Wight Dolphins opened up one of their regular Try Dive sessions at West Wight Sports Centre to Island Echo, offering a first-hand experience of breathing beneath the surface.
At the end of January, on a wet and windy Saturday afternoon, Island Echo headed to West Wight Sports Centre, where several Wight Dolphins sessions are held throughout the year.
On arrival, members including Richard Buxton welcomed a small group of eager try-divers. The session began with a safety briefing outlining how the afternoon would unfold and the key principles of safe diving.
Once changed and poolside, it was time to kit up with goggles, flippers and cylinders before entering the water.
Instructor Alex delivered a further briefing in the pool, explaining each piece of equipment and how it should be used. Under close supervision, participants were guided through the basics, including breathing through the regulator and adjusting to the unfamiliar sensation of breathing underwater.
As the session progressed, try-divers practised essential safety skills such as clearing a mask filled with water and safely recovering and refitting a dislodged mouthpiece.
After leaving the pool and returning the equipment, the group took part in a debrief before being presented with a certificate and an information pamphlet.
Wight Dolphins currently has around 50 members who regularly take part in beach and boat dives around the Isle of Wight. Members also travel further afield for organised trips abroad.
Beyond diving, the club participates in regular beach and sea cleans across the Isle of Wight.
When conditions are unsuitable for sea dives, training continues indoors throughout the year. A team of 16 instructors supports members in maintaining and developing their skills. Once qualified and signed up as members, a fee of £15 per month allows continued diving and training. Members also benefit from free cylinder refills, and there is a strong second-hand market for equipment to help reduce initial costs.
More information can be found at www.wightdolphins.com or by emailing [email protected].
Thanks very much to Wight Dolphins for having me!
