Anglesey – first sea dives
To kick start the season and get a few sea dives in for new ocean divers (before their trip to Fuerteventura) we decided to head to Anglesey and dive the Norman Court, an ‘easy’ dive for first time sea dives.
Two days before and a weather check the west side of Anglesey was blown out. We decided to swap to launching out of Amlwch and aim for the shelter of the rugged cliffs in that area..
The drive over looked ominous with Liverpool Bay showing signs of restlessness, however, as we neared Anglesey the sea became calmer under the shelter of the island. Upon reaching Amlwch the diving conditions looked perfect so we launched the boat and set up the equipment ready to dive.
Our first dive site was a ten minute ride East to Porth Ychain, just round the corner from last years shore dive at Llaneilian. With a depth of 9 meters the small sheltered bay was ideal so the three pairs set up and prepared to enter. Mark buddied George who was trying out his new dry suit, they entered first and as they descended Alf and Lauren prepared for her first dive. A few nerves but in they went allowing Jack and I to get ready. We waited for Lauren and Alf but they couldn’t sort her weighting so they reboarded without diving. It was time for Jack and I to enter and after a roll backwards we did a buoyancy check by the shot line. This succeeded and down we went for a 35 minute dive with a good controlled ascent and safety stop, Jack had done his first sea dive.
The second dive was in the opposite direction at Pwll y Tarw. Once again flat calm and great shelter with a n almost glassy surface. The same order for dives. A little more weight for George. Lauren with weights sorted slid under the surface with Alf and we followed on for Jack’s second sea dive. Another 30 minute dive and a calm and controlled ascent.
The dives were perfect for first sea dives, reasonably shallow, little movement, and good visibility. We saw a few marine animals and fortunately a lobster. Not necessarily the best dives ever but for two new club members their first successful sea dives.
Congratulations to Jack and Lauren and thanks to all involved for a good day out.
