London to Latchi Watersports
During a conversation with my best mate as to where our next holiday should be, he suggested a place in Cyprus.
It ticked all our boxes, diving, relaxation, watersports, boat hire and fantastic people. Having served time on the Island with the British Army, how could we turn it down. So, in June 2015 we departed the UK for the first of many holidays that involved diving with Latchi Watersports (Latchi Dive Centre).
The very first thing that impressed me was the professionalism of the staff and guides and the desire to make my experience special. Over the following years, the team changed. However, the service still remained exceptional. And, I had the privilege to dive with many characters such as Scuba Steve, Tomac, other Steve, Johnny A, Romany, and, at times, even Nathan got wet with me. And, not forgetting Johnny H to name a few.
While on holiday in October 2018, my wife and I questioned why we were working 14 hours a day - and being caught up like so many people are; in the rat race. Not living life to the full or, following our dream.
So, one afternoon that dream started to take shape and become a reality with an offer from Tom at Latchi Watersports to become a PADI Divemaster.
It meant turning my lifelong passion for diving into becoming part of the Latchi Watersports team. My wife was also offered a job with a local company, and we found a beautiful villa to move into. All in the space of 48 hours.
So, we trotted-off back to the UK, contracts signed, deposits paid and a whole lot of
“what have we just done”.
Three months’ notice was given to employers, containers booked, cars booked onto ferries, and on the 1st of March 2019, we boarded a flight to our new life. During the first year at Latchi Watersports, I quickly completed my PADI Divemaster course. I started to guide people on dives only to realise that I could give and become more.
Next on the list was the boat side of the business. Having gained my Cypriot boat licence, I quickly found out why a northeasterly wind can be bad. I discovered all about gel coat, how to repair boats, how to operate, clean, antifoul, polish, use a trailer, and launch a boat and performing a spattering of mechanics’ tasks.
Back to diving. Now it was time for the in-house Instructor Development Course. Conducted by our very own PADI course director Johnny H. I am glad to say that all the candidates passed with flying colours.
The rest of the season was a blur of boat trips and teaching PADI Courses. Such as the PADI Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water. Moreover, I had the privilege to guide two Divemaster Trainees through their education and on to becoming fully qualified Divemasters.
Things are never boring at Latchi Watersports.
There is always something that needs doing, and we ensure that the people who visit us have a memorable time. And, with the little downtime we get, it’s a lot of fun to be doing something you are passionate about.
Furthermore, everyone who visits or works for Latchi Watersports is made to feel that they are part of a fantastic family.
We took the leap and now are living the best life.
a blog post by John Dugan
John Dugan
I served in the British Army for 26 years and have followed my passion for underwater swimming all around the world. After spending years coming to Latchi on holiday to dive with the LWC team, I decided to skip the rat race and make the move permanently to live the dream. I look forward to meeting new people, new experiences and new beginnings.
