2011 Big Scuba Show

This was the official website for the 2011 Big Scuba Show in West London. It was the UK's newest dive gathering.
The content is from the site's 2011 archived pages.

Show overview

The First Stage will be the centre piece of the show. Monty Halls has some surprises in store and there will be lots going on all weekend including our awards ceremony, competitions you can join in and a fashion show.

Question Time Saturday Afternoon will stage Question Time with Monty Halls and a panel of experts, this is your chance to ask those questions you’ve always wondered about. You can post questions on our facebook page in the run up to the show.

Experts and Speakers We have a great range of experts and speakers turning out to tell their tales of the deep including;Andy Torbet – expert in extreme diving & Dan Stevenson – Fantastic UnderWater Videographer and expert on wreck diving and rebreathers. We also have diving experts on destinations, polar expeditions, technical diving and cave diving plus lots more. Watch this space for more announcements!

Knowledge Chamber The Knowledge chamber will be an informal but truly informative area to question and chat with a wide range of diving and technical experts. This relaxed and friendly feature is proving to be extremely popular, with experts from Malta, Side Slung, BSAC, Destinations and Kit Manufacturers all on hand to answer you diving questions. The Knowledge chamber provides you with the unique opportunity to talk to experts in the diving industry so don’t miss out.

Bubble Wars The Big Scuba Shows newest and most exciting feature – Bubble Wars! This will be a really fun and active zone open to all who fancy their chances at walking on water. Climb inside your huge inflated plastic ball then try running, walking, jumping or simply floating on water while you stay completely dry! This feature is guaranteed to make you smile and pull the crowds in so get your show ticket now and come and join us.

BSAC Try Dive Pool BSAC will be running ‘Try Dives’ throughout the whole show in our specially designed pool. If you’ve always wondered whether you’d like diving - what better place to come and try. With a show packed full of offers, samples & experts you’ll find out all you ever needed to know about the diving world. If you’re already a converted diver then this gives you the chance to bring along and introduce your mates to scuba diving and have a great day out.

The British Underwater Image Festival is the biggest underwater video and photography competition in Europe. Check out the stunning exhibition and see the best current underwater images chosen by our top judges. Relax in our comfortable theatre and see the winning films and videos. Plus the winners will be announced live at The Big Scuba Show with guest judges including Alex Mustard, Charles Hood, Colin Doeg and Simon Rogerson. The DVD category will be presided over by Emmy-winning cameraman Peter Scoones.

The Big Names - Northern Diver, Oceanic, Typhoon, Mares and many many more. Our country partner Egypt is hosting its largest ever UK show stand. And the British Sub-Aqua Club will be there in force!

We have lots more exciting features planned which we will be announcing in the autumn.

BIG SCUBA SHOW NEWS

Friday, 18 February 2011 10:51

The winners of the British Underwater Image Festival will be announced at The Big Scuba Show. A gallery of the winning and highly commended images will be on display at the show and the winning films will be shown in the film theatre.

The winning photographers will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in the Film Theatre at 14.00 on Sunday. The DVD category winners will also be shown on the First Stage at 17.00 on Saturday and 16.00 on Sunday.

There are also talks and workshops at the show to interest underwater snappers. Photographer Steve Jones will be speaking about taking pictures in Antarctica in his talk ‘In the steps of Shackleton’ at 14.00 on Saturday and photojournalist Michael Aw will be giving a talk called ‘Exotic, erotic and extreme’ at 16.00 on Saturday and 12.00 on Sunday.

For those tech savvy diver/entrepreneurs Shoot To Kill will have reps here to discuss marketing from a website. This will include a smart presentation that includes specific methods for handling a store, a service, a download service, with info pertaining to payment systems. As the business grows, the need for customer service leads to a reliance on automated help desks, and that requires the engagement of support services to help with things like Zendesk setup and search engine optimization. No good having a website if it can't be found. We expect a big crowd for this one, so come early and chat.

Michael will also be running a photo clinic – bring along your underwater photos and Michael will give you advice on techniques and tips for improving your shots.

The team from the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) are pleased to support the very first Big Scuba Show 2011!

We are now inviting ALL divers and non divers to visit our stand over the show weekend to discover just how easy it is to dive with BSAC.
Learn, train and dive with friends…BSAC welcomes all divers – from absolute beginner to the highest grade – and with an internationally-recognised training scheme, a packed Skill Development Course programme and plenty of opportunity to dive with one of our many social and friendly dive clubs, you’ll certainly be in good company.

