We all know that there are thousands of qualified scuba divers out there who have never experienced the delights of UK diving, having only ever dived in warm, tropical waters. Now the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) is inviting these holiday divers to take the plunge on our native waters.
You don't even need to be a BSAC-qualified diver – those who hold qualifications from other training agencies are encouraged to find their local BSAC club and get in touch to visit and join them on a dive or dive trip this summer, to get a flavour of BSAC and club diving. Visiting divers will be covered with BSAC’s insurance to try diving with a club.
Britain’s temperate seas offer some truly thrilling experiences, from historic shipwrecks to colourful and fascinating marine life. Anyone who ever remarks that British diving is boring, stupid and cold has never dived these wondrous waters, which are never further than 70 miles away. There's so much to see, and never enough time.
BSAC CEO Mary Tetley said: “Qualified divers have always been very welcome and this summer we’re making an extra effort to encourage divers from all agencies to try diving with BSAC. We believe our local UK waters offer unparalleled diving experiences and we’d love all divers living in the UK to experience that.”
Qualified divers won't want to miss out on a summer of spectacular diving with BSAC! Use the Find It tool on the BSAC website to locate the nearest club.
NW Dive Fest comes to Capernwray in September
Divers from all agencies are invited to come along to the NW Dive Fest at Capernwray Dive Centre in Lancashire on Friday 27 September.
Last year's event – celebrating BSAC’s 70th anniversary – was a big success, with over 200 divers joining in. Due to popular demand, BSAC are bringing back the excitement, rebranded as the NW Dive Fest. This year, it's bigger, better, and open to all qualified divers, no matter where you trained.
The NW Dive Fest is a fantastic opportunity for divers from all training backgrounds to come together, meet other divers and experience the camaraderie and adventure that BSAC offers. Plus, the event will just cost the Capernwray entry fee of £16.
Get ready for a day packed with exciting activities both in and out of the water:
- Underwater photo competition: Show off your photography skills and capture the magic beneath the waves
- Gold Bar Treasure Hunt: Dive into an underwater adventure and see what treasures you can find!
- Scooter sessions: Experience the thrill of underwater scooters (book in advance)
- CCR Try Dives: try out closed-circuit rebreathers (book in advance)
- Raffle with lots of top prizes
- Meet NW clubs and divers at the ‘Club Zone’ – network and promote your club
- Sponsor stands
- And lots more…
BSAC is proud to have sponsorship from leading dive industry names like Apeks, Northern Diver, AP Diving, Fourth Element, Dive Manchester, and the NW Underwater Police Search team. Their support ensures a top-notch event for everyone.
BSAC’s North West Regional Coach Stephen Dorricott who, alongside his team, is coordinating this year’s event, said he was delighted to be able to bring the dive festival back to Capernwray.
Stephen said: “We were thrilled at how well the event went last year; members are still talking about it.
“This isn’t just for North West clubs and members, it an open invite to all members – we’d love to see you there! Tickets will go on sale soon but for now please circle the date!”
Register to attend
The cost for entry is £16 per person, and attendees must either be a member of Capernwray Dive Centre or buy a day pass. Events begin at 10am on the day.
Attendees are being asked to register their attendance in order to help organisers plan the event, using this form. Early-birds will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win six free cylinder fills (12-litre singles/air).
Photo credit: Simon Rogerson / Jane Morgan / BSAC
