Learn to dive with Ruislip & Northwood Sub-Aqua Club

I first became aware of Ruislip and Northwood (R&N) two years ago when I met one of the members through a regional event, who was interested in extending their instructor qualifications. From there, I was asked to assist on a club camping weekend to Swanage to help with some Ocean Diver training which allowed me to meet other members, as well as an old friend from years back. I find teaching very rewarding, so when I was asked to help out on an inland weekend trip I happily agreed, spending a weekend at a well known dive site in the Midlands to assist this time with Sports Diver and Dive Leader training. Two years on, I am still a member and although 2020 was a challenge we still managed to get away a few times. I for one cannot wait to get back out on the water and have more fun, both on the boat and diving beneath it with friends that will be part of my life for many years to come.

Hello. I'm Fenella and I am the youngest member of the club at this time. I am now a sports diver and have dived in this country and in others, both inland and out at sea, from the shore and from boats. The first time I met the members, I was terrified that they would ignore me because of my age, but they were very kind and accepted me treating me like i had known them for years. I was worried about the equipment and getting in the water, the helpers and instructors were very encouraging. I was given a briefing, and introduced to the equipment. I tried fins for the first time, then the rest of the equipment and breathed underwater for the first time. The instructors and members have encouraged me from the beginning in the swimming pool to open water at Wraysbury and Stoney Cove, to Swanage from the beach and then diving from a small boat. Since then I have been abroad with club members, swimming with a Dolphin in Uk and Scallop hunting . When I started I was scared of almost everything, but the people and instructors wete encouraging and patient which really helped me. Now I am confident in the water when diving and have my own nickname of Fin.

We arrived late onto the diving scene, being in our 60s when we We really enjoyed our try dives. It was fascinating to be underwater, breathing normally, seeing people above us and below us. It felt really calm and restful it was. So we signed up for the Ocean Diver course. Now despite the shutdown of diving in 2020 we have nearly completed the follow on Sports Diver qualification. We've had outings to Swanage (Dorset), Porthkerris (Cornwall), gravel pit dive centres, and had a reassuring amount of practice, practice, practice in the pool. BSAC has also provided online theory and interest courses online. What are the best things? Being part of a club means we can learn from others, formally and over a drink in the after-pool meetings at The Case Is Altered. Going on trips together. Helping and being helped as part of a team. Getting to know a diverse group of people united by a love of diving. People you're happy to be with, learn with and dive with again.

I started diving about four years ago and shortly afterwards decided to join Ruislip and Northwood BSAC , it was without a doubt the best thing for me . The people are great and the social side can be just as interesting as the diving. Not only have I made of lots of friends and connections, there is never a dull moment . Diving is my passion and I pride myself in doing the most dives in our club last year. In fact I'm known as Coker Cousteau amongst certain club members . I've loved every minute of it and cant wait to start diving again, I need to beat my record ! Michael Coker