Dive into a new adventure

Meath Try-A-Dive events this December

Published: Tue 14 Nov 2023, 10:39 AM

Hannah McNamara

Alpha Dive Sub Aqua Club Meath invite all to their 'Try-A-Dive' events this December.

The Alpha Dive group are encouraging people to take advantage of this great opportunity to try scuba diving, in the safety of a swimming pool and under the supervision of highly qualified instructors.

The scuba experience starts in Meath with the training sessions at Kells Swimming Pool allowing the chance to experience the sensation of breathing under water with the regulator (breathing system), improve your water fitness levels and build confidence in being in the water. Being a strong swimmer is not a necessity as the highly trained staff will be there to assist you at all times.

Alpha Dive Secretary, Aidan Gray who has been diving for five years said: "I would advocate to everyone to try it and commit to it. The rewards are incredible."

He explained the process of learning to dive: "The best thing to compare it to is learning to drive. At first it's overwhelming and there's lot's of controls you need to understand just like the diving equipment, but then time passes and you're much more familiar with the controls and equipment. You're more confident. You notice yourself instinctively dealing with the equipment."

He continued: "Once you've completed the training and you're confident in the water we would usually move onto lake diving which is shallow diving. Eventually we move onto open water diving which is absolutely thrilling. You get to explore the underwater world, discovering all the habitats."

The Alpha Dive group linked with Bettystown community for World Ocean Day last year where they offered presentations about the underwater life.

Team work is incredibly important in this sport. You will always be diving with one other person by your side, even at pool level. Aidan said: "Diving has a great social side to it. You create a strong bond with your diving partner. You're looking after one another."

He added: "Diving is a growing sport. There's always more courses to learn and progress further. If you're interested in being in the water, biodiversity or just trying something new, you should definitely come to our training sessions."

Following the Try-A-Dive sessions, Alpha Dive begin recruiting those who want to continue with the sport. They provide a kit for new trainees which they can use for the first year.

Alpha Dive Sub Aqua Club is a scuba diving club based in North Leinster with active members from Meath, Louth, Westmeath, Kildare and Dublin. It was founded in 1991 and has over 40 members. The club is very active in the Irish diving scene and also travel to international events.

The pool training sessions will take place at Kells Swimming Pool on the 3rd, 10th and 17th December from 9.15-10.15am. You must be at least 18 years old.