We can't quite believe where the last year has gone and now it's nearly time for us to launch our PADI scuba training offer to you all! As locals we're passionate about our incredible underwater world; with an island where shore diving is possible virtually anywhere we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting into the water ... as we hope you'll soon find out.
So come on down and meet us at this year's Waterfest on Sunday 12th June which is being organised by the Arran Yacht Club + Friends. The day is set to be action packed and kicks off around 09:00 and continues until late afternoon. We'll be offering those over the age of 12 the opportunity to breath underwater from scuba gear; if you're between 8-12 years old we'll help you see some of the underwater locals by skin diving (snorkelling). You'll need a wetsuit to get in the water with us - these are available from the club on the day.
There's a £15 charge for the PADI Discover Scuba Diving session (normal price £90!) and the Snorkelling Taster is FREE. If you want to chip in a bit more then please make a donation to our local RNLI lifeboat station which will be open on the day.
You'll find more information about the Waterfest at the bottom of this post along with the contact details of all providers taking part.
If you're looking for Things to do on Arran this summer - it all begins at Waterfest!
So what about us? Well with Covid-19 now mostly in our rear view mirror we thought it was time to get ourselves into gear and make our dive plan a reality! It's been brewing away for some time; the desire to offer others the chance to take their first breath under the water (honestly we still remember our's some 9 years later!). Once you've had yours you'll understand why we wanted to share this magical experience.
So we've set up a very small, mobile training offer which means you can learn to dive or continue your diving education anywhere on the island, at pretty much any time and to fit virtually any restrictions you may have. Unlike most other scuba training business's we're not limited by shop opening hours so this holiday get in touch and see how we can help!
You might now wonder - what can we offer; we'll under the guidance of your friendly (well we think so!) instructor Rich there's pretty much no limit on what you can learn whilst you're on Arran. As a PADI Instructor he's able to teach all the core PADI courses upto Divemaster; which in our view (and most of the worlds) are the most comprehensive, highest regarded and recognised courses you can do. If that wasn't enough Rich smashes most other instructors out of the proverbial park with his line up of 13 additional PADI Speciality courses. As a result you can pretty much do every course you can think of under his expert leadership.
If you pressed him for a favourite speciality he'd say; RNLI Sea Survival and Search & Recovery Diver
You can find out more about us and our little business on the About page or check out the full line up of courses under PADI Courses from the top menu.
Waterfest 2022 - Sunday 12th June - Lamlash Pier
From our friends over at Otter's Tail Adventures:
Arran Yacht Club and friends are hosting a water sports day at Lamash pier on Sunday the 12th of June.
This will be a chance for existing members of the Yacht Club to try out different water sports and meet other water users at the club. It is also an opportunity for everyone on Arran to try out the activities that the various clubs can offer and perhaps join the clubs at a later date. Whilst children are welcome to attend, there will be age restrictions for some of the activities, and a parent or guardian must be present at the Yacht Club for under 18s to participate. Wetsuits are available to borrow.
The day will be split into four main session times - 9.30, 11.00, 14.00 and 15.30. You can join one session or as many as you like, and you will have the opportunity to dinghy sail, kayak, swim and row with the clubs. All of the activities will be led by qualified instructors. To join in with any of these activities you will have to be a member of the Yacht Club or buy day membership which is available for £10 per person and can be purchased on the day.
For lunch Arran Simply Thai will be there to provide high quality food which can be bought on the day with a range of children’s and vegan options available.
In addition to the clubs COAST will be on hand to give information about the seas around Arran and advice on hobby fishing, with Arran Lifeboat and Coastguard providing vital water safety information. Other organisations such as SUP Arran, Dive Arran and Lamlash Cruises will also be there on the day offering a further range of activities which can be booked separately.
Contacts & Restrictions:
Arran Junior Sailing Club - Andy McNamara | andy@otterstail.co.uk | P6 and over
Arran Kayak Club - Jo Totty | jototty841@gmail.com | P6 and over
Arran Swimmers - Georgina MacLean | georginamac@hotmail.co.uk | Be able to swim 25 m
Arran Coastal Rowers - Cecilia Paul | ceciliahigh5@gmail.com | S3 and over
Dive Arran - Richard Godfrey | hello@divearran.com | S3 and over
SUP Arran - Glen Sloss | PADDLE@suparran.com | P6 and over
Lamlash Cruises - Grant Ross | lamlashcruises@gmail.com | No age limits