Newsletter

           February 2010

Congratulations ...

...to Big Bob for the first dive of 2010!

So now winter is now officially over - we got wet! The water temperature wasn't quite as bad as we were expecting at 7 degrees and far warmer than the quarries right now. The vis wasn't fantastic but again it was  better than we were expecting. (It just goes to show if you brace yourself for the worst you can have a pleasant surprise even at the beginning of February!)

We managed to explore a part of the Leysian that we don't normally see due to the fact that because of the winter seas we have lost the buoy. Again. (That'll be a little job for Mark to sort out!)

We even found a crab doing its best to hide under some wreckage!

Mena and Nigel also started the scenarios for their Rescue Diver course but the wind chill factor did eventually get the better of us. 

We are hoping that the weather will be kind to us this weekend so that Dave and Sarah will be able to finish their advanced course that was postponed at the end of last year.

 Warm hats, coats and gloves as well as plenty of hot drinks will definitely be the order of the day!

New look web site

We have been working hard over the winter redesigning our web site,  we hope you approve of the new look at www.westwalesdivingschool.co.uk  

We still have more to add which will definitely keep us busy over the next few months.  

Jen's visit to the Falklands

Some of you may have seen the article in Diver magazine  last August about the Falklands. Following the success of that visit, Jen was invited back again at the end of last year.

 This time she was working for the Shallow Marine Survey Group, looking for sponges at Beuchene Island, which is the southern most part of the Falklands. 200 samples of sponges were taken  which are now on their way back to her for identification.  The previous survey found 14 new species.  

This visit was during the Falkland's summer, so the water was a positively balmy 8 degrees and there is vis we only ever dream of.

It was ironic though that the return flight was delayed by snow in the UK.

New Specialty for 2010

We are pleased to announce that we are now able to offer the PADI Digital Underwater Photography specialty.

Whether you are just getting started in underwater photography or you wish to build on your existing skills this course will help you. We will help you to get the best out of your camera settings and also teach you some basic photo editing. 

Please phone or email for more information.

Malta

Please note we have changed the date for this trip. 

We will now be going after Easter on the 15th April, and not in March as we announced in last month's newsletter.

We have had several people express an interest in joining us for this trip, so if you haven't already done so please can you contact us if you would like to come along.

For those of you who would like to start the year in warmer water than we have here in the UK, Malta is perfect with good vis and good company, what more could you ask for? There are plenty of wrecks and reefs to choose from, with plenty of photo opportunities as well.

We really do need to finalize all the details as soon as possible so if you would like more information please contact us right away. 

What is Jen thinking about the penguins... or is it more a case of what the penguins are thinking about her?

No fancy prizes to be won but we thought it would be fun for you to email us your suggestions for a caption.