Wight Dolphins 807, the Isle of Wight’s only British Sub Aqua Club, is celebrating its 50th anniversary today (Wednesday).
Formed on 24th September 1975 with just 12 members, the club has grown steadily to around 50 active members, perfectly matching this milestone year.
Its origins trace back to a Sports For All weekend, where Brian Paddock and Dave Woodford discovered a stand featuring underwater photography of the Isle of Wight. Ernie Howard was taking names of those interested in forming a BSAC club on the island, and Wight Dolphins was born.
The first pool session took place at Brambles Chine holiday camp on 10th October 1975, with the club formally named at its first committee meeting in February 1976. Wight Dolphins has always been a friendly, family-oriented club. Brian Paddock remains actively involved, and his son Gary joined the snorkelling section at age 11 and has served as the club’s Diving Officer for the last 16 years.
Current chairperson Chris Marsh joined in 2001 and is progressing through advanced instructor qualifications. Previous chair Paul Downes, who joined in 2007, is now club treasurer and an advanced diver and open water instructor.
The club boasts a team of highly qualified instructors, including Andy Hunt (National Instructor), Andy Groom (Advanced Instructor and First Class Diver), and Dr. Steve Elsmore, a qualified diving doctor. Members have access to the club’s Coltri Sub 300 bar compressor, nitrox facilities, and the 7.25m RHIB Wight Dolphin, purchased in 1995 and still in service today.
Andy Skittlethorpe, a former sailor, maintains the boat and has dived locally, nationally, and overseas with the club. Wight Dolphins organises regular dives, with hundreds completed each year. The Isle of Wight’s coastline, home to over a thousand wrecks, offers opportunities for divers of all levels—from shallow shore dives to deep submarine wrecks such as HMS Upstart.
The club provides comprehensive training and ‘try dive’ sessions, with instructors volunteering their time to develop new and existing divers’ skills. Members with other agency qualifications are encouraged to cross over and further their BSAC development.
To mark the 50th anniversary, the club has planned special events, including trips to Mexico and Sardinia, compiling 50 critter photographs, 50 diver photos, and 50 island wrecks. Several members are also completing 50 dives this year to celebrate the milestone.
James Channing said:
“Since my first try dive, the club has given me some of the best experiences of my life—from diving with Oceanic white tips in the Red Sea to exploring WWII submarines off the Isle of Wight. The social side is fantastic, too.”
Gary McGinty, Training Officer, commented:
“Wight Dolphins welcomed me from day one. I’m now passing on what I’ve learned as an Assistant Advanced Instructor.”
Ezra Grimaldi, Ocean Diver, added:
“The supportive environment and shared passion for diving have shaped my experience—I’m absolutely hooked!”
Wight Dolphins welcomes people of all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced divers, into its inclusive and supportive community. The club prides itself on being a friendly, family-oriented club where members help each other and share unforgettable experiences, whether in local waters or abroad.
For more information, visit www.wightdolphins.com or email [email protected].
