it . This gives you time to fix or replace it , so you ’ re not starting back with sub-optimal equipment , which can just make that initial dive anything from less pleasant to downright dangerous .
Plan for the win
For your first dive you don ’ t need to dial it back to absolute basics , but consider dropping down the intensity a few notches from where you left off . Even after over 30 years of diving , if I jump back after a few months off I still need a shakedown dive before everything feels natural again . If a snorkel was rewardingly challenging at the end of last season , it may prove overwhelming after a long break . Choose a site and a plan that allows you to test your kit and drills and confirm where you are before progressing .
Site selection
We all have our favourite sites – there ’ s definitely merit in choosing a place you ’ re familiar with for the first trip back . Also , consider if things may have changed over winter . For British seas , it is the most highenergy time , with storms creating a huge amount of movement and impact in the waters . This is felt especially in the shallower areas and those adjacent to the land – exactly the areas frequented by snorkellers . Wrecks may have collapsed ; sea caves may have become choked and more restricted ; sand and gravel banks may have moved ; the underwater topography of rivers may have shifted after months of flooding . If you ’ re the first diver on these sites after winter , there may be no other way of knowing other than jumping in to investigate . Just be aware ; and if things have changed let others know .
Buddies 4 life ?
Life changes and people move on . I ’ ve heard all sorts of reasons people stop , or take a prolonged break from the water ... but I tend to see the largest amount occur after winter . They stop , as many do , around November , and by April they ’ ve lost the motivation to get back in the water . All too often , this cycle of ‘ April abandonment ’ comes when someone ’ s club life starts to cool , perhaps they stop attending when they ’ re not going diving or snorkelling . I believe the social side and encouragement of a club over winter can help people feel like they ’ re still in the game . So the transition to a return to the water somehow feels more natural .
UKDIVING
Combining careful site selection with pro level brooding
Nevertheless , you may still find yourself bereft of a buddy . This is where the club system should come to the rescue . Your next mission is to identify and encourage your fellow club divers to come and join you . Challenge yourself and try and get one of your club ’ s hard-core technical divers to come snorkelling . I ’ m known for my technical and cave diving , but I love snorkelling as the antithesis to all the huge amounts of kit , logistics and deco time involved . Your prospective buddy may find they love it too . �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac . com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club ? Find out more at bsac . com / snorkellinginstructor
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