Hi from the Bristol Channel!

[spikesmith]

Contrary to popular opinion, the Bristol Channel is rather more than a fast-moving, chill, muddy swamp infested by sea monsters and self-propelled sandbanks. Most of the sea monsters have now been caught or chased away by the endless stream of Japanese car transporters that ply their way around one of the most fiercely tidal places on the planet. It's one of the most fascinating places to sail and (for the strong-at-heart) dive. With tide-ranges of up to 14 metres (45 feet) and streams running up to 7 knots in places, it's not an area to be taken lightly. You never fight the tides. If you can't go with them your best bet is to anchor in a sheletered spot and wait until you can. All this water charging about raises so much muck that the visibility can be akin to the inside of a Hoover bag (a very wet one). There are notable exceptions in sheltered areas like Lundy Island and some of the sheltered harbours and havens; but, generally to see anything (let alone photograph it) you have to get in really close. Still, if you can sail or dive here, it makes it so much easier to do it anywhere else - besides, its on my doorstep and I love the place.

I came back to diving very recently - having learned to dive 20 years ago in the RAF (remember ABLJs and learning how to clear a twin-hose rig - in case your dive buddy had one?). An arm injury meant that I hadn't done any since the late 1980s, but I had to go snorkelling several times to clear nets and line from my prop recently and started thinking that it would be much easier with a tank so I signed up for a new/refresher course and found that being a one-armed bandit wasn't the problem I'd imagined.

Regards


Spike

 

[murphdivers286]

Welcome to the board. I'm glad diving found you again. I don't think I would be interested in diving in your neck of the woods, but if you are ever in the good viz, slow dift diving Florida let me know. I will dive with you.....

 

[simbrooks]

Welcome Spike, i see you are from near the source. I am from further down the channel- never dived it, but lived my first 10 years in Ilfracombe and know the channel all too well.

 

[limeyx]

Contrary to popular opinion, the Bristol Channel is rather more than a fast-moving, chill, muddy swamp infested by sea monsters and self-propelled sandbanks.
Regards


Spike

Haha, I grew up in Bristol before having the sense to move to Los Angeles
Used to look just like a fast-moving chill muddy swamp to me! Good luck w/the diving.
I did venture out into the docks once to windsurf. Godknows what bacteria were lurking in there though...

nick

 

[Matt the Aquaman]

Hi There Spike,
Welcome to Scuba Board –One of the most informative and dedicated boards on the net. You can meet a lot of helpful people here and it’s an awesome place to get answers to your questions regarding scuba diving. If you ever want to chat feel free to PM me. Take care and Safe Diving

-Matt- almtree::sunny

Click here to greet a new member!
No experience needed and it feels great!​

 

[Scott Riemer]

Hello Spike and welcome to Scubaboard!

 

[DandyDon]

Howdy!

And welcome to SB - the biggest, the best, the fastest growing, and the friendliest! If you'll click ScubaBoard.com above, you'll be taken to our long list of forums, a wealth of information and resources. At the bottom, be sure to notice the Local & Singles Dive Club forums.

PM me if I can help you learn your way around; that is - click my username to the upper left, then follow the prompts to send me a "Personal Message."

don

 

[Aquacatfighter]

Welcome to Scubaboard from Orlando !

Dive safe !

Deb

 

[Lil' Irish Temper]

Welcome to ScubaBoard