Training has begun in earnest in Glenalbyn
for next season's trainees.
There are six regular trainees preparing for their pool snorkel
test before they progress to their SCUBA training. Many thanks
to those who have assisted by lending gear to the new guys.
If you see them please show them a warm welcome to the club
- they are the future of our club.
We are having a Try-a-Dive on the 10th January in the Guinness
pool. We
will have an ad in the Irish Times. Please put up posters
in your places
of work and tell all your friends who are looking for a New
Year's
resolution that they can come and join the Curragh! I will
be calling on
members to bring their SCUBA gear to the pool to facilitate
the training
effort.
There will be a big training effort for more established divers
this year.
We have a number of divers preparing for their rescue exam
early in the
new season.
The Leading Diver 3* programme will begin in the region in
February and as
a club we will be supporting our potential candidates. There
is a very
healthy number of potential candidates this year so if you
are thinking of
it - just do it. It is so much easier in a big group. Please
let me know
if you are considering it.
There will as usual be cox'n and rescue courses in the region
early in the
season. This provides everyone with an opportunity to broaden
their own
knowledge and enhance safety in the club.
Roisin has begun her training to qualify for her Moniteur
1*. She will be
a great asset to add to the growing group of active, interested
(and
interesting?!) instructors in the club. Best of luck!
I propose to organise a rescue refresher course early in the
season for qualified rescue divers who have (hopefully) never
had the opportunity to
practise a lift since! This will consist of a short lecture
and then
doing a lift.
Finally, there will be a Basic Nitrox course in the clubrooms
beginning on
the 23rd January. Depending on weather, this course will take
up the
greater part of that weekend as it includes lectures, an exam,
a workshop
and two dives. This course will give an introduction to the
concepts and
practicalities of the use of Nitrox. It is a great opportunity
for divers
old and new to gain some insight into an aspect of diving
that is growing fast.
If you are interested in any courses or training please contact
me.
I aim to achieve at least one Certificate at every level (except
M3) within the club and many of some certificates. I think
2004 will be a bumper year for the Curragh with lots of training
and as a result lots of happy, safe diving in a thriving club.
Your TO,
Niall
