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Diving
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Have you ever wondered what's under the seas of NW Wales? Caroline Sampson is a trained diving instructor, and runs a diving school with her husband. She's been diving all over the world, but says the sea off NW Wales is still her favourite.
How did you get started?
I started diving quite by accident. When I went along to a swimming lesson with a friend, it turned out to be a diving class instead! I joined the club as a social member until I was old enough to train properly at 16. I've loved diving ever since.
Where did you go from there?
I joined my husband to help run Anglesey Divers, and then qualified as an instructor myself about seven years ago.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
If you go to a diving school, everything is provided for you. I would recommend doing this, just to see whether you enjoy diving. Otherwise, an amateur would first need a snorkel and, if you want to carry on diving, you'll need a wet/dry suit, aqualung and various other pieces of kit.
What's your most memorable experience?
My husband and I went diving in the Red Sea, whilst on honeymoon in Egypt. He was poised to take a photo of me, when a huge Napoleon Wrasse fish came up behind him. These fish are about six feet long and quite harmless, but very inquisitive. My husband had no idea it had joined him to peer through the lens, so I waved frantically to get his attention. He jumped (well, rose!) in shock when he realised it was so close.
Have you got a favourite place?
Porthdafarch, in Holyhead Bay. The dive's about eight metres deep and full of fascinating things to see. It's quite an easy dive, and you're always guaranteed to see something different in the seas round Anglesey.
Any other points?
You either love, or hate diving. So try it out at a local diving school before committing yourself. You just need to be able to swim 200 metres to get started, and there's no need to be extremely fit - you'll get in better shape as you dive more often.
The best thing about diving is that you know you're seeing things that few other people will ever get to see. And there's plenty of amazing sights and sea life in the waters off the NW Wales coast - there's no need to go abroad to enjoy diving.
Where can I have a go?
Anglesey Divers and quarry diving at Llanberis.
Useful websites:
www.diveanglesey.co.uk
www.divernet.com
www.padi.com
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