August 16, 2013

Learn to Scuba Dive !!!!

Naas Sub-Aqua Club are taking on new members from October 2013. No experience necessary as we train you in all the skills necessary to dive safely and gain world recoqnised CMAS diving qualifications. If you have some dive qualifications and would like to dive you are also welcome to join the club.

Free Try-a-Dives on scuba equipment in the swimmming pool and full training begins in October.

For a safe and affordable way to scuba dive off all coast of Ireland and beyond join Naas Sub-Aqua Club.

More information please contact Liam at naassac@gmail.com or phone 087 2726699

If interested in our Try-a-Dives or joining Naas Sub-Aqua Club please read, fill in and submit our online registration form at the following link: Naas SAC Registration Form

Most of the information you may require about the club can be found out the follow webpage: Club Info Page

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to e-mail or phone us.

March 10, 2013

PRO Club News Updates 10-3-2013

Sunday 3rd of March
 
Our second trip to Hook Head this year saw good Team of Divers attend, visibility was much improved with circa 5m visibility reported. Water is still a bit nippy but thanks to Liam a lot of Trainee dives are getting done.
 Hook Head Feb 24th 2013.jpg
Saturday 2nd of March
 
A small Team of Divers Fintan K. & Dave B. got some exercise & attended a superb Search & Recovery course run by Blackwater SAC & Rescue Unit in Fermoy, unexpected courtesies & the expert tuition provided by David Carey & Noel Hayes gave a key insight & made a very memorable weekend. Thank you Blackwater!!
 
Another contingent of Divers attended Dive Ireland hosted by Athlone SAC at the Hudson Bay Hotel.
 
Friday 1st of MarchSandra March 1st.JPG
 
Many thanks to Barry O’S for a superb night out at the Ballymore Inn, the food was superb & the entertainment was great. Sandra M. was Master Compere for the evening with Pauline W. Charlotte M. & Liam helping to ensure
quiz business all ran smooth. Many thanks to those Divers & friends who supported the event & helped raise some vital funds.
 
The Panel March 1st.JPG
Sunday 24th of February 
 
Our first Hook Head dive this year was attended by a good Team of Divers & Snorkelers. Low tide was just before 11am & visibility was ~ 3m max & a bit murky making quite an exciting 1st open water dive for many of our Trainees – Well done!! With the tide coming in the swell rising it wa a one dive day, but we all needed a good wash.
 
Friday 22nd. of February
 
Many thanks to Brian Kelly & Mary Patterson for running an excellent Rescue course at CFT HQ, which four NSAC Divers Dave M. Dave B. Pauline W. & Pavel S. attended. Saturday provided a few new experiences & great fun doing the open water exercises at Sandycove between snow showers.
Rescue Course Sandycove Feb 2013.jpg

February 04, 2013

New Member 2013

New member of the Naas Sub-Aqua Club completed their last set of training lectures in Lawlor's Hotel Naas on Sunday, 3rd of February 2013. With most of the training now complete they should be sampling the delights of the underwater world very shortly.

Trainee Group 2013(s).JPG

From Left to Right: Eddie Smith, Alice O'Sullivan, Robbie Carroll, Eddie Whitford, Jonathan Dooley, Margaret Brennan and James Hughes.

 Seen below practicing their CPR with one of the clubs Instructors Russell Higgs.

CPR 2013.JPG

 Russell Higgs CPR 2013(s).JPG

November 05, 2012

More Diver Qualifications

Congratulations and well done to our latest D** (Club Divers) Sandra Moody and Mark White who successfully passed their test yesterday (4-11-12) in Dun Laoghaire. The difficult sea conditions or cold weather did not faze the two determined candidates. All their studying and training paid off and I can see them browsing through the dry suit cataloges already.
Congratulations also to Bernard Kruger who passed his Diver Cox’n test yesterday (4-11-12) in sea conditions that would test the best of us. Having spent several years now working and repairing the club boats his experience and willingness to learn shone through yesterday. A very well deserved certificate in the diver’s logbook Bernard!
 D2+Coxn 5-11-12.JPG

