Welcome
This issue looks to autumn and beyond , a time when some divers and operators are closing shop until spring , though many of us find a way to stay in the game . A lot of us will simply keep on diving , though the ambition and frequency of our endeavours will lessen . Those of us who are fortunate to live by the sea will be able to pick and choose when to reach for the dive kit ; the rest must rely on good luck , or the cool embrace of the inland lakes .
Of course , there ’ s always travel . At SCUBA , we are aware that not every UK-based diver wants to travel abroad , whether it be a question of personal taste or for economic pragmatism . All the same , our travel partners are a crucial part of the diving industry . I believe the freedom to travel is a powerful motivator among many clubs , even those with a record of prolific UK diving . Our annual trip to the Red Sea or Malta is seen by many as the payoff for a year of training or organising , a blue water treat to remind us that diving is all about variety .
At the height of the pandemic , I ceased all travel coverage in SCUBA ; clearly the resurgence of diving was going to start at home , so we focussed on club activity and the return to shore diving . Now , we are facing a new challenge in the form of the cost of living crisis . At the time of writing , it simply wasn ’ t clear how many of us – especially families – could be expected to keep up with rising costs and the hike in power bills .
Travel is back on the agenda , but I want to ensure SCUBA ’ s readers receive information about value diving destinations as well as some of the more distant hotspots . There ’ s no such thing as ‘ cheap ’ dive travel any more – but as we head towards winter I want to highlight ways in which we can keep diving , at home and abroad .
With that in mind , I hope you enjoy this issue and in particular our Travel Special , which focusses on the Canary Islands [ see pages 49-58 ]. This autonomous region of Spain is on a par with Egypt as a reliable destination for winter diving in the sub- £ 1,000 bracket . Sometimes there are even better bargains to be found , that is when the airlines aren ’ t busy cancelling our flights . What do you think of Canarian diving ? Drop me a line and we ’ ll publish your letters .
Simon Rogerson – Editor simon @ scubamagazine . co . uk
Cover photo : Anemone wall and rebreather diver at The Burroo , Isle of Man , by Simon Rogerson
Missed an issue ?
Visit www . joom . ag / RKQI to view or download our collection of SCUBA back issues
3