Most Improved Diver

It was the AGM last Tuesday for Shrewsbury Sub Aqua Club. Next month, I will have been diving (or rather learning how to) for a year. Where has the time gone?!

Most of the meeting was about budgets and the business side of things. But part of the meeting was to decide the new committee members, vote on who'd volunteered, and finalise the new committee. There were a few positions changing this year. I was considering volunteering for them but without knowing what the positions entailed, I was a little hesitant. Instead, myself, my partner, and a fellow from our Ocean Diver course were offered the chance to be general members of the committee.

This was confirmed at the AGM. I am very excited to be involved because it means I can learn a little more about the committee roles and what they do, so that next year I can make an informed decision about which I would like to volunteer for. Being a general committee member also means I can give back to the club which has given me a new hobby I adore and a specialised skill set. So I am very much looking forward to helping out in anyway that I can.

Post Capernwray dive.

At the end of the meeting, there were awards to be presented. I figured that as newbies we'd not qualify for anything, but it was great to celebrate other members and their commitment to the club. The trophies were all bronzed diving or boat equipment and, frankly, gorgeous. The awards were stuff like wreck appreciation which got a boat bolt. The final award of the night was the biggest trophy, an old fashioned diving helmet for the most improved diver. And it went to me! I am still surprised and so honoured to be included!

Receiving this award has made me look back over the year to see how far I have come. I've gone from having a panic attack in my first pool lesson to the last dive of 2018 being a fast current sea dive. That is quite the difference. In less than a year, I have gone from a non-diver to qualified Ocean Diver to trainee Sport Diver. And I am very proud of myself. For doing something that is out of my comfort zone and for actually enjoying it. 

Most Improved Diver

I am very grateful to the SSAC. Starting with, for offering the course in the first place! But for also being much more than just a course to learn. Being part of an inclusive club is great, everyone has stories and advice. They offer dives for all qualifications, which meant I could get experience as an Ocean Diver, and are supportive of us less experienced divers. I have always been buddied with someone who makes me feel safe on the dive. And now I have the chance to give back to the club!

I am very much looking forward to the 2019 dive season!

My diving goals for this year are:

• Qualify as a Sport Diver;
• Figure out how I can best support the committee;
• Go on as many dives as I can!

Listening to: Ultimate Party Classics