November 03, 2012

Gozo 2012

Gozo 2012
 
August 31st bags re-weighed easy dash to Dublin, slow amble through the airport down to Gate 103 & after a few minutes we were on our way to Gozo. In a bit, touchdown in Luqa, down to our t-shirts, stacked the bags into the van, loaded we were soon on the ferry, pleasant breeze & a memorable view of Camino & St. Mary’s Tower, into Mgharr Harbour, within a few minutes & two calls after we were in Marsalforn had the jeeps parked up, met Maria with the apartment keys, dropped bags picked beds & gathered for the short stroll down to the seafront in search of sustenance, Ta Pennellu, pasta & spare ribs, satisfied we were now ready for a nights sleep & a week of diving.
Marsalforn(2).jpg
September 1st we met Stephania & Brian in Atlantis diving, presented credentials & signatures, collected tanks & weight & we were on our first maniacal chase across the island to Ras Il-Hobz (Middle Finger). Our last Irish dive was August 22nd Dalkey South, 17m, limited vis, 14oC, 7+7mm farmer john, 13kg of lead for 21 minutes. Gozo was different, dressed in a 2mm shortie, 4kg of weight, 20m+ vis in 28oC water with clouds of bait fish, at least.
 Fireworm.jpg
We went in at the platform across the shallows south east, descended at the drop off & Middle Finger soon appeared on our left, a pinnacle with depths of ~ 100m just a short peddle from shore, dropped to ~ 30m we spiralled upward travelling anticlockwise, thermoclines, shoals of Bream, a few Tuna, small Moray, retuning to the shallows to be entertained by the bait fish & Wrasse, after 45 minutes we had an easy exit. Pavel nailed this one & Middle Finger gave us more than Kilkee earlier this season.
Moray Eel(3).jpg
Quick change before our second madcap chase back to Marsalforn, lazy lunch at the Electra before returning to Middle Finger, 28m for 40 minutes followed by an easy snorkel in the shallows with the girls. A siesta on the couch, Herbies & an early night.
 Middle Finger - Rosemary.jpg
September 2nd our party had grown with the arrival of Barry & Kate, diving was still best on the south coast, off the Rabat Mgharr road, past some odd signage we travelled to Ix Xatt L-Ahmar (Red Bay), a great swimming & snorkelling spot with steps & a dive board, over looked by Fort Chambray. With one gang set to go swimming, seven of us peddled south east over the grassy reef descending to ~ 33m at the drop off, finding a nice swim through & having more fun in the shallows on the way back. Mgharr(Blog).jpg
 
Another madcap chase & lazy lunch in Marsalforn, we heard the west was improving & so we headed for Dwejra & the Inland Sea, change of pace, a thrilling dive. A salt water lake located behind a cliff but connected to the sea via an 80m tunnel which drops from 3m to 26m. Off the slipway, to the left of the tunnel, down & through nice & easy, exiting turning left west along the wall, not going much deeper than 27m in 50m depth. We turned at ~16 minutes, swell had picked up & the tunnel was now a funnel which propelled us like cannon shot providing great excitement & a few apprehensive moments.
 
Azure Window & Coral Garden(Blog).jpgWith the head count intact we made our retreat back to the apartments, quick swim around the bay & back to Dwejra to explore the Azure Window by land. A storm hit about 7.30pm, torrential rain, floods & lightening until almost dawn, travelling in the topless jeep across the island made quite an adventure as roads were replaced by torrents, we were dodging dustbins & other bits, some roads were impassable but the little jeep chewed it up, glad to get back to the apartment.
 
September 3rd was a day of rest, the team split one half exploring Malta the other half, Gozo, Calypso’s Cave, Ramla & San Blas Bay etc.
 
September 4th brought us to the wrecks near Mgharr, scuttled Lazy day in Marsalforn(480).jpgin 2006 the deck of the MV Karwella is at ~37m, on air there was little bottom time but plenty of Nitrogen, hit the deck glee, down to the props at 42m apprehension, back up, through the wheel house & onto the mast, heading for home at ~ 12m still twitchy the compass was baffling, visibility was superb, no torch needed.
 
In the afternoon lovely easy dive back at Middle Finger, dropped to 30m travelled clockwise then back to the shallows where a few octopus occupied us, 58 minutes, great dive site.
 Wreck Gozo(5).jpg
September 5th, again we went back to Mgharr & the wrecks, a little east of the Karwella the MV Karwella(Blog).jpgCominoland sits in ~ 39m. Liam nailed the navigation, we entered at the ladder, peddled south east across the reef, descended at the drop off & the Cominoland soon loomed into view. On air again this was going to be brief, quick peak into the wheel house, out & down to 37m, in through the door, down the starboard side, out at the stern, up the stairs, along the port side to the bow, up to the wheel house onto the stack & back to the shallows to snoop around the boulders, lots of Scorpion fish & found another small Moray in a crack under the ladder exiting.
 Caminoland.jpg
Lunch at Mgharr before a swim & snorkel at Hondoq bay, a superb site with Comino & the Blue lagoon in sight. That evening the breaks held on the jeeps & we gathered at Mgarr Ix–Xini for a night dive, spectacular narrow inlet with steep cliffs on both sides, 14m, two caves, Cuttlefish, Octopus, another small Moray & another free swimming Eel, surfacing at 60 minutes a great dive. The jeeps climbed the scary road out followed by the traditional madcap dash to Victoria & McDonalds for evening vittles.
Soft Coral.jpg
 
September 6th back to Middle Finger, down to 36m spiralling up travelling clockwise, Moray Tuna & lots of Bream, Pavel appeared from nowhere herding a shoal. The track out of Ras Il–Hobz had been badly damaged in the aftermath of the storm but these unstoppable little jeeps clambered & inched their way out.
 Middle Finger - Tony.jpg
After another lazy lunch we went in search of Ta’ Cenc, another spectacular inlet, parked, donned gear & tackled the 90 odd steps past the restaurant down to the bathing platform, two very nice boats moored near by, film set type scene. Swimmers snorkelers & divers ready we dropped in, south across the inlet & down, saw a Grouper at ~ 16m, a very cosy swim through at 31m & found another very entertaining cave, a lovely site, we were a long way from Dalkey South. 
 Giant Snail(2).jpg     
That evening half the team took up residence in Xaghra, leaving the convenience of the apartment, underground car park & lift for a rustic hilltop farmhouse, straight out of a Sergio Leone film, complete with open air atrium, arches, worn stone stairs, the first floor balcony provided a perfect vantage point for the Il Bambina Festival fireworks, resident wildlife was abundant, a few blocks were carved with names & dates, great fun, timber door frame marked MI6 added to the curiosity.
 
