Zealand – Ripe Coffee – TechDive NZ – Shott Beverages – Centa Bakery – Dive New Zealand – Lonestar Petone – Pete Lamb Fishing – Weta Workshop – Dialled Indoor Tramp Park – Event Cinemas – Speights Ale House Petone – Inntova – Monty’s Promotions – Kiwi LPG – Splash Dive – Oceandry – Trade Me – Wettie – Sea Tech – Quality Building – Hangdog
Please visit our Sponsors Album on Facebook and like their pages.