This trip has been set up to introduce newly qualified Ocean Divers to diving in the sea.
Having suffered a broken rib 12 weeks ago, I had only managed a few days at Stoney since qualifying, I was seriously doubting whether I should be going on this trip. I was reassured that this trip was designed for newbies and my dive buddy would take good care of me. We had a mixed forecast, cloud, sun, rain and plenty of wind. We were a group of 12 in a mix of different types of accommodation. I had opted to camp thinking this would be where the party was.
Diving on Saturday and Sunday was looking doubtful due to the exposed conditions – the forecast was force 5-6 south westerlies. On Friday morning, Bryan from Swanage Boat Charters cancelled all of our planned dives and it looked like we might only get to dive Swanage Pier. I was feeling quite relieved at this prospect—the only one!
We congregated in the carpark on the Pier to get ourselves ready. The sea didn’t look too scary, beautiful clear water, not too much swell and steps leading down to the waters’ edge. My buddy Angie at my side, looking out to sea, calmly talking me through our dive plan and assuring me this would be fun…
We kitted up, buddy checked and made our way into the sea.
The water was beautifully clear and not too cold, which was just as well for those with leaky suits. We made our way under the Pier in 3m of water to be met by many fish, most of which I didn’t recognise. Apparently, the fish to see was the Tompot Blenny—a cute little thing with horns on top of its head hiding in little crevices.
The dive went well, meeting up with other pairs from the group, posing for photos and trying to look like I had my buoyancy under control. On the return we were swished around with the returning tide. The biggest challenge to this dive was getting our fins on and off amongst the slippery rocks.
Due to the uncertainty of diving from the boat on Saturday and Sunday, Simon had managed to bring the trip to the Fleur de Lys forward to that afternoon… Was I ready?
by Steph Williams
