On the ‘New to Scuba Diving’ page of the BSAC website it states;
‘You probably have a lot of questions… Is scuba diving for me? How long does it take? Is it safe? Will I like it? How much does it cost? And probably many more. Learning to scuba dive will likely change your life. No, really! From the places you will go and the amazing marine life that you will see, to the wonderful new buddies you will meet’.
So, how do we get those people who show an interest in diving to a position where they know that diving is the activity that they want to be involved in, how long it takes, is it safe, will they like it and how much it costs?
Easy, the try dive or, as TSAC have named it, the HAG night.
Once the committee have decided on a date, a great deal of behind the scenes activity takes place. Invitations were sent out, the night had to be promoted, the training team needed organising, let alone trying to source enough equipment.
Finally, fourteen people were booked in and the TSAC machine, organised by and under the watchful eye of our Diving Officer, swung into action. Instructors and volunteers signed up to help, enough kit had been donated by club members, the pool and lecture room were booked, and we were ready to go.
The evening began with members meeting our trainees and introducing them to the team
involved and what they could expect from the try dive. The trainees then had a brief talk introducing BSAC, TSAC, explaining the evening’s activities and future training opportunities and most importantly, safety.
By this point everyone was desperate to get in the pool and dive, so a quick change and off to the pool.
Each try diver was introduced to the basics of diving and the equipment they will be using. We then helped everyone into the kit and explained the basics, breathing, equalising, swimming, and basic buoyancy control.
It’s really important that each try diver felt confident and comfortable, so an experienced diver enabled each try diver to move at their own pace. After practising in the shallow end, we began to move the try divers towards the deep end and gradually they became more confident and self reliant. After swimming round, we returned to the shallow end and were met with smiles and excitement. The after dive buzz in the pool was the sign of a successful try dive experience.
Each diver was debriefed and invited to join the club to begin their ocean diver training.
The evening finished with club members and try divers heading off to the John Alker for a few beers, a chat and some social time.
The try dive is a fabulous way for someone to see if they want to take up diving, it is also a great way for experienced divers to remind themselves about that first time dive buzz which can sometimes get lost over time.
Thanks to all the kit lenders, the helpers, the organisers and most importantly the try divers for making it a great night.
Now for next Wednesday and the remaining six!