Discover more….
Visit BSAC at The Big Scuba Show, you’ll be able to:

• Take a free try dive with our team of expert BSAC instructors or, for the youngsters, sample snorkelling with some fun and games in the pool

• Find out more about learning to dive with BSAC – we will have a host of experts on hand to advise you how – and where - to get started

• Continue your diving with new friends…did you qualify overseas and are now curious about diving in the UK? Are you an instructor looking to teach in a club? You’re not alone! Find out how easy it is to join and dive with BSAC…and make the most of our excellent range of membership benefits.

• Meet our dive clubs – we will have divers from around the UK who can tell you first hand about club diving in the UK

• Make a difference - sign up to support our joint marine conservation work with the Marine Conservation Society

• Tell us about your favourite UK dive on the BSAC Graffiti wall. 

• Take advantage of our gem of a membership offer for new divers or divers who have trained with other organisations.

• Meet the BSAC team….who can advise you on every aspect of your training and diving with the friendliest dive club in the world!

BSAC will also be holding its annual Diving Conference at Olympia on Saturday, 19th February. Open to all BSAC Instructors, Diving Officers and branch representatives, delegates also get free access to the Scuba Show on the same day. For more information and to buy your conference ticket visit our site. Keep up-to-date with all the latest BSAC news in the run up to The Big Scuba Show. Follow us on facebook and twitter.

www.bsac.com 

About the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC): BSAC trains, protects and represents 35,000 active scuba divers and snorkellers. It is the UK National Governing Body and official voice of scuba and snorkelling, working with organisations like the Health and Safety Executive, the RNLI, Marine Coastguard Association (MCA), Marine Conservation Society, HM Treasury’s Receiver of Wrecks, DEFRA and other diving organisations.

BSAC is the world’s largest diving club and has 1,100 sociable, family-based local branches and more than 325 diving centres spread across the country and worldwide. From beginner to expert, BSAC provides extensive diver training and the resources and back-up divers need to keep skills sharp and to help them enjoy diving safely. It welcomes membership of divers trained by all other agencies.

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‘BECOME A BETTER DIVER’ SEMINAR AT THE BIG SCUBA SHOW

Thursday, 17 February 2011 10:12

Andy Torbet, Charles Hood and Marcus Greatwood will be answering your questions on taking the next step in diving at the Big Scuba Show at 13.00 on Saturday and Sunday in the Knowledge Chamber.

Whether you have questions on kit configuration for DIVE’s equipment guru Charles, want to know more about running expeditions from action-man Andy, or want tips on calming pre-dive nerves from freediver Marcus, this is where you need to be.

The informal question and answer session will be aimed at divers who want to take the next step in diving – whether that’s embracing technical diving, going deeper, discovering undived sites or taking on new challenges. If you’ve become stuck in a diving rut, this seminar could give you a few ideas and renew your enthusiasm.

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PLAN YOUR BIG SCUBA SHOW

Wednesday, 16 February 2011 10:44
With the Big Scuba Show just three days away, there’s something for everyone whatever your interests or experience. Here are some ideas of what’s on to help you plan your visit.

If you’re new to diving:

• Enjoy a try dive or snorkelling experience in the BSAC pool
• Find out more about learning to dive in the Knowledge Chamber at 11.00
• See Monty Halls talk about his underwater adventures on the First Stage at 12.00 on Saturday and 15.00 on Sunday

If you want to develop your diving:

• Get advice at the ‘Become a better diver’ seminar in the Knowledge Chamber at 13.00
• Find out about new, exotic diving destinations at the ‘Taking your diving further’ seminar in the Knowledge Chamber at 17.00 on Saturday and 16.00 on Sunday
• Bid for a chance to go hard-hat diving at the Dive Fest stand
• Find out how to improve your breathing techniques with No Tanx

If you’re thinking about technical diving:

• Check out the ‘Diving with sidemount cylinders’ seminar in the Knowledge Chamber on Sunday at 16.00
• Hear Rick Ayrton’s talk on Deep Wreck Mysteries at 15.00 on Saturday and 10.00 on Sunday in the Knowledge Chamber
• Get a taste of commercial diving with The Underwater Centre at the Display Pool
• Do a rebreather try dive at the Technical Pool with MR Diving

If you’re into underwater photography:

• Bring your photos along to a workshop with photographer Michael Aw at 12.00 on Saturday and 11.00 on Sunday in the Film Theatre
• The British Underwater Image Festival DVDs and stills will be on display all weekend and the Awards Ceremony is on Sunday in the Film Theatre at 14.00
• Steve Jones will be speaking about underwater photography in Antarctica at 14.00 on Saturday in the Film Theatre

If you’re concerned about conservation:

• Jo Ruxton will be speaking about Plastic Oceans and the campaign to rid our seas of plastic at 11.00 on Saturday and 12.00 on Sunday in the Knowledge Chamber
• Join the campaign to stop dolphinariums at the Egypt stand
• BSAC will be launching their new environmental campaign Your Eyes Underwater

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WIN MARES REGULATORS IN THE BUBBLEZONE

Tuesday, 15 February 2011 11:26

Dive equipment manufacturer Mares are sponsoring the Bubblezone at the Big Scuba Show – and giving away two sets of Mares Abyss 22 regulators in a prize draw.

