Blackwater trainees finally step forward into another world
With lectures completed and snorkelling tests signed off, Blackwater Instructors, club divers and trainees headed for Oysterhaven last Friday and Saturday to commence their first open water dive. “The feeling of weightlessness as if you are flying, freed from gravity and realising that you resemble more of an astronaut who is exploring a whole new planet!”
Training Officers Mike Reidy and Dick Vaughan congratulated all nine trainees for all their hard work and began with a dive brief on how the evening was to progress. Finally, with a forward step without hesitation, trainees now became divers and realised what all the diving fuss was about. Even though the visibility was about 2 metres, demonstration of compass work, buoyancy, hand signals and settling themselves proved most valuable. There was plenty to see, Dogfish, large Spider Crabs, Flounder and shoals of marine life going about their business. Many thanks to Ken Barry for shore marshalling and keeping logs of all activity. Dominik and Arthur for underwater camera footage and a decent cup of Barry’s tea!
A lot of planning for weekends away with Diving Officer Catriona Patton booking 18 divers for the South West Dive Rally in Cahersiveen for May 20th to 22nd where our new members who will be qualified as 1* will experience Skellig Michael from the deep blue. Peter Cooling has planned going further up west to Kilkee June 24th to 26th so everyone is really looking forward to a different setting. Then in July 22nd to 25th, off we go camping to Slade Harbour for the South East Dive Rally which is always a favourite in the diving community.
Congratulations from all the club to our new members and looking forward to an exciting season ahead.