New Regional Coaches for Ireland and North West England
BSAC HAS WELCOMED TWO NEW FACES to the Regional Coaching team – the new North West Regional Coach , Stephen Dorricott , and the new Ireland Regional Coach , Aoife Lynch-Hughes .
Currently Chair of Southport BSAC , Stephen has taken over the North West Regional Coach position from Sam Clarke . Meanwhile , BSAC Instructor Trainer Aoife steps into the role of Ireland Regional Coach , taking over from Gerard Hughes .
Bringing a host of skills and experience , both Stephen and Aoife will now work with their regional teams to provide the support and training opportunities the Coaching Scheme offers to all BSAC clubs and members .
BSAC ’ s Coaching Coordinator , Julia Branagan , welcomed the two new additions to the coaching team .
“ I ’ d like to thank the outgoing Regional Coaches , Sam Clarke and Gerard Hughes , who have worked so tirelessly to support the clubs within their regions . Both Stephen and Aoife will continue to build on this work , and I ’ m delighted to welcome them onboard .”
The Regional Coaching Scheme covers 14 geographical regions in the UK , as well as a Regional Coach for northern Europe . For more information go to bsac . com / coaching
Stephen Dorricott , North West Region Coach
northwest . coach @ bsac . com
“ My aims are to network with as many clubs as possible , get clubs working with each other and sharing resources , to help clubs to use regional resources to grow their own club membership , and to facilitate the courses which are required . I ’ m looking forward to meeting as many clubs as I can .”
Aoife Lynch-Hughes , Ireland Region Coach
irl . coach @ bsac . com
“ I feel very lucky to be taking over the post at a time during which our main goal is to grow our members in the region . I look forward to running plenty of events and offering branch support and collaboration projects as much as possible .”
Weezle offer for members
WEEZLE IS OFFERING BSAC MEMBERS AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on its award-winning range , with 12 % off all undersuits and 10 % off Weezle wear until July .
Weezle ’ s undersuits are the perfect choice for drysuit divers to stay toasty warm . The company specialises in thermal protection for the discerning diver , and proudly hand make their products in the UK .
Husband and wife team Hilary and Paul have been diving since Paul cajoled Hilary into trying the sport in 1990 . They both dive and train all year round , taking delight in testing their own products .
Along with their undersuits , Weezle ’ s range includes base layers , kit bags , boot / hood liners and socks , as well coats , sleeping bags , equestrian and sportswear .
To enjoy this exclusive offer , place your order direct to Weezle via email to sales @ weezle . co . uk with your BSAC membership details . Offer is valid until 31 July 2023 .
To view the full Weezle range go to www . weezle . co . uk
Snorkel with
Sophie
BSAC ’ s Head of Snorkelling , Sophie Rennie , reports on a new course
WHILE ANDY TORBET ’ S ARTICLES on snorkelling have given us some great ideas of what to take and where to go over the winter months , BSAC has not been standing still .
Our latest course , Snorkel Guide , is nearing completion with two pilot courses successfully run during 2022 in the Scottish Highlands and Anglesey . This course is really for those who are in the business of getting snorkellers to help them carry out projects , such as the increasingly successful and popular sea wilding activities , as it encompasses all aspects of planning , managing and executing snorkel activities in tidal open water . There is no requirement to be an instructor ; the course is tailored to the students and whatever prior experience they bring to the table .
The first pilot took place at Loch Craignish , where I was given a lesson on the work of Seawilding , seawilding . org Just check out these stats . Some 300,000 seagrass seeds have been planted . Seagrass beds make up 0.4 % of the area of Loch Craignish but host 68 % of its biodiversity . Since spring 2021 there have been 164 volunteer hours , 488 event and education participants and 123 overnight stays , and all run by six people at the Seawilding Centre , who I had the pleasure to train .
So , if you fancy going to one of the most beautiful places in the UK , head on up to Loch Craignish , get in touch with the seawilders and don ’ t forget to pack your snorkel gear and a thick wetsuit – as it can be pretty chilly up there ! Snorkel guide courses take five days . For more information contact BSAC HQ .
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