In the Bubblezone, you have the chance to literally walk on water – inside giant, inflatable balls that roll on the surface of a pool.

Having a go in the Bubblezone costs £3, which includes a donation to the Big Scuba Show’s nominated charity, the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. You can also enter the prize draw by donating to the charity or visiting the Mares stand.

One lucky winner of the Mares regulators will be drawn each day. For more information, visit the Bubblezone at the Big Scuba Show.

PROGRAMME

VISITING THE BIG SCUBA SHOW

How to get there
Olympia is situated in the heart of West London and can be reached easily by a variety of ways including tube, bus and train. Even if you’re familiar with the venue we would recommend planning your visit in advance.

Car Parking
It’s quicker and easier to travel to Olympia by public transport.

London Congestion Charging Zone
The Western extension of the zone was dropped in January and Olympia is now a good distance from the charging zone. If you plan to travel through central London you should check whether you are going to go into the charging zone.

The Congestion Chargeoperates from 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays).  The charge is £8 if you pay by midnight on the day of travel or £10 is you pay by midnight the following charging day.

Disabled Access
Olympia National Hall access is via the main entrance on Hammersmith Road; lifts are then used to access each floor. For any special access requirements or requests please contact the switchboard on 020 7385 1200.

Olympia can also provide a manual wheelchair loan, hearing assistance or assistance dogs.

Accommodation
There is plenty of accommodation available around Olympia, please click here for a full list and hotel locations. Preferential rates are available at the following hotels:

•    The Hilton, Olympia
•    K West, Olympia
•    Novotel Hammersmith

Food & Drink
There are plenty of options both inside and outside of the venue. Here is a full list of the best bars and restaurants in and around Olympia.

Opening Times
Olympia will be open for The Big Scuba Show at the following times:
•    Saturday 19th February 09:30 – 10:00 Instructor Preview.
•    Saturday 19th February 10:00 – 18:00 Open to the public.
•    Sunday 20th February 10:00 – 17:00 Open to the public.

… on to 2012!

The 2011 instalment of the Big Scuba Show was a roaring success, with thousands of divers braving the unfavourable weather to make it to London Olympia for the debut.

Fun was had by all on the floor, from the exhibitors to the visitors – some were looking for holiday adventures or to improve their kit wardrobe and technique; others were getting to grips with their very first try dive. 

The major hits of the weekend were the First Stage talks and Knowledge Chamber, which give divers of all levels of experience insight into various aspects of diving. The BUIF theatre also saw a constant stream of underwater photography enthusiasts eager to get a look at the outstanding selection of images on display.

The support forthcoming from the visitors to the Royal Marines and the Commando Sprit campaign was overwhelming, with thousands of pounds being raised throughout the course of the weekend. The show also saw two divers don a traditional hard-hat underwater for the first time!

Congratulations to the winners of our various competitions! You already know who you are and we wish you all the best on your upcoming voyages!

As the organisers of the Show, our work is never done, in fact we are already looking ahead to 2012’s Big Scuba Show, which promises to be BIGGER than ever before. Check back here from time to time to see the itinerary as it is built up and make sure you keep the weekend of 18th 19th February 2012 free!

More Background On TheBigScubaShow.com

TheBigScubaShow.com was the official website for The Big Scuba Show, a large-scale scuba diving exhibition that launched in February 2011 at Olympia, West London. Promoted at the time as the UK’s newest national dive gathering, the show aimed to consolidate multiple strands of the British diving world—recreational diving, technical diving, underwater photography, marine conservation, training, travel, and equipment—into a single, immersive weekend experience.

Although the website is no longer active as a live promotional platform, its archived pages provide a remarkably detailed record of the event’s ambitions, structure, and cultural role. Unlike minimal event microsites, TheBigScubaShow.com functioned as a hybrid of programme guide, educational resource, industry showcase, and community bulletin. Today, it stands as a valuable digital artifact from a period when dive shows were evolving from simple trade floors into experience-driven, content-rich festivals.

