Written By Kai
Okay guys, strap in, get ready for a trip report.
13 brave new UBUC members convoyed down to the Louis Shied for their first UK open water dive, along with 9 instructors and 2 helpers.
It was beautiful morning, sun shining on the Devonshire coast. Sophie Frendo (OWI, DL, most-improved swimmer, BSc) was our dive manager for the day and gave an inspiring and thorough briefing. During the briefing, Will Miller (OWI, AD, MSc, BSc, solid bloke) swam out and dropped a splendid datum onto the wreck for our viewing pleasure. We also had Lewis Hope (small) give some amazon-approved morning stretches to keep us limber.
Once suitably briefed, we headed down to the beach. A very sandy beach. This beach, I’m telling, like literally, so much sand. Regs were unhappy. Anyway, time for the diving!
Dom Binns (DL, IFC, Beer enthusiast) and Patrick were the first to swim out, and checked the datum hadn’t come loose. You’ll never guess what they saw, fish! But also, wreck.
Soon came a cavalcade of divers, taking the (moderately long) swim out to the wreck. Once to shore, we saw divers full of joy and verve for life. Some found golf balls, others rusty shivs. But all found friendship underwater.
After a sit down and lunch together, several divers steeled themselves for the swim once more. During this little lunch break Kai Harper (BSc, seal enthusiast, Toblerone enjoyer) and Erin had wonderful hour long dive, which ended with an underwater seal sighting!
One of our new UBUC members, Emily, brought her underwater camera rig and captured some lovely photos! (see below, or above, I’m unsure where they will go).
Following the day of diving, we packed up (going up a bloody big hill). Whilst trying to leave Kai may have temporarily lost Phil Dobson’s (MEng, Cornish stallion) keys, but don’t worry they were just in his drysuit pocket. On the way home we all stopped for an obligatory McDonalds. James Chandler (shore-support, medic, SD, treasurer) decided he didn’t want dinner, he just wanted to drink straight up ketchup, bit weird really.
Back in Bristol we got the kit washed, and had a splendid de-brief from Sophie. The end.
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