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THE SUN IS SHINING
- BUT EASY DOES IT!
NIGEL EATON, EDITOR
AS THE CURTAIN GOES UP ON A NEW BRITISH diving season, we make no apology for again giving suggestions on where to go for some great early-season dives, and for again featuring a guide to getting in shape for the months ahead.
Our spring dive line-up takes in a range of shore and boat-dive sites around the UK, from Cornwall to the Isle of Skye. In all cases the focus is on relatively undemanding but eminently appealing diving for those who have had a winter lay-off, or who have recently qualified.
Who better to offer advice on losing weight and getting fit for such early-season excursions than ex-Olympic Gold cyclist turned Diver correspondent Chris Boardman?
As well as improving general "sinkability", Chris's custom workout promises diving benefits including more predictable gas consumption, a reduced risk of DCS, and an increased ability to deal with emergencies. It also contains, in its approach to getting fit, several principles which can be equally applied to slipping smoothly back into diving after a break.
Chief among these is the idea that aiming too high is a bad mistake.
In exercise, as in diving, instant gratification is usually unrealistic, and Chris reminds us that taking things slowly and setting achievable targets is the way to go.
One thing that Chris doesn't mention, but which is touched on elsewhere in the magazine, is the idea that the massive performance offered by most modern diving kit can pose a positive risk to the user.
As John Bantin puts it: "We all want to own and use a regulator that will go as deep as John Bennett would wish to go, and at the same time perform effortlessly in Arctic conditions and be the first choice of US Navy Seals."
Whether you are making a first dive with a powerful new pair of fins or the latest rebreather, be aware that new-kit syndrome can easily tempt you to exceed your ability and/or experience.
So get to grips with your fitness, plan some warm-up dives such as those described at Babbacombe, Mullion Cove, and Meanish Pier - and take it easy with that fancy new regulator.
Do all this, and the chances are you'll have one of your best-ever starts to a season!
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