UK Diving
The club runs trips throughout the diving season.
It has visited the following locations over the past few years:
It has visited the following locations over the past few years:
Coastal locations
Swanage (Dorset)
A popular choice, the club usually visits Swanage at least once a year. This dive site is ideal for trainees. Diving under Swanage Pier is very accessible and convenient, while a short run out in the RIB to the Fleur de Lys or Old Harry (drift) are nearby alternatives. Many of our divers also make use of the charter boats that operate out of Swanage and take in the Kyarra, Betsy Anna, Aeolian Sky and Carantan.
The club usually stay in static caravan, which is about a 15min drive from Swanage Pier. At peak times of year, getting to the pier early in the morning is essential if you want to get parked on the pier itself rather than on the car park on the hill.
The club usually stay in static caravan, which is about a 15min drive from Swanage Pier. At peak times of year, getting to the pier early in the morning is essential if you want to get parked on the pier itself rather than on the car park on the hill.
Portland/Weymouth (Dorset)
Portland harbour has several interesting small wrecks which are easy to access in most weathers. Outside the harbour Portland Bill, Lulworth Banks and Durdle Door are frequently used for drift dives. On the west side of the Bill there are many deeper, larger wrecks such as the M2 submarine, the Landrail and the Salsette.
Plymouth (Devon)
Plymouth is an excellent area for wreck diving. Ancient volcanic pinnacles such as the Eddystone Rock, Hand Deeps and Hilsea Point Rocks provide scenic reefs.
RIB
One member generously allows the club to use "Whasss up!", his 7.2 m Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), on regular occasions for UK dive trips. This vessel is specifically designed for diving and can comfortably hold eight divers.
Inland sites
Gildenburgh, nr. Peterborough
This former quarry is where we conduct most of our open water skill lesson training. It has a maximum depth of 20m with many shallower training platforms. The assortment of sunken vehicles includes a double-decker bus, a curtain-sider lorry and a fighter jet. Shoals of roach and perch can make dives quite scenic and the odd solitary pike can sometimes be spotted.
Stoney Cove, Leicestershire
This was stone quarry which has flooded to a depth of 35m. It provides a good opportunity for increasing new divers' level of experience. It has 2 boat wrecks, a helicopter, an aircraft cockpit and a "hydrobox" to be explored.
Underwater Studio, Basildon
This warm pool has a depth of 6m and provides an opportunity for carrying out underwater exercises and playing mad games during the winter months.
