Meet the Team
Steve - Managing Director & Owner
Logged dives & dive credentials?
3000+ dives, PADI OWSI & RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement. I 'lived the dream' working in the dive industry for 16 years in places like the Red sea - Egypt, parts of Africa, Mediterranean and Thailand. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about diving in some form
Role at Mike's Dive Store?
I’m the Managing Director & owner of Mike’s Dive Store and I love the diversity of my job. Probably one of my favourite parts is the problem solving aspect, especially when we have customers coming into the store about to leave on their dive trip of a lifetime and we’ve got just 4 hours (!) to pull together every piece of equipment needed to make sure their trip is as enjoyable as it can be without a worry! And somehow we always pull it off! I also love the challenge of running a successful Dive Store within the ever changing parameters of the constantly changing world of retail and e-commerce which continues to throw curve balls at every turn. I started off a dive instructor and have ended up an excel expert - How did that happen! :) Keep those challenges coming!
Most memorable diving moment?
It was in the middle of the night at Daedalus in the Red Sea when I was working in the industry – it was my job to tie the boat to the mooring line so we could stay overnight. This particular night we’d arrived really late due to rough weather conditions – and if you know Daedalus you’ll also know it’s renowned for its unpredictably strong currents & pelagics (like Hammerheads, Grey Reef sharks and Manta's etc..). So I was diving on my own in the pitch black, 15 metres beneath the boat, trying to tackle the current, secure the mooring line and all I could see were shadows moving all around me, I was literally too terrified to turn my torch in the direction of the shadows in fear of what I would see.
Favourite type of diving and why?
For me, diving is the ultimate form of meditation that allows me to relax 100%. So my favourite type of diving is with as few people as possible, heading out super early in the morning around 5.30am, where there’s just you, the water and total quiet. It’s totally addictive.
Current favourite dive equipment and why?
Safety is paramount so I have my list of trusty favourites that include the Dive rite travel pack with Atomic SS1 alternate, Mares carbon regulator & Suunto Eon Steel with tank pod, then a D6i with transmitter as my backup. It’s funny because when I turn up for a dive, fellow divers are amazed that I have 2 hoses coming out of my first stage, there’s no octo hose, no high pressure hose or gauge because I have the complete kit, consolidated. I’m a bare minimum kind of guy, less is more!
Dive destination still on your Bucket list and why?
I’m dying to get to Papua New Guinea because it’s the last untouched wilderness.
All-time favourite marine creature & why?
As we all know, not every dive is filled with weird and wonderful things to look at – I’ve had my fair share of uneventful dives which has certainly made me appreciate the small stuff. So my current favourites are Spanish Dancers & Sea Goddess – NUDIBRANCHES all the way!
Jenna - Customer Support Advisor
Logged dives & dive credentials?
I learnt to dive in 1996 and trained as a PADI open water and speciality instructor. I’ve mostly taught in Cornwall and Australia but have had the pleasure of diving and being on or in the water throughout the world.
Role at Mike's Dive Store?
Customer support advisor. I’m here to help you with your query, questions about products or even if you just need a little more information. Each day is different, and I love to be helpful especially when I know the product is going to bring enjoyment! Being passionate about the sport and talking to others that have the same outlook makes my job very rewarding – who else can say they get to talk about their passion day in day out!
Most Memorable Diving Moment?
I have been spoilt with some of the big sharks and a scary Irukanji encounter while in Australia (which resulted in a medivac to hospital!). However, my favourite was a little dive between Sennen and St Ives in Cornwall - taking a group of newly qualified divers out to experience the fun and frolics of the seals. No seals were out to play only a basking shark and the bizarre sunfish (this was the only time I had ever seen one under the water and not basking on the surface) I was so excited to see both amazing creatures in one dive!
Favourite type of diving and why?
Being a Cornish girl there is nothing better than the crisp sea on the north coast of Cornwall, but I love all types of diving whether it’s in warm waters or cold. I enjoy seeing wildlife that not everyone gets to appreciate and having that moment of calm taking in the view.
Current favourite dive equipment and why?
I’m a sucker for anything that is sleek and looks good! Hence why I love my Ocean Reef Space Extender full face mask.
My Suunto D5 is my favourite piece of equipment as it is so easy to use and I have a little collection of colourful straps so I can wear every day even when I’m not diving.
Dive destination still on your Bucket list and why?
I would love to visit Vanuatu and dive the many reefs and wrecks. There is still time..!
All time favourite marine creature & why?
Have seen and experienced many varieties of shark and although they would normally be a firm favourite, I still am so thankful I have seen a fair few weedy Sea dragons – I do like the bizarre and wonderfully different!
Shem - Content and Marketing
Logged dives & dive credentials?
1500++ dives, TDI Tech Diving Instructor, Advanced Mixed Gas Rebreather Diver.
Role at Mike's Dive Store?
I am passionate about everything diving, so after a career in tour operations, I joined this fantastic bunch of divers at Mike's Dive Store to support Content and Marketing Team. I am also a yachtsman, technical diving instructor and an active diver in my spare time, enjoying sailing, sharing my diving knowledge with my students or organising off-the-grid trips with my dive buddies.
Most memorable diving moment?
