We teach the techniques of breath hold diving, allowing you to see sights above and below the water, both around the British coast and of course more exotic places around the world. We are a local club providing training in snorkelling to British Sub-Aqua Club standards, the emphasis is on safety throughout our training.
Welcome to the Dorking Snorkelling Club
Time and Place
We meet at the Dorking Sports Centre, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SW on Sunday mornings.
The pool session is from 8:30 to 9:30am; allow 10 minutes to change before your session is due to start.
We meet in school term time and break for half term. The dates are stated on the club website (member information) and posted on the notice board at the sports centre.
Learn to Snorkel (breath hold diving)
The club training is based on progressing through a series of "learning how to" exercises. Theory lectures are given to complement practical sessions in the pool (much of this is covered in Physics and Biology at school)
Skills Development Courses
Basic training is also given in first-aid, rescue and resuscitation as part of the snorkel lifesaver award.
There are also opportunities to train as Instructors, Assistant Instructors and junior coaches. We run a junior coaching courses within the branch and facilitate attendance at regional instructor courses.
Optional courses for those over 14 are available through BSAC including Boat handling, first aid for divers and oxygen administration.
UK Diving
During the summer months, the club organises day trips and long weekends to the coast, so that open water skills can be taught and tested. These trips are usually supported by the clubs own boat, which allows a greater range of dive sites to be explored. We visit a varity of open water sitesincluding sheltered inland reservoirs such as Wrasybury, local coastal sites such as Pagham and sites in Dorset, Devon, Pembrokeshire and Anglesey. Transport is not provided and parents are welcome to join us on the shore when they bring their children.
The club organises social events and activities outside of the summer months, this includes map reading, boat handling, and a Christmas party, often using the pool's inflatable.
Use of Equipment
The club will provide you with basic equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) for your first few sessions. Once you have settled in, you will be expected to obtain your own. Before purchasing any equipment, it is recommended that you talk to any of the instructors for advice; you should also learn the basics of equipment choice and maintenance early in your training. Other equipment required for open water snorkelling, such as lifejackets and weight belts, are normally provided by the club.
For more advanced snorkellers, and those planning much open water snorkelling, a wetsuit is needed. The club does have a limited stock of wetsuits; they can also be hired from many dive shops, and you may consider doing this before making the commitment of purchasing one. Children out growing their wetsuits each year can be a problem, although there is usually a supply of hand-me-down suits available at a reasonable cost from other members.
Rules and Regulations
We do need to make a few rules and regulations, amongst which are:
- You must agree to the clubs Code of Conduct
- For insurance purposes, every person must sign in and out on the register for each session
- Do not snorkel if you have a cold, earache or similar condition
Directions
Dorking Sports Centre is just off the 'Cockeral' Roundabout where the A24 and A25 cross, head towards the town centre.