Afer  my first open water baptism in the murky, cold depths of Capernwray – St Abbs was to be my first experience of sea-water diving and an opportunity to finish off my Ocean Diver training.

Following an uneventful journey up with my dad, it was time to witness some of the ‘preparation’ for a serious weekends’ diving – on the Friday night, this seemed to consist of minor disagreements on sleeping arrangements, good-humoured banter and just a sprinkling of alcohol (being under 18, could of course not condone this sort of behaviour – especially as I had already been ‘read the riot act’ by my mum earlier in the week after celebrating end of school year with some iffy vodka – any re-occurrence of which would result in her putting my Glastonbury tickets on E-Bay!).

Back to the diving – Day 1,  buddied up with ‘Doc’ Jones – a safe pair of hands (underwater that is), and a great opportunity to put all the training and pool work into operation in a more interesting environment.  After taking on a little more lead to assist in ‘sinking’ process – we began the dive – and because of Mikes’ experience and keen photographic eye we were lucky enough to spot not one, but two Wolf-fish – on my first dive! OK, not the prettiest of fish – but a minor coup nonetheless.

Day One was completed with some traditional Border fayre – curry from the local Indian – and (for the adults) a drop more alcohol, in moderation of course;  it’s soon apparent that diving is a physically demanding activity, as most people (not just the ‘oldies’) begin to retire from 9.30 onwards!

Day two, in contrast to the sunshine and sometimes overpowering heat of Saturday – Scotlands’ normal weather had resumed, grey and drizzly, at least for the first wave of divers.  Following  a fine cooked breakfast – we once again kitted up, (in still-damp kit) – and set off on the third dive of the weekend.  This time I was buddied up with Ben F - an experienced Sports Diver who gave me a bit more confidence and we managed to spot quite a few nice wrasse, large crab and had some pleasant  diving in the interesting and relatively safe depths off St Abbs.  Unfortunately all good things come to an end – so it’s back to GCSE revision for me – still it’s nice to be able to add Ocean Diver to my list of qualifications!"

 

For more pictures from this trip, please visit the gallery here.