Big Apple Divers x Evolution Scuba: WORKSHOP 2026
Level up your diving skills for 2026!
Once again, Big Apple Divers, in partnership with Evolution Scuba, is excited to offer a one-day diving ‘workshop’ on Saturday, April 18th, led by world-renowned instructor Ed Hayes.
Whether you are new to diving or a seasoned dive professional, this workshop - modeled after Evolution Scuba's $750 "Elements" course - is designed to enhance your comfort and confidence underwater. It is perfect for divers who:
Workshop Details:
Skills Covered:
Once again, Big Apple Divers, in partnership with Evolution Scuba, is excited to offer a one-day diving ‘workshop’ on Saturday, April 18th, led by world-renowned instructor Ed Hayes.
Whether you are new to diving or a seasoned dive professional, this workshop - modeled after Evolution Scuba's $750 "Elements" course - is designed to enhance your comfort and confidence underwater. It is perfect for divers who:
- Want to hone their buoyancy, trim & propulsion skills
- Are new to a backplate and wing or interested in trying this configuration
- Would like more focused instruction and tips for drysuit diving
- Are new to a double tanks or would like to try out a set of doubles
Workshop Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Location#1: Brownstone Adventure Park, 161 Brownstone Ave, Portland, CT 06480
- Location #2: Community Pool, 140 Wilderman's Way, Middletown, CT 06457
- Cost: $150 ( includes park & pool admission fee, lunch, beverages, snacks, and rental gear)
Skills Covered:
- Gear configuration and proper backplate and wing fitting (perfect if you have your own rig!)
- Surface water drills and efficient propulsion techniques
- Optimal weighting and trim adjustments
- Drysuit control and buoyancy
- Advanced in-water propulsion (frog kicks, back kicks, helicopter turns)
- Trim and buoyancy control
Gear Requirements:
- Backplate and wing (Backmount only - no sidemount, sorry!)
- Drysuit (preferred) or wetsuit (note: we will be working in a warm, indoor pool)
- Regulator, mask, fins
- Personal tanks (single or doubles, but doubles require use of a drysuit) Tanks are available, if needed
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of the above - Evolution Scuba can provide much of it - just note what equipment you need on the registration form!
Registration:
- Email workshop@bigappledivers.com to confirm availability.
- Fill out the registration form.
- Upon confirmation, send $150 via Zelle to treasurer@bigappledivers.com with "Evolution Workshop" in the memo.
Questions? Check out our FAQ below or reach out to us at workshop@bigappledivers.com
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn from a world-class team and take your diving skills to the next level - last year's workshop sold out in only a week, so reserve your spot today!
FAQ
- What if I don’t have all the equipment? You can still sign up! Note what you need in the registration form - Evolution Scuba has equipment you can use free of charge. Please bring your own mask!
- Can I rent a wetsuit from Evolution? No, they do not have wetsuits available.
- Is the style of training affiliated with any agency? No. The workshop is agency-agnostic and this training will help prepare you for any type of diving you wish to do, including technical diving.
- Can I dive with a jacket-style BC? No. The wing's placement on your back and the weight distribution of a backplate and wing system supports a more horizontal body position and is the main platform to the skills that we will cover in the workshop.
- Is there parking? Free parking is available on-site at Brownstone Adventure Park and at the pool
- Open to all? Absolutely! This workshop welcomes divers of all experience levels and environments - including warm and cold water divers alike!
- For more info on Ed Hayes, please click here.