Origins and Organisational Context

The Big Scuba Show emerged during a period of renewed energy within the UK diving community. By the late 2000s, recreational scuba diving had become more accessible, while technical diving, underwater photography, and expedition-style exploration were gaining wider visibility through television, online media, and specialist publications.

The organisers of The Big Scuba Show clearly positioned the event to sit at the intersection of these trends. Rather than focusing narrowly on equipment sales or club recruitment, the show was designed as a multi-layered gathering that welcomed both seasoned divers and complete newcomers. The website’s editorial voice consistently reinforced this inclusive positioning, addressing “divers and non-divers alike” and framing the underwater world as something open, learnable, and socially engaging.

While individual company ownership was not heavily foregrounded on the site, the professionalism of the content, venue choice, sponsorships, and partnerships indicates an experienced exhibition team with strong industry relationships and the operational capacity to deliver a complex, multi-zone event at a premier London venue.

Purpose and Role of the Website

TheBigScubaShow.com was not a simple announcement page; it was the central operational hub for the entire event. Visitors relied on it to understand what the show was, how it differed from other dive events, and how to navigate the experience once on site.

Key functions of the website included:

• Explaining the concept and scope of the show

• Publishing detailed schedules across multiple stages and theatres

• Introducing speakers, experts, and headline personalities

• Promoting interactive features such as pools and activity zones

• Providing comprehensive visitor logistics, including accessibility

• Documenting news updates before the show and reflections afterward

In effect, the website replaced what would once have been a printed programme, exhibitor catalogue, and press release bundle, all rolled into a single digital platform.

Venue and Geographic Significance

Hosting the inaugural Big Scuba Show at Olympia, West London, was a deliberate and symbolic choice. Olympia is one of the UK’s most established exhibition venues, historically associated with major trade fairs, consumer shows, and cultural events.

By choosing Olympia’s National Hall, the organisers signalled that The Big Scuba Show was intended to operate at national scale, not as a regional club gathering. The venue’s location provided:

• Strong public transport access via Underground, rail, and bus

• Proximity to central London without the complications of inner congestion charging

• A dense surrounding network of hotels, restaurants, and services

The website devoted significant attention to helping visitors plan their journey, reflecting an expectation of attendees travelling from across the UK rather than only from London.

Structure and Navigation of the Site

TheBigScubaShow.com was structured in a way that mirrored the physical layout of the event itself. Rather than presenting information as a single long page, content was broken into thematic areas corresponding to different spaces and experiences within the show.

Visitors could explore:

• An overview of what the show offered

• Dedicated sections for each major stage or activity area

• Daily programmes organised by time and location

• News posts announcing speakers, competitions, and updates

• Practical guidance for travel, accommodation, and accessibility

This structure encouraged users to plan their day in advance, reinforcing the idea that the show was too content-rich to absorb passively.

The First Stage: Public-Facing Centrepiece

The First Stage was presented as the heart of the show. It was designed to be visually prominent and constantly active, drawing crowds with a mixture of entertainment, education, and ceremony.

Programming on the First Stage included:

• Opening segments that introduced the tone and themes of the show

• Talks by well-known figures in diving and broadcasting

• Panel discussions modelled on popular televised debate formats

• Film presentations showcasing underwater storytelling

• Award ceremonies recognising achievement in diving and media

The presence of a charismatic host and recurring presenters gave the stage a sense of continuity and narrative flow, helping to anchor the event across two full days.

Knowledge Chamber: Informal Expertise and Conversation

In contrast to the theatrical energy of the First Stage, the Knowledge Chamber was designed as a more relaxed, conversational space. The website described it as informal but deeply informative, encouraging attendees to engage directly with experts rather than simply listening from a distance.

Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Learning to dive and choosing training pathways

• Improving diving technique and comfort

• Equipment configuration and technical systems

• Expedition planning and advanced diving environments

• Marine science, conservation, and environmental threats

The Knowledge Chamber concept reflected a broader cultural shift within hobbyist events: valuing dialogue, mentorship, and shared experience over one-way presentation.

Film Theatre and Underwater Imaging

One of the most culturally significant aspects of The Big Scuba Show was its integration of underwater photography and film. The website devoted substantial space to promoting screenings, exhibitions, and award ceremonies connected to underwater imaging.

The Film Theatre hosted:

• Continuous loops of shortlisted underwater films

• Scheduled screenings of competition winners

• Live award announcements

• Talks and clinics led by professional photographers

This focus positioned underwater imaging not merely as a technical skill, but as an art form and storytelling medium with its own dedicated audience.

