LEARNING to dive with Wellington and Taunton Sub Aqua Club has been a great experience. It allows you to progress at a pace that suits you, and everyone is keen that you have the best experience possible.

The facilities and equipment at the pool and on the boat mean you don’t need any kit yourself to begin with. I had a dive session to begin with, just to see how I felt about being underwater before committing to the full course. My first dive in open water after just a couple sessions in the pool was an experience I will never forget.

Sunday was the most perfect summer’s day, just right for my first open water dive in the mouth on the River Yealm. After a few sessions in the pool learning the basics I was a bit nervous about the move to the sea, but this has been on my ‘to do’ list for about 30 years.

The first dive was a shallow one of about 4m, just to repeat what I had learned in the pool. It did take a while to get my buoyancy right - it’s quite difficult to get legs etc in the right place with a wet suit on.

It is not very elegant, but they got me sorted. It is like another world down there. So pretty, the seaweed floating in the water looks completely different. There were a few fish and some shoals of fry. It was lovely to see what is under the sea, just off the shore.

After a lunch break we moved to some deeper water and this time I went down to 9m. The space and the gentleness of it all was amazing. The trees of kelp and the other seaweeds just draw you in.

I must admit to being one of those people who screams if they tread on something in the sea, and did think I might be scared of what I might see down there, but not at all.

My dive buddy, Lynda looked after me all the way, and I

can’t wait to do my next day’s diving. Three more dives and I will have my qualification, but I am looking forward to continuing diving with the club to get my skills honed, so I can go diving while on holiday in the future.

The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable, the company and scenery were excellent ,everyone was so helpful – there is an art to manoeuvring with a wet suit and kit on! The club are just so keen that you have the best experience. I think I may have been a bit spoiled with the weather!

I am really pleased I chose to learn with the club. There is quite a lot to learn, and you need to get it right. I had thought I would learn to dive on holiday, but learning through Wellington and Taunton Sub Aqua Club means you can go at your own pace and make sure you are comfortable before moving to the next stage.

n First hand account from a new trainee from Wellington.