CAPITAL LINE-UP

This year will see one of the most exciting line-ups of

diving speakers yet at a London Dive Show.

Two latest addition to the line-up of guest presenters are Mike Rutzen, one of the world’s best-known shark divers, and a perennial show favourite Monty Halls, who will update us on his latest adventures including his recent 'Lions and Sharks' Tour in South Africa.

Dr Andrea 'Queen of Mantas' Marshall will be coming over from Mozambique to talk about her work, the subject of a much-discussed BBC Natural World documentary recently. Californian Andrea moved to Mozambique seven years ago, and was the first person in the world to gain a manta ray PhD. She is at the forefront of efforts to protect the rays through research into their biology and behaviour.

There are plenty of treats in store for wreck and tech divers at LIDS, too. Already confirmed as speakers are a cohort of top technical divers, including Teresa Telus and Leigh Bishop, Mark Powell and Jack Ingle. Teresa' talk about the wrecks of Truk Lagoon was a hit at DIVE 2009, and this time she is joined by leading deep-wreck photographer Leigh Bishop.

Back to the animals, and award-winning director John Boyle will preview his latest underwater film, Freaks of the Sea, while shark expert Richard Peirce turns his attention to great whites and blues in the Mediterranean.

Visit the Try-Dive Pool, where freediver Marcus Greatwood and his NoTanx team will be conducting breath-hold demonstrations and challenges, with prizes for spectators who back the winners! Alternatively the Technical Pool allows more advanced divers to try out rebreathers, DPVs and other kit.

LIDS 2010 is the most image-conscious Dive Show yet. A new departure is that the Visions in the Sea Underwater Photography Show takes place at LIDS this year. Presenters of this show within a show include well-known exponents such as Martin Edge (talking about subject selection) and Mark Webster, Martyn Guess, videographer Jeff Goodman, and Steve Mawle of Light & Motion Industries.

Of course, the Visions crew will have friendly competition from the existing Digital Clinic, where Photoshop wiz Saeed Rashid and Paul Duxfield will bring their combined expertise to bear on your frequently asked questions.

And don’t forget that the British Society of Underwater Photographers’ stand is another LIDS hotspot for one-to-one advice. While there, view the gallery of contenders in the latest BSoUP Prints Competition, and participate by voting for the category winners and runners-up.

The other main photo display at LIDS 2010 is from the most recent Sharks In Focus contest, organised by the Shark Trust and DIVER. If you’re into your photography, you can’t miss LIDS!