There were a few, but I am probably particularly fond of two. Number one dive was around the Big Brother Island in the Red Sea on the wreck of Numidia. Three-hour dive with Oceanic Whitetips, Hammerheads, Reef Sharks throughout the entire dive. Second most memorable dive was the expedition to the wreck of HMS Hermes off the Sri Lankan Coast - first liveaboard expedition to that wreck ever. It is an exceptionally well-preserved wreck with a fascinating history behind its distinguished service.
Favourite type of diving and why?
Deep vertical walls and unexplored wrecks are my favourite types of diving. I adore the solitude of silent diving and the thrill of seeing fantastic large pelagic creatures emerging from the depths. I treasure wrecks because they are full of history; researching it and diving on them is like a journey in time. Yet from time to time, I grab my favourite freediving or spearfishing kit and enjoy the purest forms of freediving.
Current favourite dive equipment and why?
I am a technical diver, so most of the time I am putting my AP Diving rebreather to fair use. I love spending as much time in the water as possible, and my rebreather allows me to do just that. I also dive with Shearwater computer as a backup. Other equipment - an excellent trilaminate drysuit with dry gloves, a pair of Jet fins, simple setup with a backplate, harness and a wing works the best. A sound umbilical lighting system is a must on deeper dives, so I have been using metalsub torches. I don't own one but love the new Garmin Descent Mk2i as it has so many applications in and out of the water.
Dive destination still on your Bucket list and why?
Top two would be the Galapagos Islands and Chuuk Lagoon no doubt. Galapagos for great big pelagic life. Truk Lagoon for amazing wrecks and the history behind them.
All time favourite marine creature & why?
Hmmm - too many of them, but I would say I find Humpback Whales fascinating for their beautiful singing as a form of communication. Another one would be the humble octopus - one of the smartest creatures and hunters in the sea.
Dan - Customer Service and Equipment Specialist
Logged dives & dive credentials?
1000+, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, PADI Tec 45 Diver – GUE
Fundamentals – Apeks/Aqualung Service Technician. BSc Marine Vertebrate Zoology.
Role at Mike's Dive Store?
Customer Support Advisor – self-proclaimed Apeks specialist.
Most memorable diving moment?
Too many to mention, from Octopus, stealing bolt snaps in the UK, running from Remora in Egypt to chilling on reefs with hawkbills on the Great Barrier Reef
Favourite type of diving and why?
Any diving with wildlife, Scottish Lochs to the Red Sea, the majestic underwater world never gets boring.
Current favourite dive equipment and why?
Anyone that knows me will tell you that I have gone through my fair share of different fins, Mares, Apeks RK3 (and HD’s), Turtles, and Hollis F1s. But in the end, I always come back to one set- My trusty Scubapro Jet Fins – nothing like wearing an old pair of slippers! These days, I wouldn’t be caught short without my Apeks MTXR-C regulators or Shearwater Perdix!
Dive destination still on your Bucket list and why?
As a scientist at heart, the Galapagos Islands are definitely on my to-do list! Scuba diving with Iguanas. Why not.
All-time favourite marine creature & why?
I am yet to come face to face with a Manatee, but being one chilled-out underwater creature, taking life at its own pace, it’s one animal I can.
Jo - Web Product Support
Dive credentials
I learnt to dive in 2018 and am currently a PADI Divemaster. Most of my diving has been done here in the UK, and I am now starting to explore the diving the rest of the world has to offer.
Role at Mike's Dive Store
Web Product Support - I help to make sure the latest dive gear is on the website for all to enjoy!
My most memorable diving moment
A stand-out dive moment was my first wreck dive in Egypt on the Millions Hope. I was descending down to a small section of wreckage, wondering why it was getting darker on such a sunny day. Until I looked up and realised it was the huge wreck casting a shadow. The size and scale of the wreck astounded me! All my previous wreck dives were UK wrecks where we don't always get the conditions for a sense of scale or size. So the Millions Hope wreck was quite the moment. One that has cemented my love for wreck diving.
My favourite type of diving
Growing up with a camera in my hands, and this has continued into my diving. So, a photography dive is always my favourite. A chance to focus on creatively capturing the beautiful underwater reefs, wrecks and marine life. Then showcasing them as encouragement for others to start exploring scuba diving themselves.
My current favourite dive equipment
I can be a bit fussy when it comes to the fit and comfort of my dive gear. A particular favourite of mine is the Fourth Element Proteus II 5mm wetsuit. Having such a wide range of sizes, including a 'short' range, meant I could find a wetsuit that fitted perfectly. It also has excellent thermal technology that keeps me warm in the Red Sea and in the UK summer months.
My other favourite is my small collection of prescription masks. Simply would not be able to see without them!
Dive destination - Bucket list
Oh, the bucket list is never-ending. But currently sitting at the top is Socorro Island. A chance to marvel at and photograph the big pelagic marine life there would be a dream.
All-time favourite marine creature
It has to be the Grey Seal. I've had several charming and playful dive encounters with the seals, and they never fail to put a smile on my face!
Daisy the Scuba Dog
Logged dives & dive credentials?
Truly free diving and snorkelling enthusiast!
Role at Mike's Dive Store?
Daisy is the supervisor in her own right and Showroom's mascot. But do not be deceived by her looks. The chief supervisor of our eco-council she is a sworn enemy of plastic bottles and dedicated to catching and binning every single one of them.
All-time favourite creature & why?
Fox and rabbit - the quicker they ran the better - she loves challenges.