Under Welsh waves

Under the surface of Welsh waters dead man’s fingers, sunfish and mysterious wrecks all wait, longing for a glimpse of a diver’s mask.

“You can see the same here in Wales as you can anywhere else,” said Janet Bateman of Adventure Breaks. “The only difference here is the visibility. On a good day you could dive to 15m depth but even at 4m it’s incredible what can be seen,” swooned Janet.

“The north coast is abundant in marine life but its waters are very turbulent,” Janet explained. She insists that Pembrokeshire is the place and considering that it is warmed by the Gulf Streams and sheltered from rough Atlantic waters by Ireland, this sounds about right.

Len Bateman, also of Adventure Breaks explained that pool taster sessions would be good if you just wanted to try out the equipment but that a fast-track course could get you in the sea within days.

Although the equipment appears complicated remember to breathe only through your mouth and you will be fine explained amateur diver Jamie Darlow. “The BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) is the only control you would need to understand at first and that is just a matter of pressing a button to adjust your buoyancy.”

“People have been diving in Wales since the 1970s but it is only in recent years that it has become far more accessible,” said Janet. "The only limiting factors are poor health and in some circumstances size. Anyone from the age of 13 and we have customers as old as 65.”

Weather conditions often put people off diving in Wales. “Yes it can be cold, particularly in inland quarries where temperatures can be just 3ºC,” Jamie said grinning. “Wet suits really do protect you from the cold though.” Len Bateman agreed that the cold weather is a limiting factor. “Most diving schools only operate between Easter and autumn, purely because of the cold temperatures throughout the winter months.”

Two thirds of out planet our underwater, isn’t it a crime to never take a look?


Want to do it this weekend?
Dive Pembrokeshire UK, located near Haverford West run Try Dives in heated swimming pools that cost £55. Equipment is included in the price. £140 will get you a one-day UK Diver course in which you will learn about important details such as tides and currents as well as how to deal with the cold.

Talk the talk
Neutral Buoyancy – The weightless state between floating and sinking.
Diving Regulator – Supplies divers with breathing gas at a useable pressure.
BCD – Buoyancy Control Devise. The diver adjusts the stab-jacket in order to control depth.

So convince me
“It’s amazing to be able to look down on a whole other world. Scuba diving is like flying around the Grand Canyon.”
Len Bateman, Diving Instructor.

Sport Rating
Excitement 4/5
Technicality 3/5
First timers 4/5

Find out more
www.celticdiving.co.uk
www.adventure-breaks.com

Feature for Adventure Wales
Photo by welshcathy