BROAD HAVEN
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In the last few years we have started our diving season in the Easter break off at Broadhaven or over the hill at Dale, on the Pembrokeshire coast in South Wales. The weather forecast was not promising with Good Friday being the best day of the weekend and gradually deteriorating from then on. However they had been wrong before so everyone had high hopes. As we were all staying in caravans the weather wouldn't be a problem anyway, no uncomfortable nights spent in cold and damp tents! The divers were staying in 2 campsites. The early bookers had managed to get into Broad Haven caravan site just up from the beach and the late comers were at Rosehill, just a few miles inland.
Diving at Broad Haven was good as usual. The weather was glorious on the Friday and two dives were completed with a variety of marine life being seen. On several of the dives the divers were joined by some very friendly seals. This development was not universally welcomed by all the divers involved! However no mishaps occurred.
For those not diving, the beach was the place to be. As the weekend progressed the weather, as promised, deteriorated but the quality of diving did not. Conditions on the whole were reasonably calm with the occasional bumpy boat ride, visibility under water was about 3-4m. Rain held off until the Sunday night but it got much cooler from Saturday.
Tornado was running well on the Saturday but struggled with water in the fuel later and after a dismal outing on Sunday morning was taken away by George and Andy B for imminent repairs. I am pleased to report that she suffered no lasting damage and is preparing for a run out in the near future.
The highlight of the weekend for many, however, was the night dive at St. Brides bay. The tide was in so it was a short walk from the car park into the sea, over some small rocks and away. Crabs abounded, many having their supper with 1 or 2 having "dessert!" Visibility was 3m and the water temp was 10 deg. Small silver fish appeared on the way back, may have been sand eels and danced in the light of the torches. A good support team on the beach armed with torches helped the divers to find their way back to the path. Everyone agreed it was a brilliant dive and even the more nervous amongst us enjoyed it. Many thanks to Paul for organising it. As we were all out of the water by 9pm there was even time for some of us to retire to the pub!
All in all a good weekend was had by all. Andy Lamb completed the open water section of his training and has now achieved Ocean diver status - Congratulations to him. Our thanks must go to Mr Slater for his organisation and continuing enthusiasm. Cheers Paul! Can't wait to do it all over again next year.