Interactive Pools and Hands-On Experiences

Unlike many exhibitions where interaction is limited to product demonstrations, The Big Scuba Show emphasised physical participation. The website repeatedly highlighted opportunities to “have a go” rather than just observe.

Key hands-on features included:

• Beginner try dives supervised by qualified instructors

• Snorkelling experiences for younger visitors

• Technical and rebreather try dives

• Commercial diving demonstrations, including traditional hard-hat diving

These features served both educational and recruitment purposes, lowering the psychological barrier to entry for people curious about diving but hesitant to commit.

Bubble Wars and Experiential Entertainment

Among the show’s most memorable attractions was Bubble Wars, an activity zone where participants climbed inside large inflatable spheres and attempted to walk or run on water.

While playful in nature, Bubble Wars also served important functions:

• Drawing in non-divers and families

• Creating visible, crowd-attracting energy on the show floor

• Supporting charitable fundraising through participation fees

The inclusion of such a feature demonstrates the organisers’ understanding that a successful exhibition must appeal emotionally and socially, not just intellectually.

Industry Participation and Exhibitors

TheBigScubaShow.com promoted a strong exhibitor lineup, including major equipment manufacturers, training organisations, travel specialists, and destination partners. The presence of well-known brands lent credibility to the event, while national organisations reinforced its institutional legitimacy.

Exhibitor participation extended beyond sales stands. Many brands and organisations contributed to:

• Talks and seminars

• Equipment demonstrations

• Pool-based activities

• Educational outreach and recruitment

This integration blurred the line between “exhibitor” and “educator,” strengthening the sense of a unified diving community.

Awards, Recognition, and Professional Standing

Despite being an inaugural event, The Big Scuba Show hosted multiple award ceremonies, signalling an intention to act as a platform for recognition, not merely a marketplace.

Awards presented at the show celebrated:

• Achievement within national diving organisations

• Excellence in underwater photography and film

• Contributions to diving culture and media

Hosting awards helped elevate the show’s status and encouraged attendance from professionals seeking peer recognition.

Conservation, Charity, and Ethical Messaging

Environmental responsibility was a consistent theme throughout the website’s content. Talks addressing marine plastic pollution, ocean conservation, and sustainable interaction with marine environments were woven into the programme.

The show also supported charitable causes, with fundraising integrated into interactive features rather than treated as a separate initiative. This approach reflected a growing recognition within the diving community that enjoyment of the underwater world carries ethical responsibilities.

Audience and Community Impact

TheBigScubaShow.com consistently framed the event as open and welcoming. Its intended audience included:

• People who had never dived before

• Newly qualified recreational divers

• Experienced technical divers

• Instructors, trainers, and club officers

• Photographers, filmmakers, and artists

• Conservation advocates and educators

By addressing such a wide spectrum, the website presented diving as a lifelong journey rather than a fixed skill level.

Reception and Post-Event Reflections

Post-show commentary published on the site described the 2011 event as a success, noting strong attendance despite poor weather and enthusiastic participation across all areas of the show.

Highlights frequently mentioned included:

• Packed talks and seminars

• High engagement with the Knowledge Chamber

• Strong interest in underwater imaging

• Significant charitable fundraising

The tone of these reflections was forward-looking, with clear intent to build on the inaugural year and expand in future editions.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In retrospect, TheBigScubaShow.com offers a valuable snapshot of UK diving culture at a moment of transition. It captures a time when:

• Diving was becoming more visible in mainstream media

• Conservation messaging was moving to the centre of the community

• Experiential exhibitions were replacing static trade shows

• Digital platforms were becoming essential for event storytelling

As such, the website functions as a digital time capsule for researchers, divers, and cultural historians.

Legacy and Ongoing Relevance

Although The Big Scuba Show did not evolve into a long-running annual institution, its website remains significant for what it reveals about ambition, community-building, and the evolving identity of the UK diving world.

TheBigScubaShow.com preserves:

• Detailed programme structures

• Evidence of cross-sector collaboration

• Early examples of experience-led exhibition design

• A snapshot of industry priorities in the early 2010s

TheBigScubaShow.com was far more than an event listing. It was the digital embodiment of a bold attempt to reimagine what a national dive show could be: inclusive, educational, experiential, and socially conscious. Through its thoughtful structure, rich programming, and emphasis on participation, the website documented a moment when the UK diving community gathered not just to buy equipment, but to learn, connect, and celebrate the underwater world together.