One more sleep until LIDS

The London International Dive Show kicks off tomorrow morning at the ExCel Centre, Docklands.

Final preparations are underway as exhibitors – dive gear manufacturers, travel outfits, and more – erect their stands.

2012’s show promises the usual host of keynote speakers. Organiser Diver Group has enlisted some serious talent for this one.

If you missed Ben Fogle’s recent TV adventure diving with crocodiles, there’s a chance to meet BBC cameraman Mike Pitts and producer Ingrid Kvale. The duo were responsible for the amazing, never-before-seen footage of crocs lurking on riverbeds.

Mike and Ingrid will talk at 12.45 on Saturday 31st March.

Freediver Fred Buyle will be detailing his time underwater with great white sharks on the Sunday (April 1^st.)

Other BBC stalwarts Monty Halls and Paul Rose will also take to the stage.

Look out also for photographer Alex Mustard, tech instructor Mark Powell, and Rory Golden who will talk about diving to RMS Titanic, no less.

It might also be worth popping to the ExCel Centre if you’re after some new gear. Aqua Lung will be there with the revised Legend series, and 2012 looks set to be the year of the rebreather with Hollis, VR Tech and more in attendance.

Elsewhere at LIDS this year, the PhotoZone will have a permanent rolling roster of talks to help you get more from underwater photography.

Adult LIDS tickets are available to order online now priced £11.50, with accompanied under-14s able to visit free. See you there…