Try-dives, every Wednesday at Llanishen Pool.
We bet not many people associate Llanishen Leisure Centre with scuba diving, but it’s been the home of Cardiff BSAC – the local diving club – for several years now. Every Wednesday scuba enthusiasts of all ages, and all levels of experience, get together to practice their scuba skills in the pool.
Cardiff BSAC – a volunteer run club
Cardiff BSAC is the local arm of BSAC, which stands for British Sub Aqua Club. It’s a world leading organisation with about 180 affiliated clubs in 25 countries.
The local Cardiff branch is run entirely by volunteers who like nothing better than to share their love of the sport with others.
Try-dives every Wednesday – give it a go!
Every Wednesday, they offer anyone interested in having a go at scuba diving the chance to have a try-dive for just £25 per session. Each try-diver is partnered up with a fully qualified instructor and taught the basics of scuba diving, from preparing kit to safety procedures. And, of course, they get the chance to dive in and swim underwater. All kit is provided, so all the try-diver needs to bring along is a swimming costume and an old T shirt.
It’s for everyone
Club President, Bill Trezise, is proud of how try-dives have helped introduce so many new divers from so many different backgrounds to the joys of scuba diving: “It really has been a delight. We’ve had everybody from young cub scout groups and teenagers to more mature ladies and gentlemen looking for a new hobby and the chance to make new friends,” said Bill.
Wrecks and wildlife to be explored
Training Officer, Steve Lloyd agrees: “Try dives are a great way to test the water first, to see if scuba diving is for you. But what is really rewarding for me as Training Officer, is when try-divers go on to start the Ocean Divers course, which is BSAC’s beginners’ course. Being a qualified Ocean Diver means you can start to go on shore dives, quarry dives and boat dives and experience the thrill of exploring wrecks and wildlife underwater. And with so many qualified divers around you, with decades of experience in the tank, you get all the advice and mentoring support you need to progress onto BSAC’s more advanced courses. That’s the beauty of being part of a club. Everyone’s there to help.”
The fun of being part of a club
But Cardiff BSAC isn’t all about training, courses and learning. It’s also about socializing and having fun. “Too right,” says Bill. “We are not just here to develop the next Jacques Cousteau. We also want to enjoy our scuba diving. We have our own RIB boat, so we organise regular diving trips around the UK. We have trips to diving centres around Europe. In fact, we are off to Lanzarote in September. And our calendar is full of fun social get-togethers.”
For more information on try-dives and courses, email: [email protected]
