Meet the Team
Leanne Clowes
PADI Staff Instructor and Director of Palaemon Divers
Age
35
How long have you been diving for?
7 years
Where did you learn to dive?
After a bad experience (panic attack) on a try dive in Egypt, I only wanted to do my course in the UK!
Favourite dive site and why?
There is a dive site out of Pwllheli we visited and I was the first diver to scope it out. No signs of other divers as its a really random location, but I named it as Cuckoo Wrasse Ridge. My absolute favourite and always take people there when im guiding the boat dives. So much life and various topography there I love it!
Top tip for anyone thinking of learning to dive?
Just do it! I didn't start my course for years after I had a panic attack on a try dive, and my only regret is that I didn't do the course sooner!
Favourite course to teach and why? So not a course as such, but I love teaching people who are nervous or really anxious. Whether its on the kids club or open water divers. My favourite part is watching that nervousness melt away as you gain more confidence in being in the water, I was once that person!
Sam Griffin
PADI Open Water Scuba Diver
Age 32
How long have you been diving for? 3-4 years
Where did you learn to dive? Cartagena, Spain
Favourite dive site and why? Porth Ysgaden in Wales, its very versatile , can be challenging or really easy. Keeps me on my toes!
Top tip for anyone thinking of learning to dive?
Just do it! Its such a scary thing to get into at first for some people but its an absolutely life altering experience!
Favourite course to teach and why? Open Water. I really like being the first point of contact for diving and seeing peoples excitement / apprehension, and channelling it constructively
Clare Dutton
PADI Course Director
Age 30
How long have you been diving for?
12 years
Where did you learn to dive?
In the UK of course!
Favourite dive site and why?
The Menai Straits in North Wales because of the epic marine life that thrives in the waters and the fact there is a short tidal window to dive, making it even more special to experience
Top tip for anyone thinking of learning to dive?
Dont be put off by UK waters, the best dive sites ive done are in the UK.
So if you are putting it off to learn abroad, dont!
Favourite course to teach and why?
The PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course), because I get the opportunity to work with the next generation of dive instructors and help shape the future of our awesome sport!
Damian McConnochie
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Age 47
How long have you been diving for? Approx 10 years
Where did you learn to dive?
Turkey
Favourite dive site and why?
Egypt for sure for the wrecks and sharks!
Top tip for anyone thinking of learning to dive?
Just take your time with it and enjoy the experience
Favourite course to teach and why? Adaptive techniques, to help divers overcome their challenges in abilities whether mental or physical to enable everyone to enjoy the amazing experience that is diving!
Gareth Mitchell
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Age 50
How long: 30 years
Where Swansea University, and Hallsands Bay.
Favourite site: I’m picking a liveaboard trip to the Northern Red Sea wrecks, Ghiannis D, Carnatic, Thistlegorm, Rosalie Moller, all amazing.
Top tip: Think about how to keep diving straight after the first course, either book on a dive trip, or is there another course that would give you more confidence and experience.
Favourite course: Divemaster, when a diver learns about training and control, and starts to think about other putting other divers first.