Page 72 - Wish Stream Year of 2017

Strawbridge, only just above the weather, braved the swimming pool for her introduction swim in order to rejoin the group for days 4 and 5.
Day 4 was scampered by poor weather with the ominous warning signs of Storm Eleana mak- ing entry into the proposed dive site of Paphos impossible. The only option was to return to the site of Day 3 for another exploration dive and take plenty of sub aqua selfies.
The final day arrived and it was time to dive the Zenobia, a 1980 wreck voted as one of the top ten wreck diving sites in the world. The entire team was present for these dives and it was a great way to end the trip. The main group reached their maximum depth of 18m, being able to explore the deck, side and funnel of the ship as well as being able to peer down at the dozens of lorries stacked like old Lego blocks on the seabed.
Overall, the expedition tested the resolve of team members to persevere in some cold conditions in order to gain their PADI Open Water qualifica-
tions. The group were taken out of their comfort zone and required to trust in the dive equipment in order to breathe underwater, which proved a challenge for several members of the group who were diving for the first time. The trip also allowed Officer Cadets to experience the plan- ning and preparation required to conduct an AT package, something they will likely be required to do once at unit.
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