User:Neilzone

Neilzone is my online alias - I'm Neil L from Windsor, Berkshire (UK).

About Me

I was born in Ascot in October 1985, and live in Windsor with my parents during holidays, Val and Phil, and sister Justine; currently I'm going out with the lovely Lauren, a housemate from Southampton University :-)

Online Content

Website

My website collects together all my online content - it includes stories, swimming teaching information and more - http://neilzone.me.uk/

Flickr

I use Flickr to store most of my photos online - http://flickr.com/photos/neilzone

Google Video

As Flickr doesn't do videos, I turned to the ever giving Google - http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=neilzone

Blog

It would be rude not to have a blog, although I mainly used mine to share photos before I found Flickr - http://neilzone.blogspot.com

Hobbies and Interests

Lifesaving

James and I approaching the pontoon at Dorney Lake

I have been a member of Old Windsor Lifeguard Club since 1999 and have worked my way up through the various RLSS qualifications including Lifesupport Levels 1-3, Bronze Medallion, Award of Merit and NPLQ.

I have also been involved in a large amount of voluntary work through the club covering a variety of open water events such as the Windsor Triathlon, Henley Traditional Boat Ralley and many at Dorney Lake.

Being part of the OWLC Online team I also design and update the club website on a regular basis.

Swimming Teaching

Having had swimming lessons for many years, I decided to take up Swimming Teaching and passed the ASA Level 1 Teacher's certificate when I was 16 back in February 2002. Shortly after this I started teaching people of all ages and abilities from 5-year-olds through to adults at Windsor Leisure Centre.

In July 2004 I passed the ASA Level 2 Teacher Qualification and currently work at the University Sports Centre during term time. I am currently working towards the RLSS Assistant Teacher Qualification which will help me continue teaching Rookie and Advanced Lifesaving technique accurately.

I have compiled more information on my website - http://neilzone.me.uk/swim

Powerboating

Help 4 Joy at the Thorpe Park launch event

I have RYA Level 1 and Level 2 powerboat certificates which were taken to enable me to help cover OWLC patrols.

There are regular opportunities to practice these skills at many locations in the local area.

Sailing

Looking towards the bow of my Uncle's boat

My uncle has a 21 foot sailing boat which is regularly used throughout the season.

At the end of 2004 I passed the RYA Dayskipper course which proved to be very useful throughout 2005.

We accomplished several long passages including a single journey around the Isle of Wight, and a trip from Chichester to Torquay and back within a week.

Music

I have had organ lessons of both the pipe and electronic varieties and enjoy playing both very much. I reached Yamaha Grade 6 before my teacher left for Australia, and continued on a different ISMA system to obtain Grade 7.

Theme Parks

The final inline twists on Colossus at Thorpe Park

Going fast and getting turned upside-down as much as possible is also very enjoyable for me. Thorpe Park is my local, and I generally visit several times during the holidays.

Skiing

My early attempts at skiing

Last year I went to France for a skiing holiday with my uni housemates and thoroughly enjoyed it - the sheer excitement and speed was incredible and I can't wait to go again.

Flying

A nice aerial view

One of Dad's friends took us flying and whetted my appetite to learn to fly light aircraft. I would also really like to go skydiving!