Capernwray Oct 2010 - Harold and Hilda go diving!

An extra expedition was squeezed into the dive calendar as Ariel wanted to test his brand spanking new suit, a suit that I was very lucky to win earlier this year. Why didn’t I get the suit you may ask, because I had won one the year before! So in matching suits Wendy and Ariel AKA Harold and Hilda took to the waters.

First dive, Team Compass, Wendy and Dave Humphries circumnavigated the quarry with only a compass to guide them, successfully finding most of the set points, and finding the remainder with pilotage (allowed in my books!). A very successful exercise was carried out, which included air checks and contingency routes if air consumption was greater than anticipated. However with Dave’s increasing confidence now as a qualified Sports Diver, these weren’t needed but it always good to go through these calculations!

The other pair, Team Visibility, Paul and Ariel had a novel objective – to estimate visibility in the quarry. Taking a leaded line, this was attached to an object – say the helicopter container and then unwound as the pair swam away from the object. They would then turn when it was out of sight and reel in until just in view. The pair estimated what they thought the vis to be then proceeded to reel in whilst measuring the line with length of string that had been marked at 0.5, 1 and 2 metre increments. This was done at 2 different locations and the results were quite amazing. Both divers had under estimated the vis – first estimate Ariel reckoned 12m, Paul reckoned only 10m. When the distance was measured they were both stunned by an incredible 16m! Second site having the experience of the first they were less conservative. Ariel guessed 8-9m whereas Paul surmised 12m. Actual distance 12.5m! Top marks to newly qualified Ocean Diver Paul!

However the question on everyone’s lips was – did Ariel enjoy a dry dive? Answer was a resounding YES! Well apart from the dry gloves bit, just need to RTFM to get to grips with the proper attachment. Oh and I have to add, because the suit is a neoprene as oppose to his old membrane, he needed to do a weight check. An amazing extra 6kg was required. No more lifting that weight belt with 1 hand!

After a quick bite to eat and keeping the same pairings, we then swapped objectives. Dave and Wendy did the visibility check with very similar results as Ariel and Paul, although we were more conservative with our estimates. Both of us were astounded with the actual readings. Ariel and Paul went on a compass mission. Both teams returned, remarking how the objects under water seemed to move around!



Diving over for the day, we headed up to the café for a coffee and a bowl of chips. The weather was unusually warm for the time of year and the water a pleasant 16ºC. The quarry was a bit like diver soup at times, seems a large number of trainees were undergoing open water drills. Home for a DVD, pizza and bottle of wine – perfect ending for a perfect day. Thanks to all who made it so.

Wendy Northway