Beware the tides of March
Kirsty Andrews considers the challenges presented to divers in early spring , the traditional time we unleash trainee divers on open water
KIRSTYANDREWS
MARCH CAN BE AN INHOSPITABLE month for UK diving , even for those of us who like to dive all year round . The water has been chilling slowly but surely over the winter and tends to be at its coldest in March ; often closely matched by the air temperature . Only the hardiest diver is tempted to submerge .
We all have our ways of managing the cold . It might be prudent to aim for a slightly shorter dive time to minimise chances of hypothermia ; I don ’ t usually follow this tip myself but I am mellowing as I get older . Some divers recommend keeping a spare hood and gloves dry and ready for a second dive . Another option is to have a bucket of hot water on hand to heat up that gear before putting it on .
Many a lengthy discussion has been had as to the merits of dry gloves , thick neoprene or three finger mitts ( I swear by the latter ). There has been a surge in popularity recently of warm waterproof robes , which can be a real benefit on a windy RIB or for the surface cover team . This year I have regularly been seen in mine and I ’ m also loving my 7mm hood to keep my brain cells at a functioning temperature throughout winter and spring .
I especially feel for trainee divers at this time of year . Any cold is compounded by illfitting leaky rental drysuits and borrowed or hired unfamiliar kit , which may be difficult to operate with numb fingers . Mask clearing drills in particular are more fearsome than ever with the threat of brain freeze from icy waters . [ My top tip for this is to splash cold water on your face before you get in - then it ’ s less of a shock when your face is exposed for a second time .]
The instructors have probably spent years fine-tuning their optimal preferred combinations of base layers and postdive warm-up routine . They are also at an advantage , as their experience tells them that conditions are not always so tricky and that diving doesn ’ t always come with the threat of an ice-cream headache . More seasoned club members may speak of the enticements of warm summer waters , but to newbies , these delights seem purely theoretical at this point . If , reading this , you are one of those beginning your diving journey , then take heart , you ’ ve proved your worth and easier times will come . Even if the cold has proved too much of a trial at first , don ’ t be disheartened ; give it another go when the environment is more conducive to success .
Is it unnecessarily cruel to conduct training in March when the learning experience is toughest ? Perhaps , but there is a logic there ; divers who qualify in spring can enjoy some fun trips in summer months and progress their experience with the club . British-trained divers have a good reputation around the world for solid reliability ; skills honed in single-figure temperatures become a breeze to perform in warm clear seas .
I do feel though that learning to dive shouldn ’ t be an endurance test . On balance , we shouldn ’ t make our novices experience the most difficult conditions before they get to enjoy the best . I suspect most clubs ’ training regimens will be disrupted this year with the unavailability of swimming pools and difficult distancing restrictions , so one upside may be a later and milder start for this year ’ s trainees . �
Kirsty ( centre ) at Loch Duich with fellow underwater photographers ( l-r ) Rob Bailey , Charles Erb and Trevor Rees
23