Following on from his article on safety in cold water , Andy Torbet offers advice on site selection in the winter season
TORBET ON THE TUBE
PHOTO : DAAN VERHOEVEN
A settled period in winter will generate good viz
The winter wanderer
Following on from his article on safety in cold water , Andy Torbet offers advice on site selection in the winter season
PHOTO : DAAN VERHOEVEN
In January ’ s Torbet on the Tube , I highlighted some of the potential problems of snorkelling in cold water . It ’ s always best to understand the risks so we can try to mitigate or avoid them , or at least spot the warning signs . However , this was intended to prepare you to safely head forth out into winter , snorkel in hand , rather than dissuade you . Winter snorkelling can be rewarding , if you know where to go . I have some favourite sites but since BSAC ’ s membership is spread across the far reaches of Britain ( and beyond ) we ’ ll discuss more general location considerations you can apply to a site near you .
Rivers
In winter the increased rainfall creates powerful and dangerous conditions in our rivers . However , we are all aware of the fickle nature of British weather and the occasional cold , dry snap can freeze the smaller tributaries that feed major rivers and actually decrease the flow . This creates the same sedate , clear conditions you might experience in summer , albeit a good 15-20 degrees cooler .
Alternatively , the more likely rise in water levels can allow snorkelling in shallow rivers and streams that would normally be too low to dive . A word of caution – knowing the state of the river , any downstream hazards and having a solid plan of where you get in and , more importantly , get out , along with ‘ bail-out ’ exit options is essential when snorkelling in a river .
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