September 7th we collected our tanks, met our old team mate Pascal & charged across the island back to the Inland Sea for two boat dives, the 1st site might have been called Hawrija on the west tip of the island, dropped in, very good cave followed by another swim through at 31.7m after which we went in search of Barracuda, who didn’t oblige.
 HQ(480).jpg
Burgers for lunch at Dwerja & after we strolled down to the Blue Hole which was packed tight with divers. Back to the boat, no delays, the 2nd site may have been the Tac Cawla caves, on the north west coast, a set of caves of which we visited three, Liam did his best on the boat to calm nerves, this was a roller coaster, a very exciting dive, exiting the 3rd cave at ~ 12m the narrow sides framed the crystal blue waters outside, stunning. This was the perfect end to a perfect week diving with NSAC in Gozo.
 Octopus(4).jpg
September 8th we had to leave the rest of the NSAC team for an evening flight home, just as the swell dropped & north coast opened providing the team with the chance to dive Reqqa point, Double Arches, Blue Hole & others. Many thanks to our DO Liam, Patti, Tony, Rose, Barry, Kate, Pavel & Fintan for a seamless & very enjoyable holiday, The great vis, drop offs, walls, bait fish, Nitrogen, jeeps, Octopus, heat, pizza, ribs, wrecks, caves & scenery, for divers & non divers, young & old, Gozo has it!!
Marsalforn(3).jpg
 Fish.jpg
 
 Wreck Gozo - Prop(2).jpg
 Scorpian(4).jpg
Ray.jpg

November 02, 2012

New Committee 2012 - 2013

The new 2012 - 2013 Naas Sub Aqua committee were elected in Lawler's Hotel, Naas on Friday 2nd November 2012 at the AGM. They are as follows:

Continue reading "New Committee 2012 - 2013" »

August 27, 2012

Leading Diver

Congratulations and well done to Fintan O'Kelly, Naas SAC, who has just passed his final Leading Diver exam in Smerwick Harbour, Co. Kerry. The final weekend practical & theory diving exams marks the end of a long hard year's work for the candidates. The Leading Diver (CMAS D***) is a very well respected standard of diving ability to attain & one step closer to CMAS Mon1 (Instructor) One of next years diving projects Fintan? :-)

August 23, 2012

New CMAS Club Dive

New Club Diver

Congratulations and well done to David Berney who passed his D** (CMAS Club Diver) test in Dun Laoghaire last night in all but favourable conditions. The 1m viz conditions did not faze the well experienced trainee who put in a great performance and passed the test with ease. This is a great testament to someone who only started diving over a year ago and hopefully a budding instructor for the club in the future.

December 06, 2010

New Members 2011

With the present depressed economic climate and leisure activities the first to be badly hit, it was always going to be a challenge to recruit new members into the club this year . We are delighted to have recruited nine new members who have joined Naas Sub-Aqua Club.
It was also very encouraging to see a full turn out at the first set of lectures in Naas on December 5th 2010 despite the atrocious weather conditions we have been experiencing over the past week. Hopefully we will get fair diving weather as we did last year that we can fulfil our promise of great diving in the coming season for this enthusiastic group.
As Diving Officer I would like to officially welcome them into the Naas Sub-Aqua club and wish them great diving in the coming season. I would hope to see as many as possible if not all of these nine trainees qualified as Club Divers by the end of the 2011 season.
Meet the new members:
Euin Rafter (sw).jpgPavel Smirnov (sw).jpgSean Phelan (sw).jpg
Camilla Bergenheim (ws).jpgPontos Bergenheim (sw).jpgJohn Tierney (sw).jpg
Stephen Harmon (sw).jpgSandra Moody (sw).jpgDave Moody (sw).jpg

October 27, 2010

New Member 2010

Following a very sucessful 2009/2010 season,Naas Sub-Aqua Club are recruiting new members once again this year. It will commence with a poster campaign, followed by free Try-a-Dives in the safety of a swimming pool, pool snorkel and scuba training and Theory Lectures. 

                    diverman.gif                                 diverman.gif

Those interested in joining the club, learning how to dive or booking a Try-a-Dive should contact us by e-mail: naassac@gmail.com 

Try-a-Dive dates are Thursday the 4th, 11th and 18th of November 2010  (Please e-mail to book your Try-a-Dive place in advance)

Alternatively you can give me a call on 087/2726699 but e-mail is best.

No experience is necessary as we train new member from scratch over the winter months in the pool and starting their open water snorkels in January, with first dives mid February/early March. Those with some diving experience also very welcome.

