After several weeks of lectures and pool training it was time for our two Duke of Edinburgh members (Sarah and Amanda) to  do their first dives. Best laid plans and all that. What was supposed to be a weekend away at the coast was to be cancelled at the last minute due to our atrocious summer weather and my ear infection!

Well this is what flexible dive planning is all about so with me managing the day from the shore and both Sue and Annie stepping into the breach as instructors, off we went to Stoney Cove on Sat 14 July. There were even a couple of keen hangers on (Martin B and Richard).

Well there are some of you out there who probably think ‘What, Stoney for your first dive!!!!’. Well the sun was shining, the water was a balmy 15 deg C (good job as the girls were in borrowed wetsuits) and they thoroughly enjoyed the whole day.

 
                Look I got in the wetsuit!                               Dive Briefing

All drills for Ocean Diver 1 and 2 skills were taught and completed, many tame fish were seen along with not so tame divers getting in the way. You know the score, one dive leader and four or five students floundering all over the place trying to follow.

                More briefings                                    Back up safe and sound

So all in all a successful day for both students and instructors.

By Andy McKay 17/07/07