SCUBACHAT
Celebrate with Adelaide
BSAC ADELAIDE DIVERS CELEBRATED the club turning 50 in 2025 with a party. Joining in the celebrations were members of Mornington BSAC and BSAC National Diving Officer, Sophie Rennie. ANGELA COGMAN, BSAC Adelaide
Going the extra mile
LAST YEAR, TWO MEMBERS OF Whiston and Prescot Sub Aqua Club took on personal challenges and helped to raise funds for their club along the way. In July, Mark Jackson swam 10km at Salford Dock, the equivalent of a marathon in running. It was part of an organised race of 16 participants – MediaCityUKswim. He finished in four hours and three minutes, placing 12th. Mark started specifically training for this 12 weeks prior to the event using the 10k plan provided by Effortless Swimming. He found the step up in training quite tough initially, as his starting distances were around 3km, but after a week or so he got used to it, with training distances peaking around 6.5km.
In October, Amanda Richards walked the final 120km of the Camino De Santiago, starting in Sarria. She walked with some friends, finishing in Santiago five days later. The French route is considered to be an undulating trail, with much of it winding through forests and rural farming communities. In October the weather remained warm and dry. The scenery was beautiful, though the terrain challenging at times.
As always, the members, friends and family of WAPSAC stepped up and supported Mark and Amanda to spur them on during their challenges. We also sponsored them to raise funds to help the club finances, and we thank them for their continued support. AMANDA RICHARDS, Whiston and Prescot SAC
The Instructor tradition
AFTER 38 YEARS OF DIVING, AGE AND A replacement knee finally made me hang up my fins in the UK. It’ s hard to give up the sport I’ ve loved for so long, but having dived all over the world I can look back with fond memories. As an Advanced Diver and Advanced Instructor, I’ m grateful to the other instructors who got me there. I hope I’ ve repaid their expertise with the students that I then went on to teach. I wonder how many of them are still diving?
The BSAC ethic of unpaid voluntary instructors teaching the next generation of divers is unsurpassed. It is completely supported by people who enjoy instructing,
Swaying in style
HI, MY NAME’ S GABE AND I’ M KINDA obsessed with kelp! I am a BSAC Snorkelling Instructor and this is a huge part of my passion, snorkelling among and photographing kelp.
My obsession started on a trip to see the seals at Lundy Island. During a lull in the action I started looking around for other photographic subjects. It was at this point that I noticed the kelp flowing below me and decided to involve another of my passions, which is slow shutter photography. I love to show photos of things as I see them, so with the kelp flowing in the surge, it was only natural to photograph it in this way. Since this trip, I have sought to discover potential kelp beds that I can photograph. Thankfully, I get to spend a great deal of time on the Dorset coast and as such have discovered the wonders of Chesil Beach.
I have been fortunate enough to discover enjoy diving and protecting our ocean environment in the many different support groups that exist. That is dedication.
As Instructors, you all need a round of applause for the work you do, the patience you show but hopefully enjoying the reward of seeing your students progress. I must not forget the HQ cohort, without whose organisation, expertise and support it would not happen. The local club system provides a base for friendship and training and of course some brilliant dive trips and a lot of fun.
A big thank you to you all. HUGH SOUTH, Marlin SAC 2260
a large kelp bed at Chesil that has allowed me to continue with my project. Even in reasonably forgiving conditions, there is enough movement in the water to allow me to pursue my kelp in motion photography.
I feel fortunate to be a BSAC Snorkelling Instructor, it is my hope that as such, I can introduce a new generation to the wonders of this kelpy world... Gabe Henshaw
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