Try something new, something completely different!

Liam Whelan,

Diving Officer,

Naas Sub-Aqua Club

 

October 17, 2010

More Club Diver Qualifications.

Three more trainees from Naas Sub-Aqua Club sat and sucessfully passed their Club Diver test in Dun Laoghaire on Saturday the 16th of October 2010. Conditions were very good for the test with beautiful sunshine making it hard to believe it was mid October. Congratulations and well done to Julie Gallagher, Jimmy Galloway and Una Corrigan. This brings our total of Club Diver qualification to ten this year which will free up our instructors to train more new members in the coming year.

IMG_0173 (2).jpg

(Left to Right) Julie Gallagher, Jimmy Galloway and Una Corrigan.

 

August 23, 2010

Five New Club Divers for Naas SAC

At the recent Regional Club Diver Test on Saturday the 21st of August in Dun Laoghaire five members of Naas Sub Aqua Club sucessfully passed their CMAS D** test. The five candidates were Michelle McKenna, Catherine Redmond, Stephen O'Brien, John Moran and Martina Loughlin. Their dedication over the last few months paid off and we hope they will become active divers, helping to train further new members of the club in the future.Congratulations and well done to all five "Club Divers"

Special thanks to all the instructors and members of the Naas club that gave their time training them over the summer months in prepariation for the test.

D2 Test 21-8-10.jpg

Back Row (Candidates): Michelle McKenna, Catherine Redmond, Stephen O'Brien, John Moran and Martina Loughlin.

Front Row (Examiners present from Naas SAC) Tony Leeson,  David Lawler, Liam Whelan and Andrew Murray.

 

May 31, 2010

More Qualifications

Two more quaifications for members of Naas Sub-Aqua Club last week.

Advanced Club Diver.

At a committee meeting last week Rosemary Finn was nominated for the Advanced Club Diver award for her work within the club over the past few years. Rosemary who was Diving Officer in 2009, frequently trains us in the Curragh pool and has already completed 30 x dives with trainees this year. This is a token of our apreciation for all Rosemary has done for Naas Sub-Aqua club.

Rescue Diver

Maire Lawler sucessfully passed her Rescue Diver test in Lough Owel, Mullingar on Saturday the 29th of May.

Congratulations and well done to them both!

May 24, 2010

Two Club Divers

Congratulations to both Barry O'Sullivan and Martin Byrne who both passed their Club Diver tests last Saturday the 22nd of May 2010. The test was part of a Dublin South Regional test which took part in Dun Laoghaire. The feedback from their examiners was very good and both candidates were complimented on their good preparation for the test.

Dalkey Scuba Divers supplied the boat for the test so many thanks to all our friends in the Dalkey club for that kind gesture.

Many thanks also to all the club instructors who have helped prepare Barry and Martin for this test over the past few months.

The CMAS Club Diver (D**) is a very good standard to achieve and it is essential we as a club get Trainees (D*) up to this standard as soon as possible so they can become self sufficent and therefore safer divers. It also frees up the active instructors we have in the club to work with new trainees.

April 19, 2010

Latest News & Statistics


 
The June Bank Holiday weekend in Inish Meain, Co. Galway was very enjoyable with great diving although dive sites were limited by wind direction. We had 22 x club members diving and a total of 87 x dives completed over the weekend.


 

1.      Inish Meain 5th– 7th of June – 22 x Members - 87 X Dives

2.      Dun Laoghaire 26th of May – 13 x Members – 13 x Dives

3.      Dun Laoghaire 30th of May – 13 x Members – 20 x Dives

4.      Dun Laoghaire 2nd  of June – 7 x Members – 7 x Dives

5.      Slade Harbour 13th of June – 11 x Members – 21 x Dives/4 x snorkels.

6.      Dun Laoghaire 16th of June – 13 x Members – 13 x Dives

7.      Hook Head 20th of June – 12 x Members – 18 x Dives/3 x snorkels.

8.      Slade Harbour 27th of June – 6 x Members – 12 x Dives

The May Bank Holiday weekend in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo went very well and without incident. We had 20 x club members diving and a total of 83 x dives completed over the weekend.



 

We also had seven other dive/snorkel outing since the 19th of April:

 

1.      Kilmore Quay 25th of April – 13 x Members – 26 x Dives

2.      Dun Laoghaire 5th of May – 13 x Members – 13 x Dives

3.      Slade Harbour 9th of May – 13 x Members – 20 x Dives/4 x snorkels.

4.      Dun Laoghaire 12th of May – 12 x Members – 12 x Dives

5.      Hook Head 16th of May – 18 x Members – 30 x Dives/4 x snorkels.

6.      Dun Laoghaire 19th of May – 21 x Members – 21 x Dives

7.      Slade Harbour 23rd of May – 14 x Members – 27 x Dives

 

Wednesday evening diving out of Dun Laoghaire is getting very popular.

