Have you ever felt inspired to explore the environment beyond the Manx coast line?
Because if you have, you can take the plunge courtesy of the Isle of Man Sub Aqua Club.
The club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary a few years ago, is starting its latest training programme by offering try dives as a taster for anyone curious to try out the sport in the safe environment of a swimming pool.
Club chairman Clive Bush said: ‘We are so lucky in the Isle of Man because we have such a great variety of dive sites easily accessible, from from wreck dives to scenic dives, shore dives and dives further afield using one of the club’s two ribs.’
The club is hoping to attract not just people who have not dived before but also anyone interested in taking the sport up again after a lay-off, perhaps having trained abroad on holiday and now wanting a refresher course.
Clive added: ‘I think people would be surprised at the variety of wild life in the water here, such as seals and basking sharks and much more. I’ve dived in the Med and for sheer variety of marine life I think the Isle of Man is better.’
The try dives take place at King William’s College swimming pool on December 1 and 15 and all equipment will be provided. The 2014 training programme starts early in the new year for anyone inspired to take it further and a basic diving qualification should be obtainable by the spring. Formal training starts off with pool sessions when students work with instructors to become familiar with equipment and safety procedures and practise basic skills before venturing out to some of the more sheltered open water dive sites. The club is also intending to start snorkelling training for children in the new year.
For more information about try dives or any other training, contact clive-bush@manx.net or call 464218, or paulleneghan@manx.net call 495931.