Mid Lancs Sub Aqua

Delph Death Riddle Revisited”, was it really 25 years since the handless corpse was found in Ecclestone Delph, the Evening post must have been short of news that day. Fond memories came flooding back of one of our more interesting late night macabre family outings, organised by my well meaning father. The article referred to the scuba diving clubs that now frequent this former quarry. It was sufficient to reignite my ambition of learning to scuba dive that kept being delayed every year.

After my first introduction to the friendly group that is Mid Lancs Sub Aqua Club, at my local swimming baths for my first try dive, I knew I had found a sport I could  really enjoy anywhere, and the people to take me there safely, but also with much good humour. There was a real magical novelty to being able to breathe underwater.

First dive one; cold January Saturday morning, in water temperature of 5˚C could not have been further from the holiday programme, featuring crystal clear tropical reefs. How would Judith Charmers sell this one? It certainly tested my resolve.

Nothing prepared me both for the weight of the kit and the restrictive nature of the dry suit, so vital to protect me from the icy depths.

My first brief dive was a clumsy affair in which I looked more like a cork bobbing up and down completely out of control, much of the careful teaching being forgotten temporarily, yet on reflection taught me the most.
 
The second dive half an hour later, that also lasted for half an hour, was a far more successful affair. It felt like there was more weight strapped to me than they used for the Delph’s  previous resident. It seemed appropriate that Steve, the club chairman, took me on my first try dive in the swimming baths, and for my first open water Delph dive .We swam down to inspect the many treasures including a military plane, jeeps and sunken boats. The pressure in my ears as we progressed past four metres was relieved using the equalisation techniques taught in class. As I emerged from the water, I could not hide the huge grin nor could I stop reliving the experience to anyone who would listen. Rarely have I felt such an incredible sense of achievement, stretching both mind and body beyond any self imposed, imaginary comfort zone.

 Simply a magical experience.

By Ed Canning