 


The Easter weekend in Annaghvaan, Co. Galway was a very successful weekend with 29 x club members diving and 100 x dives + 5 x snorkels completed over the two days diving. Although we got blown out on the Monday we had 4 x great dives over the Saturday + Sunday with no incidents. It was great to see that many Naas SAC members on the water once again. Everyone seemed to enjoyed the weekend and the accommodation worked out very well as it was convenient and affordable. Annaghvaan might be a location we could frequent again for the first dives of the season with its short boat journeys and sheltered dive sites.

 We also had four other dive/snorkel outings over the past month.



 


 


 


   1.     Slade Harbour 28th of March – 26 x members – 33 x Dives/10 x snorkels

 2.     Kilmore Quay 11th of April – 13 x Members – 26 x Dives

 3.     Dun Laoghaire 14th of April – 14 x Members – 14 x Dives

 4.     Slade Harbour 18th of April – 23 x Members – 39 x Dives/6 x snorkels.

Having sampled the delights of Dublin Bay last week we will start the Wednesday evening diving out of Dun Laoghaire on a weekly basis shortly.


Diving on 3 Mile Rock was excellent on Sunday the 18th of April with 8 - 10Mt viz and the rock teaming with life. The new trainees that were dived up were spoilt with more great diving.

We have completed a total of 302 dives to date which is very good this early in the season.

 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 



 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Club Clothing

As it has been a few years since we had clothing made up with the Naas Sub-Aqua Club emblem we thought it was time to bring out our new range

To simplify the order process I have done out the now familier Google Docs form for you to fill out. Please click on the link to the form, fill in and submit: Clothing Form.

Please see pictures of the garments below:

Suprafleece Ski Hat BC243.jpg
Suprafleece™ ski hat BC243 (One Size) = 10 Euro's

Beanie Knitted Hat BC044.jpg
Beanie Knitted Hat BC004 (One Size) = 10 Euro's

Softshell Activity Jacket R120A.jpg
Softshell Activity Jacket R120A = 60 Euro's

 

Dover Jacket RG045.jpg
Dover Jacket RG045 = 50 Euro's

 

Classic Polo RS100.jpg
Classic Polo Shirt RX100 = 15 Euro's

 

Classic Fleece RX400.jpg
Classic Fleece RX400 = 25 Euro's

Any profit made on the sale of clothing will go into club funds.
Closing Date for all orders is Friday 30th of April 2010.
Orders will not be submitted without full payment in advance.

Please click on the link to the form, fill in and submit: Clothing Form.

 

 

January 17, 2010

Trainee Lectures

The first set of trainee lectures started on Sunday the 17th of January 2010 for the new members of Naas Sub-Aqua Club. Lectures were give by club instructors Barry Lawler, Andrew Murray, Liam Whelan and David Lawler and the venue was Lawler's Hotel, Naas. Lectures covered were Introduction to CMAS/CFT, Hand Signals, Intrduction to Dive Physics, Out of Air, Decompression and Dive Equipment. To put faces to the names here are some of the new members that were in attendance:

Alan Gibbons(w).jpgCatherine Redmond(w).jpg

Enda Sullivan(w).jpgFrank Heavey(w).jpgJacub(w).jpg

Jimmy Galloway(w).jpgJohn Moran(w).jpgJulie Galagher(w).jpg

Kevin Heffernan(w).jpgMichelle McKenna((w).jpgStephen Kilduff(w).jpg

Stephen O'Brien(w).jpg

 

 

 

 

January 09, 2010

Search and Recovery

Naas Sub-Aqua Club members made a huge commitment in their Search & Recovery Unit S&R Logo Naas SAC(wp).jpgby recently spending over €7,000 on specialised equipment for Search & Recovery training and operations. The eagerly awaited equipment arrived on the 23rd of December 2009. This specialised equipment consists of 4 x Aga Interspiro full face masks with Buddy Phone,two way communications system complete with Buddy Phone base unit. The bulk of this money has been raised from various fund raising events and contributions. We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses (see sponsors page) and general public that have generously supported us and made this important investment possible.
Over the past two years twelve members have been trained in various Search & Recovery techniques and are now qualified as CFT Search & Recovery Divers. The twelve members completed their course with the very well respected Blackwater Sub-Aqua Club in Fermoy. While further training sessions have taken place over the past year in the Grand Canal, the team badly needed the masks and communications equipment to become fully equipped should they be called out on a search. The new equipment will certainly give great encouragement to the dedicated team. It will also greatly improve their personal safety and effectiveness while training and on active searches.
Scuba diving is mainly a leisure activity but the S&R Unit is also a very important aspect for the club as it is contributing to the local community and part of the County Kildare emergency plan. Plans are also in place to train in conjunction with the Kildare Civil Defence and help them on underwater searches should the need arise. Training will take place at various places along the Grand Canal and river Barrow over the winter months when weather sometimes prohibits other club diving activities. This training will built up the skills of the S&R Team and they will become a valuable asset to the local community in times of need.

January 01, 2010

New Year's Day Snorkel 2010

IMG_01599(s).jpg
The annual Naas Sub-Aqua Club New Years day snorkel was a great success despite the atrocious road conditions. Eighteen members negotiated the badly snow covered roads to make the event at Digby Bridge on the Grand Canal. They arrived only to find the canal frozen over and having to break the ice ahead of them as they snorkelled.
 
