Hi All,
Back in for another year. Glutton for punishment!
A quick word of thanks to our outgoing, or should I say, out-gone
DO. Thanks Paul and well done on a good year’s diving.
All going well, next year should be another good year, with
a wide variety of locations to be visited, some of which we
haven’t been to for some years now.
A preliminary dive calendar has already been put up on the
website. This may possibly, be subject to some change depending
on availability of accommodation etc etc.
By and large, we rely on two things for good diving. Good
equipment and good weather. The former is in the capable hands
of our new equipment officer, and Trainee of the Year, Gerry
O’Dowd. The later unfortunately is in the hands of God,
outside of our control. The weather has a huge part to play
in the “make or break” of a weekend away and diving
in general. So here’s hoping for a similar forecast
for next season, with slack winds on both, East and West coasts.
Another area, which adds to the enjoyment, and smooth running
of a good year’s diving, is the input of enthusiastic
club members. The more people who get involved, the more enjoyable
for all.
Offers from those of you with tow bars, jeeps, vans etc to
haul the equipment away for the weekends are very welcome.
This all helps in the success of our trips and thanks in anticipation.
Last, but certainly by no means least, is the area of training,
and trainees. This year the job of training has fallen squarely
on the shoulders of our esteemed “Diver of the Year”,
Niall Stapleton, who helped out a lot with the training last
year. Niall is in the process of putting together a schedule
of training for the forth-coming season and would greatly
appreciate help from fellow club members with gear, lectures,
pool training etc when the time comes.
If there are members who would like to sit in on some of the
lectures, purely as a refresher, I’m sure that wouldn’t
be a problem. A refresher will, however, be compulsory for
all members in the area of CPR and O2 administration without
which, you will not be permitted to dive.
On the subject of “training”, now that the “silly
season” is almost upon us, there will be the usual Stephen’s
Day and New Year’s Day snorkels. This as such will kick
off your snorkel training before you get back diving.
Well that’s really it for now.
Enjoy the festive season and best wishes to you and yours
as they say.
See you in the water, or under the table at the Christmas
party!!!
And remember! “Safe happy diving for safe happy divers”
Cheers
Shane
Diving Officer
