Bicester ’ s double whammy
WITH THE EASING OF LOCKDOWN restrictions allowing group exercise indoors , many BSAC clubs are returning to their pool training sessions , with some clubs kickstarting their Ocean Diver training .
And for one club – Bicester SAC – a return to the pool became a celebration doublewhammy as they also launched their new club website on the same day .
The Oxfordshire-based club decided to hit the ground running with its new Ocean Diver training on 1 June by releasing their new-look website at the same time . The day gave the club a much-needed boost after the enforced break in training . Biscester ’ s Chair , ‘ Sharky ’ Ward said returning to the pool and launching the website marked the start of a return to club life .
“ It was great to see some familiar faces and some new ones after such a long time apart and get back to what the club is all about - diving ! To mark the occasion , we also gave away some BSAC merchandise and celebrated with a cup of tea and cake
!” www . bicester-divers . org
While it is now possible for many clubs
Maria ’ s compact snap
to safely re-instigate their pool time , BSAC is aware that for some , access to their pool remains an issue . Some authorities are delaying re-opening their pools , or have not yet opened for community groups to use their pool facilities .
To support clubs who may be experiencing challenges with returning to their swimming pool sessions for training and branch activities , BSAC has compiled an up-to-date information and guidance resource on the website .
With many pools , local authorities or facilities management may still be cautious about reopening such facilities , and require clubs to demonstrate Covid-safe planning and precautions . BSAC has also produced a ‘ local authority confirmation ’ letter which clubs can use in their pool access negotiations , as well as an updated risk assessment to ensure all the appropriate measures are in place .
THE UK ’ S FIRST UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO DEDICATED TO HELPING COMPACT camera users has just opened in Swanage , Dorset .
Run by award-winning author and underwater photographer Maria Munn , the Ocean Studio offers a range of courses lasting from one hour to a full day that can benefit all levels of compact camera users . Course subjects currently on offer include getting off auto , understanding lighting techniques and getting the most out of your strobe . Group courses for clubs are also available , with plans for diving sessions also in the pipeline .
Author of two books , Underwater Photography for Compact Camera Users and Get Creative with Your Compact Camera , Maria opened the Ocean Studio to support beginners and amateur compact camera enthusiasts to get the most out of their compact cameras .
“ I wanted to create a welcoming space for snorkellers and divers that could inspire beginners on what they can achieve with a compact camera , as well as ensuring there is a strong focus on marine conservation throughout ,” she explained .
“ Swanage is a popular visitor destination for divers ,” Maria said . “ It is surrounded by many sheltered , shallow sites which are ideal for beginners to learn and develop their underwater photography skills .” For more information go to www . theoceanstudio . com
Benefit of the Month
Northern Diver
AFTER THE LOCKDOWN LAY-OFF FROM the water , getting back into BSAC club diving is a wonderful way to make the most of what will hopefully be a long , hot summer . And to celebrate , why not treat yourself to some shiny new dive gear by making the most of your member discount with BSAC kit partner , Northern Diver .
A stalwart of the UK diving scene for over 40 years , Northern Diver is offering all BSAC members a handy 10 % off everything in their sport diving range * [* offer excludes cylinders and sales items ].
From their popular drysuits and wetsuits to torches , reels , undersuits and dive bags , Northern Diver has everything you need to enjoy the aquatic life this summer … and all year round .
You may just want to replace or update your existing kit and replenish your dive trip spares or perhaps you fancy treating yourself to a brand new drysuit . You may even just be starting out on your BSAC diving adventure and are looking to stock up on your own diving kit .
Whatever your new dive kit needs , as a BSAC member you can save while shopping with one of the UK ’ s leading diving equipment retailers .
To claim your BSAC member exclusive Northern Diver discount , simply contact the team — by phone (+ 44 ( 0 ) 1257 25 44 44 ), email
( cara @ ndiver . com ) or in-store — with your membership details to receive a discount code for use on their online store .
Did you know ….
As a BSAC member , you can access more exclusive offers like this . Shopping with our current BSAC benefit partners means you could save your BSAC annual membership , several times over !
From scuba gear , diving holidays and diver insurance , to everyday purchases on food , online shopping and retail with BSAC Plus – check out our full range of BSAC member discounts today .
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