The group consisted of seven of the fifteen new trainee members that have joined the club this year. I think the remaining new members did not believe the event would actually go ahead with the Arctic weather conditions we have been experiencing over the past week.
 
IMG_0213(s).jpg
 
 

Continue reading "New Year's Day Snorkel 2010" »

December 01, 2009

New Members 2009

scubalady.gifThis year Naas Sub-Aqua Club will be taking on new members. You do not have to have any previous experience as full scuba training will be provided over the winter months. We will start with a poster campaign throughout the county and surrounding areas in early October. This will be followed with free Try-a-Dives in the swimming pool on Thursday evenings from 8 -9pm in October. The diving course will commence on Thursday 5th of November. Lectures program will be held over four Sunday afternoon with pool snorkel and scuba training taking place every Thursday evening 8 – 9pm throughout the winter months. 
Try-a-Dive Dates:
Thursday 29th of October, Thursday 5th of November, Thursday 12th of November,  Thursday 19th of November, Thursday 26th of November.
Try-a-dives are now over and we are concentrating on training new members.
If  however you are interested in joining Naas Sub-Aqua Club or want to find out more information, please e-mail  nsac@eircom.net
More information on the club on the "About Us" Page.
Closing date for accepting new members is January 10th 2010.
(We will not take on new members after this date unless qualified as we will have started our lecture program)
                                                   diverman.gif

November 09, 2009

Christmas Party

Our Christmas party is on Friday the 18thof December 2009 in Tougherssanta23.gif function room. Toughers is located in front of Toughers Business Park, Ladytown, Naas (on the Newbridge Rd., from Naas, old N7).The cost is €45 per head for the Party Night. You are all very welcome to attend and get to know the other members of the club. Please let Una Corrigan, our Treasurer know on 087 7854660 ASAP if you require tickets, i.e. by Thursday night next, 12th Nov.  €15 deposit required ASAP
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. E-mail: nsac@eircom.net

 

September 23, 2009

Gozo - The Return

Having dived Gozo in 2006 we had to return to this beautiful island off Malta where relaxed shore diving can be enjoyed by hiring jeeps, cylinders and weights. We based ourselves in Marsalforn, a lovely seaside town with plenty of good restaurants along the seafront on the north coast of the island.
Restaurant(s).jpg

Continue reading "Gozo - The Return" »

August 29, 2009

Annual BBQ and 1km Swim

The annual Naas Sub-Aqua Club barbeque & 1Km sponsored fin swim took place at Digby Bridge, the Grand Canal on Saturday the 29th of August.
BBQLock(s).jpg

Continue reading "Annual BBQ and 1km Swim" »

August 09, 2009

Five New Rescue Divers for Naas SAC

All the dedication & training over the past two months paid dividends for our five Rescue diver candidates on Saturday with all five passing the test. The Dublin South Regional Rescue test was held in the Coal Harbour, Dun Laoghaire on Saturday the 8th August. There were nine candidates in total participating from the region.
RescueTest8-8-09.jpg
The successful Naas Sub-Aqua Club candidates were Bernard Krugar, Joan McElwain, Pascal Michel, Simon Knott & Tom Cruise.

Continue reading "Five New Rescue Divers for Naas SAC" »

July 27, 2009

Summer Holidays - Valentia Is. 2009

Valentia Island, Co. Kerry was this year’s venue for the annual club summer dive holiday. While we have dived Valentia Island previously on bank holiday weekends, this was the first full week we had spent diving there. With the long range weather forecast looking extremely dodgy on the week leading up to the holiday, no one was too optimistic about getting too much diving. Thankfully this was not to be the case and the fact that it is an island providing us with several options as the wind changed direction during the week.
Biginish(s).jpg

Continue reading "Summer Holidays - Valentia Is. 2009" »

June 07, 2009

Inish Meain - June Bank Holiday Weekend

“Clear blue skies, sunshine, temperatures of 27 °C and a flat calm sea with great visibility”. You could be forgiven for thinking I was talking about some far away foreign shore but not so! It was the June Bank Holiday weekend on Inish Meain, Aran Islands, nine mile south of Rossaveel .

Continue reading "Inish Meain - June Bank Holiday Weekend" »

June 06, 2009

New Club Divers


Congratulations to out two recently qualified Club Divers, Bernard Kruger & Simon Knott. Bernard passed his D** test as part of a regional test in Dun Laoghaire on the 23rd of May. Simon passed his test the following Wednesday evening, also in Dun Laoghaire.

Simon & Bernard.jpg

Hopefully this will encourage the remaining trainees to get diving whenever possible in preparation for their Club Diver test. It is important that we get everyone up to D** standard this season so we can then concentrate on the new trainees that we hope to take on in October which is only four months away.

April 14, 2009

Easter Bank Holiday - Mullaghmore

Almost half the club members went diving to Mullaghmore for the Easter Bank Holiday. Mullaghmore proved a great choice for this early season weekend when the weather can be very unpredictable. The wind was from the south east all weekend making diving possible in this north western dive mecca while our usual haunts on the south east coast were blown out or suffered bad visability.

