Underwater Orienteering and BBQ

Saturday 21st August 2004

 

Despite the small number of participants this event was well worthwhile and enjoyed by all concerned.
Conditions on the day appeared initially to be ideal when I arrived at the clubhouse on Saturday morning to prepare the course. It was a fine day with little or no wind. The forecast was favourable and the high tide was due at 4pm. Sarah Lyle and Simon Carolan arrived to assist with setting out the course and it was only when we got in the water that we realised that this would be quite a challenge for those taking part as visibility was poor at about two to three meters at best.
In the circumstances we tried to make the markers as clear and as large as possible and also limited the course to three markers. The distance apart between them was between thirty and fifty meters.
In all nine challengers took on the challenge to navigate to all three markers and collect a peg from each as evidence. As we had anticipated everyone had problems making their way. All concerned found the first marker but it was downhill from there on. Nobody managed to find all three markers and only one found two of them.
After a difficult consideration Mary Rynne was declared the winner with Brendan Murdock as runner up and Jean Kelleher in third place. Honourable mention must go to Karen, John, Jane, Kevin who all made a valiant effort. Despite the visibility it was disappointing that more people did not take part. Developing proficiency in compass use is a key skill for a diver to pursue. I would argue that next to managing your buoyancy it is the most important for the diver in Irish waters. Surfacing in the right spot could in some cases save your life or at least avoid a stressful situation. This competition provides an ideal opportunity to practice in controlled conditions as we have a boat covering the event from start to finish.
Anyway the BBQ went down a treat, great food thanks to Rhona`s hard work in preparing a multitude of salads and desserts along with loads of burgers sausages and chicken on the fire. There was a good turn out for the food and most everything got consumed including a few beers and glasses of wine…

Thanks again to Sarah and Simon for their help on the day.
So we look forward to next year’s event and in the meantime get some practice with that compass.

M O Loughlin

Back to Newsletter