Sophie
My PADI Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response (EFR) qualification cards arrived in the post. I have been busy at Andark over the past couple of weeks; I’ve dived at Vobster Quay and seen Perch, helped with Group Try Dives, Scuba Parties and Aquanauts in the pool, assisted with PADI Open Water Courses at Andark Lake, experienced the HUET, and explored Portland Harbour and witnessed fascinating marine life. It’s hard work but lots of fun! I found the PADI Open Water Course most rewarding; it was great to see students who were nervous at first really progress over the four day course and become PADI qualified divers.
I’m looking forward to Women’s Dive Day on Saturday 16th July at Andark Lake – it will be a great day with a treasure hunt, underwater photography, talks from female diving professionals and prizes to be won, plus lots of freebies
Michael
In the past week I’ve been busy doing lots of different activities around Andark. I’ve been keeping the kit room tidy and organised- which makes kitting up and loading the van a lot easier and faster! I’ve also spent some time weeding the lake; collecting lots of blanket weed and helping to keep it clear for divers to enjoy. On Monday I helped out with a SCUBA Refresher for the first time, going through the main skills in the pool with divers who haven’t been diving for a while. The SCUBA Refresher was good fun and it was nice to be getting people prepared for diving again after they’ve spent some time out of the water. Throughout the week I also helped out with some group try-dives and SCUBA parties, which are always good fun- it’s great to see people enjoying SCUBA diving, often for the first time. The highlight of my week was a dive trip in Portland Harbour- where I went RIB diving for the first time. I did a wreck dive on The Countess of Erne and a drift dive in Balaclava Bay. Both were really enjoyable and there was plenty to see; both marine life and the wreck, which sank in 1935. Overall it’s been a great week and I’ve learnt a lot!