Continue reading "Easter Bank Holiday - Mullaghmore" »

April 06, 2009

First Dublin Bay Dive 2009

The force 4 southerly winds forecast for the south east coast made us retreat to Dublin Bay diving last weekend. We Boat dived out of the Coal Harbour Dun Laoghaire & completed two dives off Dalkey Island.

Continue reading "First Dublin Bay Dive 2009" »

March 22, 2009

Dive On!

Sunshine, slack winds, flat sea & great visability – who could believe it is still March & only our second weekend of the 2009 dive season.

Continue reading "Dive On!" »

March 18, 2009

Great Start to 2009 Dive Season

There was a great start to the 2009 dive season on Sunday 15th March with two dives on Black Chan, Hook Head.

Continue reading "Great Start to 2009 Dive Season" »

March 10, 2009

Curragh Swimming Pool - Pool Training

Pool  training recommences on Thursday evenings from 8pm – 9pm from Thursday 12th March 2009 in the Curragh Swimming pool, Curragh Camp. This is an excellent facility which also has a 3.8m pool that will be invaluable for scuba training. Please arrive early for training as all members have to be checked in on arrival.

February 22, 2009

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Seven members of the Naas Sub-Aqua club headed for the warmer climate of Egypt for a week’s diving holiday to escape all the doom & gloom of our present economic climate. We flew out of Dublin airport on Wednesday the 21st of January 2009 at the very respectable hour of 10am with a direct 5 hours, 45 minute flight to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

Continue reading "Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt" »

February 20, 2009

Search & Recovery

Three members of Naas Sub-Aqua Club travelled to Fermoy for the Regional Search & Recovery course which was run on 7th & 8th February 2009.
Barry Lawler, Andrew Murray & Pascal Michel completed the course which brings to ten the total number of Naas SAC members now qualified in Search & Recovery. The other seven members of Naas SAC completed the S&R course in April 2007. It also included the Full Face Mask course which was a great opportunity to try out four different full face masks. The masks sampled were the AGA Interspiro, Drager Nova, Kirby Morgan & the Ocean Reef. The Aga Interspiro mask with Buddy phone two way communications was used for the S&R Course. S&R Group(s).jpg
Both courses were hosted by the Blackwater Sub-Aqua Club. Our special thanks to Timmy Carey, Dave Carey, Gabby Hayes & the Blackwater SAC for accommodating us & running this course for the Dublin South region.
 S&R Bank(s).jpg
With ten members now qualified, this will enable Naas SAC to set up an S&R Unit, available to assist in underwater searches.

Continue reading "Search & Recovery" »

Snorkels

With a break in the weather, Naas SAC members were out in force at Sandycove on Sunday the 15th February. Twenty one members from Naas SAC turned out to complete another one of their three compulsory snorkels to become active for diving. Our Diving Officer, Rosemary Finn hopes to have all snorkels complete & start shore diving by mid March.Hook Head, Wexford will possible be the venue for the first dive of the season, weather permitting..

January 16, 2009

New Years Day 2009

Only the brave members of Naas Sub-Aqua Club ventured out for the annual New Year’s day snorkel at Digby Bridge for 2009.

IMG_7859 (Stxt).jpg
 

It was certainly a cold start to the dive season with some of the Grand Canal frozen over. The front line of snorkelers had to break the ice to continue their snorkel. Even a flock of swans questioned their sanity & decided to leave them to it, taking off over their heads as they approached.

 IMG_7851(Stxt).jpg

A great supporting crowd turned out to encourage the participants or watch in wonder at their endurance?.

It was nice to see such a great turn out of members wife’s, partners & children to encourage & support the snorkelers.Some using four wheel drive buggies to navigate the rough terain & transport their chlildren along the canal bank.

David Lawler(s).jpgDavid Lawler certainly deserves “Man of the Match” by completing the snorkel with no gloves on. His hands were “Glowing” red on his return! 

After the snorkel, we all retreated back to the Bridge House, Sallins for the traditional New Year’s Day lunch where great plans for the coming 2009 dive season are hatched over the cheese cake & coffee.

Hopefully this is the start of a great years diving, fun & craic for the club.

 

 IMG_7865(s).jpg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Continue reading "New Years Day 2009" »

December 15, 2008

Club Dinner & R.N.L.I. Raffle

Our Club Dinner was held on Friday 5th December in the Ballymore Inn & a great night was had by all. It was well attended with 42 member, relations & friends wining & dining the night away. Joan McElwain & Una Corrigan organized a raffle in aid of the R.N.L.I.  and €445 was raised on the raffle.

Continue reading "Club Dinner & R.N.L.I. Raffle" »

November 16, 2008

Club Fees 2009

Fees + CFT affiliation & insurance must be paid in full before December 31 or members will not be able to take part in diving/pool training/snorkeling as they won’t be insured after that date.

Club fees + CFT affiliation & insurance may be paid to Una Corrigan, Treasurer on Tuesday nights at pool training session, Naas swimming pool.

