In only its second year, the event has already grown with more attendees, more big brands, more try dives, and more. Pat Holliday was there…
You’ve probably noticed the 71st anniversary of BSAC went unmarked, unlike 2023’s Platinum celebrations which included a boat run up the Thames and an anniversary get-together of members and clubs at Capernwray Dive Centre in Lancashire. The latter was such a success that Stephen Dorricott, BSAC’s North West Regional Coach and his team decided why not make it an annual event!
Organiser Stephen Dorricott (centre) with friends
For 2024, the now renamed NW Dive Fest promised to be bigger, bolder, better, and, well BSAC-ier than before - and it was. On the day of the event, 27th September, 170 divers representing over 50 dive clubs from as far afield as Aberdeen, Bedford and Weymouth made the pilgrimage to the popular inland dive site. University clubs had representatives too from Liverpool University, Salford and others with support from BSAC University Coordinator Joe Westnedge.
For those unfamiliar, Capernwray is a former stone quarry with a gravel promontory extending some way into the water itself and this was put to good use as base for the BSAC team in attendance. Divers heading into the water geared up in the shadow of two eye-catching gazebos in constant use for Try Tech events. Interest in diving with rebreathers shows no sign of slowing, with pre-booked sessions available for either AP Vision or Divesoft Liberty units, under the watchful eyes of John Adams and Nick Jewson respectively.
Back by demand were underwater scooter (DPV) sessions put on by Dive Manchester. Attendees could trial products from some of the suppliers, and enter their photos in a competition which was judged by ‘likes’ on Instagram.
There was also training taking place, thanks to Yorkshire Regional Coach Carrie Pillow who was running a Diver Training Day event, and BSAC’s Julia Branagan who teamed up with Bob Huyton (West Midlands Regional Coach) to deliver one of the first Underwater Surveyor courses. Paul Crinnion (North East) was the fourth Regional Coach in attendance on the day.
In a change from last year’s event, for 2024 manufacturers and distributors set out their stalls in the main car park, which gave them more space and constant footfall to present the newest and shiniest dive gear to the passers-by. The mood of the industry seemed upbeat, with several remarking that this was a great way to get brand recognition and connect with the diving public with few of the costs of the conventional dive show environment.
From the outset, the organisers wanted the event to attract non-BSAC divers to show them how we like to have fun. So it was a festive affair, with music to gear-up to courtesy of live DJ Cosche, who glanced up occasionally from behind his wheels of steel to see yet more divers embark on the underwater treasure hunt for one of the many mock gold ingots hidden in the quarry. If they came up empty-handed, there were more opportunities to strike gold later in the day in the raffle with some juicy prizes up for grabs.
As day rolled into evening and with water activities completed, attention turned to hot food in the restaurant, before an award presentation to BSAC clubs celebrating milestone anniversaries. Mary Tetley, BSAC CEO and Sophie Heptonstall, Head of Diving and Training officiated as Merseyside SAC, Potteries Divers, Siebes Dive Club, Solway SAC, Carlisle Sub Aqua and Hartford SAC were all recognised.
Organiser Stephen Dorricott was pleased with the event. He said:
The raffle raised £1,500 for the North West Air Ambulance, thanks to the generosity of our divers. Everyone I spoke to at Capernwray seemed to be having a great time, whether they were diving, exhibiting or just socialising with friends. The event was 50% bigger and busier than last year, with a lovely 'vibe'. Looking forward to next year!
Thanks to sponsors and supporters: AP Diving, Apeks/Aqualung/Aquasphere, Apneists UK, BSAC North West Instructors, BSAC HQ, Capernwray Dive Centre, Dai Evans (DJ Cosche), Dive Manchester (BSAC Centre), Discover Diving, Isle of Man, Diving with Injured, Dynamic Nord, Fourth Element, Jorge Arranz-Escudero, Jurassic Aqua Sports, Just 4 Fun, Lancashire Fire Brigade, Mares, Northern Diver, O’Three, Otter Watersports, Richard Scarsbrook, Seasearch, Southport BSAC, Sea & Sea, Suunto UK, Trafford SAC, Wigan Scuba
Author: Patrick Holliday | Posted 14 Oct 2024
