CARLISLE SUB AQUA CLUB

News...

January

Despite the cold weather diving has continued this month. We have had trips to Loch Fyne and Capernwray. Peter and Ian had excellent viz at Gortein Point and came back with some nice photos, which can be seen on our Flickr page. Gareth (Spielberg) Scott and Mike paid a visit to Capernwray to record another epic film to add the collection on You Tube. On the 28th training resumed at Capernwray with Jane taking to the water for her first open water dive, despite the cold; a few Dive Leader dives were also completed. Thanks to Colette for organising the trip to the Lockerbie Ice Rink - no injuries this year - this was followed by drinks and a curry back at Carlisle. Finally a big welcome to our newest members Alan & Greg.

December

****MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR**** to all members, their family and friends and to all diving colleagues everywhere.
Only a couple of dives this month - a Boxing Day dive at Crummock was well attended, it was very windy so the BBQ had to be cancelled; then on the 31st a few hardy souls ventured out to Crummock again to try out Christmas presents.
The club ceilidh held at the Rugby Club was a rip roaring success, everyone danced their socks off all night, we also raised over £200 for the RNLI from the raffle. So a big thank you to Catherine & all who helped with the organisation.
A big thank you also goes to Jeff & Julie who hosted a New Year's Eve party at their house, another great night for all those who attended.
We now look forward to 2012 with lots of safe and enjoyable diving for all our members.

November

Congratulations to LAURA, STUART and TOM who have qualified as Sports Divers this month. Diving has mostly been restricted to training this month with visits to St Catherine's, Crummock and Capernwray. A few members also had a memorable trip to Hodge Close, Peter's spooky photograph of the site has now been published in a number of national newspapers. Jim & Sue attended the Scotsac dive conference in Oban, it was a good day and there were some very interesting talks.

October

This month we have had two great trips. On the 8th/9th 23 divers made the trip to Seahouses to dive with the seals. We chartered both of Lee Hall's boats and for a few members this was their first visit to the Farnes. While we were restricted to the choice of dive sites due to the weather, the seals more than made up for it. Everyone had good interactions with these beguiling creatures. Even Gary, whose dry suit zip gave up the ghost on the first dive managed to borrow one for the Sunday, only to have it leak. Undeterred he went in for the second dive determined to spend time with the seals. He came out very wet but happy. To see Gareth's video go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj-K7F73uB8.
Our other major trip, to the Maldives was also very memorable, initially for more troubling reasons. The day before we were due to fly we were informed that the tour operator had gone into liquidation. Meeting up at Catherine's house we began to phone all the tour operators to find an alternative. Eventually Blue o' Two came up trumps and 10 of us jetted off albeit with a different airline from a different airport. We then had six days fantastic diving aboard the MY Sharifa. We not only got to snorkel with a whale shark but also scuba dive with one! Richard got to see Manta rays and the night dive at Maaya Thila was mind blowing with reef sharks, sting rays and moray eels all our hunting round the reef. We swam in a lagoon while a tropical storm rained down on us and watched as a water spout soared into the sky. Defintely a holiday to remember and thanks to Catherine for all her hard work organising the trip.
Unfortunately due to the trips open water training had to take a back seat but pool training is progressing nicely. Bridget organised a navigation course at Talkin Tarn which was well attended and some members visited the Dive Show.

September

**GARETH IS A DADDY** Welcome Mason John Scott born 17th September, congratulations to Amanda and Gareth.
Our main trip this month was to the Clyde, organised by Tom G. We dived with MV Seren Las, plenty of space plus a dive lift. The purpose was to dive the wrecks of the "Wallachia" and "Akka" followed by more scenic dives round Little Cumbrae. The viz on the Akka was not too bad and there was quite a bit of life to be seen, however the Wallachia was dark. The dives we did off Little Cumbrae - Trail Island and the wreck of the "Lady Isabella" were much more enjoyable. The weather was mostly fair on Saturday but unfortunately the planned BBQ for the evening was a wash out, luckily Jeff and his motorhome came to the rescue and cooked for the campers, who didn't have a knife or fork between them.
At the training day on the 10th, Laura, Tom, Colin and Stuart all completed their Sport Diver assessments, only some sea dives needed now before they are qualified.
A few members visited Capernwray on Wednesday, 14th for a couple of afternoon/evening dives. Gareth's video can be seen on Facebook.

August

Training continued with evening trips to Crummock during the month, four trainees have now reached their rescue assessments.
The highlight of the month was definitely the Isle of Man trip. Although the weather forecast for the weekend was not good we has some cracking dives. The viz was great, over 10m on all of the dives; plenty of life and close encounters (too close for some!) with the seals at Sugar loaf caves. As with last year the Burroo was most people's favourite dive. We didn't see any basking sharks but there is always next year.
There were also a couple of day trips to St Abbs during the month, the viz is still good and wolf fish were seen on most dives.The month was rounded off with the BBQ held at Sue and Jim's, 25 members attended and although the weather wasn't great a good time was had by all.