What is the one thing all divers have in common? They all had to try SCUBA diving before catching the bug…

In SUSAC, we hold try dive experiences once a year for those who want to give it a go and see if they enjoy it. These are held early in the first semester (we are a university club after all), and they are a very popular affair.

A try dive gives you the opportunity to see what it is like first hand to use a SCUBA kit and breathe underwater without any commitments. We understand that not everyone finds the sensation of floating weightlessly and breathing underwater a nice one, but we'd love to give you the opportunity to find out, in a safe environment. We'll provide all the specialist equipment, right down to a mask and a pair of fins. All you need to bring is what you'd normally bring to a swimming pool – a swimming costume and a towel – plus an old t-shirt to wear in the water. It really is that simple.

When you arrive, you'll have to read and sign a medical and liability disclaimer that checks you are fit and healthy for the diving experience. You'll get a dry briefing with other try-divers, from an instructor, including the basics of using the SCUBA equipment and some easy underwater hand signals. You'll then have to complete a short swim test to show that you're happy in the water, which is to swim two widths of the pool using a recognised stroke. Please note that if you are not able to complete this swim test you will not be permitted to participate in the diving activities for safety reasons.

When it comes to your turn, an experienced diver will help you find a mask and a pair of fins that fit you, and assist you to 'kit up' on the poolside. You will enter the water under the expert eye of one of our nationally-qualified instructors, who will guide you – one-to-one and at your own pace – for 10-15 minutes in the water.

Once you're done, you'll be helped out of the kit again, and then you're free to go take a shower and change. SUSAC members will be on hand to answer any questions you have, and let you know what to do next if you really enjoyed it. All try divers will receive a Try Dive pack containing a certificate and some information about the club and how to join.

Our next try dive sessions will be at Zest Community pool on Sunday, 28th September and Sunday, 5th October.  Each day has three sessions at 15:00, 15:30, and 16:00.

Tickets will be available online through the SU GIAG website (then search for SUSAC). As the only try dives of the year, this event WILL sell out fast, so be sure to get your ticket while you can!

Find us at the Sports Fair on Friday 26th September in the Octagon! Or Contact Us if you have any further questions.