Special Features – LIDS 2012

GET IN THE ZONES

WITH THE FAR EAST on ever more travelling divers’ wish-lists, an expanded Asia-Pacific showcase area will be one of the attractions at LIDS. But it’s just one of the “regional zones” at the Show.
In the Caribbean Village you can find out about dive trips to all the major islands; the Red Sea Zone will update you on the changing face of tourism in Egypt; and the British Isles Experience brings together dive centres and skippers from all over the country with tempting ideas for diving closer to home. There are many other exhibitors around the hall ready to help you realise your holiday plans.

MAKE SNAP DECISIONS

THERE'S ANOTHER important zone at LIDS – the PhotoZone. With so many divers coming back with photographic souvenirs of their dives, and hungry for the best results possible, this area offers visitors advice from luminaries such as Alex Mustard and post-production expert Saeed Rashid as well as helpful members of the British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP). Discuss your concerns one to one, attend the PhotoZone presentations, enjoy examples of fine photography from BSoUP’s Print Competition in the photo gallery, and check out all the cameras, housings and accessories for sale.

FOR THE NEXT COURSE …

A RECENT DIVER Magazine Big Question reveals that almost three-quarters of you plan to undertake some form of diving training course this year. Where better to size up the options and perhaps sign up than LIDS? The sizeable PADI Village with its own Seminar Theatre covers a lot of possibilities, including new self-reliance, rebreathers and side-mounting courses, but you might also want to take in the BSAC section, with its Branch Pods and training lectures, and the stands of the various technical and other training agencies around the hall.

WET YOUR APPETITE

WOULD-BE OR existing CCR divers looking to try something new should be lining up to get wet with a rebreather in the Technical Pool, while youngsters can get in on the open-circuit action by visiting the Try-dive Pool, where they can use scuba for the first time in safe, controlled conditions. And if you want the sensation of getting wet without having to change into anything more than a 3D mask, be sure to visit the No-Tanx 3D Freedive Simulator to find out how long you can hold your breath on a dive. Who knows where this experience might lead, but No-Tanx can take you there!

DO THE SHOPPING

GET YOUR BEARINGS with the New Products Showcase, then take a turn around the many manufacturer, distributor and retailer stands to get your hands on the merchandise and discuss it with the experts. With so much choice to hand, LIDS 2012 is the perfect environment for making those all-important buying decisions!