At the club´s AGM, on 7 November last, Jessie Castle was rewarded with the “Club Diver of the Year Award”, the infamous bell! Jessie started training with Cork Sub Aqua in January, together with Marc McGrath. At the end of the series of pool sessions, both demonstrated a high level of competence in performing the scuba and snorkel skills and passed the theory exam with flying colours. Jessie continued eagerly, got more dive experience during the summer, engaged in a few challenging dives and took every opportunity to practice the practical skills for the club diver exam (CMAS ** diver). And to top it all off, she enrolled in the “ Nitrox Diver course”, one day of theory and one qualifying dive, that was completed on 10 December in Lough Hyne, Baltimore.
… so, let´s listen to Jessie’s side of the story.
What inspired you to take up diving?
It’s something I have wanted to do for a long time, as I have loved swimming, snorkeling and messing around in the water since I was a kid. I did a couple of trial dives in Crete last year and was determined to learn to dive after I got home.
Why did you join Cork Sub Aqua?
I wanted to learn to dive and was more interested in joining a club than doing a one-off course as I intended to keep diving during the year rather than to just get a qualification I could use on holiday. I also liked the idea of being in a club so that I would have the opportunity to dive with others more experienced than me. The social side of it is also good.
Is learning to dive hard?
I don’t think it’s hard to get the basics, and after that it’s all practice. I think you learn something on every dive.
What is the most difficult part of the scuba skills?
Your buoyancy on the first few dives in the open water can be tricky, especially if there is a surge. Learning to dive in a dry-suit also made the buoyancy a bit harder for me initially, but I don’t regret that decision at all!
Did you ever have a scary moment?
Not so far, although I did experience some claustrophobia on a dive where the visibility was poor, and that wasn’t much fun.
How was your first boat dive?
My first boat dive was in Lough Hyne and I loved it. I didn’t find it daunting at all, although getting back on to the boat was another story.
What was your most memorable dive to date?
It was definitely the dive at the Ling Rocks in September. The conditions were perfect and we could see the surface from 30m. The dives on the south side of Puffin Island during the August bank holiday week away were spectacular also.
How easy was it to buy/ find all your dive gear?
It was easy enough to find new gear, although there is a lot less second-hand gear available for women (i.e. in a small size). I bought some of my gear in the UK as there is a bigger choice and it worked out a lot cheaper. And the instructors in the club are more than happy to give advice on what and what not to buy.
Do you think that diving is for everyone?
I think that probably anyone could learn to dive. It doesn’t involve any skills that you would need to have in advance, as long as you are comfortable enough in the water. Not everyone might want to stick at it long term, but it’s worth finding out!
What are your diving plans for next year?
I’m hoping to get out regularly to dive with the club, and maybe to get some diving abroad if I can.

Again, congratulations …. And happy polishing!
(JVM Dec 11)