Hi all,

Just a quick email to say that we've added a couple more training days to the calendar:

Saturday 11th October and

Saturday 25th and  Sunday 26th October (2 days).

We'll be focussing on Sports Diver training, but there will be the opportunity for some Dive Leader and Advanced Diver stuff as well.

If you'd like to attend, then please drop me an email.

Also, we're going to be running another set of Sports Diver pool and theory lessons over the summer. The first theory lesson is on the 6th of August and the rest of the dates are on the diary. As long as you've passed the Ocean Diver theory exam you can attend (ie you don't need to have all the open water lessons complete). As ever, Matt is the man to contact about these, whether you want to teach or learn

Cheers,

   Janos

The Instructor Foundation Course (IFC) is one of BSAC's best courses and is the first step on the road to becoming an instructor. It's a two day course (not an exam) and is pool and classroom based, so nice and warm!

There is going to be an extra event on the 4th / 5th of October. If you're a qualified Sports Diver (or above) and would like to attend, then please let me know and I'll put you in touch with the organiser.

Indeed, if you have any questions about the Instructor Training process, then please drop me a line and I'll be more than happy to explain it to you.

Cheers, 

   Janos

Clare B

Having just realised I'm a bit of an adventurer (just had a helicopter lesson and loved it!), I've decided to test the water and find out whether anyone is mad enough (like me) to want to do a sky dive - for charity of course...

I'd be looking to do a tandem sky dive from about 12000ft and will include 30-40 seconds freefall (more than enough to see your lift flash past I'm sure.  There would also be the possibility of doing a static line parachute jump.

The idea would be that you either paid for the jump yourself, and any money you get would go to charity, or you raise more money and pay for the jump out of that (there is a slight discount).  If we get more than 12 people the cost of the jump would be about £140.

At the moment I'm trying to guage interest, to see whether it would be worthwhile.  If you are up for it, or think you could be persuaded, please email me on nRiEcMkOiVlEeMeEds@yahoo.com (taking out the anti-spam).

Cheers,

Nicki

Hi all,
 

From the initial response there seems to be sufficient interest to run a trip next year, and I have availability in a Clubhotel that is virtually ski in and ski out in Flaine, France, which is 1½ hours from Geneva airport and Hellfins hasn't been to before.

It would be from the 7th March 2009 for 7 days.  Saturday to Saturday, departing from either Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester or Birmingham.

I'm looking to make the booking in 2 weeks, so if you are interested please email me, (though I'll be away from Wedneday for 1 week, and I'll email you on my return).  Then I'd look to take a deposit from you if you like what you hear.

Costs will vary depending on how many people we spread the tiered group discount with but are in the £550 range... (+lift pass, ski hire)

So please drop me an email at (removing the anti spam characters) RsEkMiOiVnEg@hellfins.com

All the best

Paul

Hi all,

I still have 1 or 2 spaces available for my week trip to the Sound of Mull.  This will be a fantastic trip and I would really like to fill the spaces.  The Sound is a fantastic place to dive - loads of life, usually great vis, and some of the best wrecks you will find anywhere in the world.  You will need to be a sports diver, or equivalent, and we will be diving primarily between 25-35m. 

If you are interested or would like more details please contact me, or find me in the pub on wednesday.  Have a look on the Lochaline Dive Centre website for inspiration.

Thanks

Hi All

In all my excitement I forgot to send a notice, its a quite night with only Katie in the pool so lots of kit to practice your skills, try out some new kit or just have fun.

There's a DL exam at 6.30 but with only one person ready to take it.

I have 2 last minute spaces for the dry dive in the recompression chamber in St Johns Wood tomorrow evening, meeting just after 6pm.  Cost is £30, paid on the door and I'd really like to fill these spaces.

It's a great opportunity to see how well (badly) you can cope with narcosis, and it's great fun!

Please contact me asap if you're interested.

Nicki

Last minute place is available diving this weekend off Portland Bill.  Likey Wrecks include the M2, plus another sub.  Second dive being the lovely local scenic.

Weather is windy now but forecast to blow through by the weekend. 

Accommodation is sharing with me, at Aqua Hotel on the sea front in Castle Town. 

Costs are £25 per day for the diving, a share of £45 per night for the room (tbc for sure).

I am diving with Hertfordshire BSAC Club (through Christine McCleod) who have their own 7.5 metre rib, with 4 other divers.

Any interest?

Clare 

Hi guys

Just to let you know that the new date for the auction is 20th August so get it in your diaries!

As I said before this will only be a success if we get lots of donated items to auction off, so have a root around at home to see if there is anything you could do with clearing out and donate it to the auction!

Please use your imagination, previously we have had a all sorts of weird and wonderful things donated and it doesnt just have to be old bits of dive kit (although thats good too!) - in the past people have donated their skills or their time.

Also, think about whether your employer can offer any freebies or if there are any local businesses that you can approach - in the past I've managed to wangle free meals at local restaurants.

Katie

Hi guys

We now have a new date for the auction which will be held on 20th August

Dear all,

We’re looking to launch a Hellfins newsletter to keep everyone up-to-date with what's happening in the club.

Does anyone have any items that they'd like to contribute – such as trip reports, kit for sale etc?

Please let me know if so

Emily

Dear all Hellfins,

Please join me in congratulating Matt and Anil, who both qualified as Ocean Divers last week.

Well done to both of you.

Janos

Hi All,

I have reserved with the skipper of Wightdiver two days diving from Portsmouth - August 24/25:  bank Holiday Sunday/Monday.

The trip is open to all Sports and 30 m (Padi AOW) with some UK experience, as we plan to do some 30M wrecks, and a shallower drift as a second dive.

 I have quite a lot of spaces on this great boat (really!) which takes 12.  If you are interested, (including those already expressed interest) please let me know.

Costs are £80 for the two days (4 dives), plus accomodation in /around Portsmouth. 

If interested please email me and then I'll sort out finances ....

All the best

Paul.

RpEaMuOlV@Ehellfins.com

Sadly my Weymouth trip has been cancelled due to Windy Weather, and as I haven't dived for two weeks I need to get wet.

So Pippa and I are planning on heading of to Wraysbury this Saturday. If anyone fancies a bit of teachin' learnin' or just a dive, then drop me an email (at home - Janos <at> Suto co uk) or give me a tinkle on 079 80 555 185

Janos

Hi,

can anyone advise the best place to buy sea charts?

Thanks!!

• Anil with Tom and Matt B for SS1. 
• Karl and Konrad in the pool for some practice. 
• Chris W teaching compass skills with Clare B, anyone else want a refresher? 

Dear all,

Please join me in congratulating Kathleen and Judith!

Kathleen has recently qualified as an Ocean Diver and Judith has qualified as a Sports Diver.

Well done on your achievement.

Janos

Sorry for the late notice, there is a technical hitch….

Tom is taking Anil and Matt B for SS1

Paul B has Natalia and Claire S for drysuit practice

Pippa and Katie in the pool for practice

Janos is taking SD and OD examinees at 6.30pm, good luck and don’t forget your tables.

Next Wednesday 2^nd July Chris will do a practical compass lesson in the pool, anyone interested?

Kathy on behalf of Matt