Training the Kids in Nuweiba

by Jon Gunns

BACKGROUND

For some time it had been our ambition to train our daughters as sport divers. With our older daughter, Josephine, reaching 12 and Elaine hitting 10 we determined that the time was right to start the training.

We decided that a PADI referral course was the way ahead, passing the theory and pool training in UK and going overseas for the open water dives. With this plan in mind we looked around for a PADI school near Salisbury. Andark Diving in Southampton fitted the bill and the girls were duly booked in for the Easter holidays.

My wife, Gilli, and I had previously dived in Nuweiba and had thought at the time that its shore diving opportunities combined with the clear warm water would make it a good initial training venue. Regal Dive offered a good package and we booked a 10 day holiday, taking advantage of the discount offered to BSAC members. We included the referral package and 5 days diving for both of us.

Both girls passed the first stage of their course and we waited impatiently for the holiday to begin.

THE HOLIDAY

Regal had booked us on a BA flight to Sharm el Sheikh and reporting at Gatwick airport was very straightforward. BA offered an extra 5kg baggage allowance for divers, much better than our previous experience with Brittania which did not allow any extra allowance. (Baggage allowances may well have since changed owing to a planned change in BA policy and the security concerns after incidents this summer.) BA also seems to offer more leg room.

The scrum at Sharm el Sheikh airport did not seem as intense as usual, possibly because of the late arrival time, 10 pm local time. We were met very efficiently by the Regal representative and then in a minibus for the 2 hour trip to Nuweiba. Arriving at the Nuweiba Hilton just after midnight we quickly booked in and enjoyed the late meal arranged for us by room service before climbing into bed at 2 am.

Following our very late arrival we had intended not starting diving until the first full day in the resort in order to allow us to get over the travelling. Unfortunately, Emperor Divers had planned on the girls starting their course that morning and so we had to rouse 2 sleepy girls at 9 o'clock and rush through breakfast.

Both girls passed their refresher theory exams but Elaine suffered with ear problems which delayed both of their training. With the Dive Centre fully booked, we were concerned that it might not be possible to complete their course. Fortunately, the flexibility of a 10 day stay, combined with the inspiration of Lorraine, their long-suffering and tireless instructor, saw them both qualify at the end of a week.

This was the one thing that I would criticise about the package as it turned our planned relaxing holiday into a bit of a rigorous exercise. I subsequently commented on this to Regal Diving who tell me that their policy is to assume that diving courses will start at the earliest opportunity after arrival in resort. Additionally, with the Dive Centre fully committed, anyone not hitting the training milestones runs the risk of not being able to qualify. In hindsight, I should probably have asked for the course not to start until the day after our arrival and others booking a package through Regal should bear this in mind.

While the girls were training, Gilli and I had enjoyed some shore diving but the high point of the holiday was being able to dive with our daughters on the last couple of days.

Those who have dived elsewhere in Egypt will not find the shore diving in Nuweiba spectacular but it is warm and clear with the usual fishy suspects on display. Lion fish seem particularly prevalent with many living under the hotel jetty, itself a decent snorkelling site and a place to sit for a couple of minutes at the end of a dive before surfacing.

There are several sites close to the hotel as well as sites further afield in the National Park. This is a 2 hour drive over very rough roads which attracts an additional charge. Possibly worth it to bag a new log-book entry but there was little to make me want to return if it meant suffering the drive again.

In the past it has been possible to drive to Dahab for the day and dive the blue Hole. It ha snow been recognised that the journey takes visitors over a high mountain pass that affects decompression calculations and a night must be taken in Dahab if wishing to enjoy this opportunity.

NON DIVING ACTIVITIES

The arrangement we had with the Hilton Resort was fully inclusive, including all meals and drinks including locally produced alcoholic beverages. This was a revelation to the girls who set about demolishing the hotel's ice cream stocks. Meals were generally taken in the main restaurant, this was pleasant enough but there was limited variety at dinner time. An Italian restaurant offering pizza or pasta was an alternative for dinner and, for an additional charge, there is an up-market restaurant in the grounds.

Entertainment was laid on each evening but, after a day spent diving, we were all ready for our beds and took little advantage of what was on offer.


Elaine was desperate to ride a camel, an ambition she achieved just outside the hotel. Other excursions could be arranged including desert safaris, snorkelling cruises and trips to the painted canyon or St Katherine's Monastery.

On one evening we took a taxi into the town and looked around the local shops. Nuweiba is not another Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh and the goods being offered for sale were generally of very poor quality.



RETURN

Our return journey was again well managed although we all felt the effects of arriving at Gatwick at 3 in the morning.

HINDSIGHT

The holiday booking cost was £3400, which excludes travel insurance but includes the BSAC discount. There were very few extras to pay for in Egypt.

Nuweiba is a good location for beginners learning to dive or for those wanting a relaxing holiday with a little shore diving thrown in. Experienced divers could well be disappointed by the limited opportunities here. Do not expect a hectic nightlife!

In future, I will make sure that I specify in advance if I do not wish to start diving on the day that I arrive.


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