Kernow Fest racks up 300 dives
TWO HUNDRED DIVERS FROM 15 different BSAC clubs descended on Cornwall to take part in this year’ s Kernow Dive Festival.
The festival took place on World Oceans Day in June, with 10 RIBs completing a collective 300 dives over the weekend. As well as being an annual celebration of all things scuba, Kernow also raises funds for the recompression chamber at DDRC Healthcare in Plymouth. This year, £ 8,550 was raised, bringing the running total raised by Kernow to £ 69,760.
Organised by the Kernow Federation of Dive Clubs, the festival is supported by a host of sponsors, who donate raffle prizes for the festival’ s Saturday night barbecue.
Festival Dive Manager Luke Bullus said the 2025 weekend was a fantastic success.“ Everyone went above and beyond to make it such a great weekend. All I saw on the slipway over the weekend were smiles
from people coming off boats. With reefs and wrecks ranging from 15m to 55m, everyone got what they wanted!”
BSAC’ s newly elected Chair Andy Shenstone, who attended Kernow Dive Festival 2025 with his club Vale Royal SAC, thanked everyone who helped in its organisation.
“ The Kernow Festival relies upon a large number of deeply committed volunteers who give their time freely to organise one of the most fun but also important dive festivals of the calendar. By raising money for the DDRC- this year a record breaking £ 8,550- this should be a key event for any diver’ s calendar because you are directly contributing to supporting a vital safety resource and get to enjoy some great diving at the same time.”
The Kernow Dive Festival will return on 5-7 June next year. For a full report on the 2025 festival, go to bsac. com / kernow2025
New Coach for West Midlands region
DEBBIE ROBERTS HAS BEEN welcomed as the new BSAC Regional Coach for the West Midlands region.
An active diver as well as club and regional team instructor, Debbie has worked closely with the West Midlands Regional Team for more than three years.
On taking up her new Regional Coaching role, Debbie said she was looking forward to supporting clubs in the West Midlands to build a‘ stronger, more robust, supportive region’.
“ I have been fortunate enough to inherit an excellent, dedicated team and we all look forward to meeting our branch members on upcoming events,” Debbie said.“ The regional team is here to support you so don’ t be afraid to get in touch! We are also always on the lookout for new instructors to join the team.”
Speaking on Debbie’ s appointment, Julia Branagan, BSAC Diving and Training Advisor, said she was taking on a very busy BSAC region.
“ Debbie will be supporting some very active clubs and members who have extensive knowledge and experience. We wish her every success in the Regional Coach role.”
BSAC also thanked Bob Huyton, who is vacating the West Midlands Regional Coach position after three years in the role.
For more information on the Regional Coaching Scheme in your area or to contact your Regional Coach, go to bsac. com / coaching
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