October 30, 2008

Christmas Dinner - Social Night

christmas-party.jpg

A Christmas Dinner/Social night out is organised for Friday 5th of December in the Ballymore Inn for all Naas Sub-Aqua Club members. Friends & family are also very welcome. Please let Rosemary know numbers as soon as possible.You can do this by sending a txt to  086/8443874 .

updated_002.gif A bus has been organised which will serve Naas & Newbridge for the Christmas Dinner/Social night in Ballymore Inn. Contact Simon Knott ASAP on  087 2870128  if you wish to avail of this bus. 

October 11, 2008

Latest News

Trainees

New committee had their first meeting on Friday 10th October 2008 in Lawler’s, Naas. Dive locations for 2009 were selected, see Dive Schedule

It was decided at the AGM not to take on trainees this season unless they have some diving qualifications & experience as we have sixteen trainees carried over from the last four seasons. We are committed to spending this coming season getting all those trainees up to Club diver standard & other club members qualified in Rescue, cox’n etc. This will however take commitment & cooperation on the trainee’s behalf.

Trainees who have missed lectures should e-mail Barry Lawler, Training Officer with a list of lectures missed. We will endeavour to cover these lectures or advice where they can be done. E-mail: Barry Lawler 

Continue reading "Latest News" »

October 05, 2008

New Committee 2008 - 2009

The new 2008 - 2009 Naas Sub Aqua committee were elected in Lawler's Hotel, Naas on Saturday 4th October 2008 at the AGM. They are as follows:

Continue reading "New Committee 2008 - 2009" »

September 23, 2008

New Club Diver


Congratulations & well done to Pascal Michel, our latest Naas Sub-Aqua Club member to qualify as a Club Diver. Pascal who originates from Belgium, joined Naas SAC last year & successfully passed his D** test last Saturday the 20th September.


Pascal(s).jpg Five candidates from various Dublin South clubs completed the D** test which was carried out in not so favourable conditions off Dalkey Island, Dublin. The visibility was extremely bad even for Dublin Bay standards but this did not deter the candidates.


Pascal has been very enthusiastic about diving since joining the club, has quickly gained the dives & experience necessary to prepare for the Club Diver test. Hopefully we will see him moving on to do his Rescue & Diver Cox’n over the coming dive season.


Continue reading "New Club Diver" »

September 18, 2008

Naas SAC AGM 2008

Our AGM will take place this year on Saturday the 4th of October in Lawler’s Hotel Naas at 8pm.

The committee would like all members to make a special effort to attend this Annual General Meeting.

 

 

Fund Raiser

The sponsored snorkel & barbeque on Saturday 12th July was a great success, both as a family fun day out on the banks of the grand canal & as a fund raiser. We raised almost €3,000 for the club funds.

Naas Piggy.jpgWe would like to thank the following for their participation & helping to raise the much needed money for the club: Rob Harris, Fintan O'Kelly, Eamon Russell, Robert Keane, Rosemary Finn, Diane Coleman, Una Corrigan, Andrew Murray, Máire Lawler, Barry Lawler, David Lawler, Bernard Kruger, Pat Doherty, Tom Cruise, Claire Berry, Martina Loughlin, Tom McCabe, Terry McCaul, Joan McElwaine, Pascal Michel, Liam Staunton, Liam Whelan.

Especial thanks to Una Corrigan & Maire Lawler for organising the event, Eamon Russell, Bernard Krugar, Dianne Coleman & Tom Cruise for the Barbeques, cooking etc.

Hopefully this can become an annual event which will grow even bigger & better & gain even more support.

July 26, 2008

Kilkee Summer Holiday 2008

The 2008 Naas SAC annual diving holiday was to Kilkee, Co. Clare. Seventeen members of the club travelled, some for the whole week & more just for a few days. All were rewarded with some great diving off this west coast diving Mecca. Kilkee5(s).jpg

Continue reading "Kilkee Summer Holiday 2008" »

July 01, 2008

Barbeque & Fundraising Snorkel

Naas Sub-Aqua Club fundraising snorkel & Barbeque has been organised by Una Corrigan & Maire Lawler on Saturday 12th July.

Continue reading "Barbeque & Fundraising Snorkel" »

June 30, 2008

Dahab, Egypt 2008

Our latest dive trip in May 2008 seen a group of ten heading for a week’s holiday to Egypt’s, Red Sea.

Continue reading "Dahab, Egypt 2008" »

June 10, 2008

June Bank Holiday - Malinbeg

Lovely weather, great scenery, good diving conditions and great craic – what more could a diver ask for? 
 
 

Continue reading "June Bank Holiday - Malinbeg" »

April 14, 2008

Congratulations!


Liam Staunton(Mons).jpg


Congratulations to Liam Staunton on passing his CMAS Moniteur1 Instructor exam. Liam Staunton who joined Naas SAC in 2004 as a trainee diver has completed the CMAS Instructor course & passed the final exam on Saturday the 12th April 2008. The course was run over the past six months in the Dublin South region on Tuesday evenings in UCD and 7.30am pool sessions in the NAC pool, Blanchardstown on Sunday mornings. The exam consisted of a four hour written theory exam, pool instruction test, modular & non modular lecture assessment. Passing the final exam is surely an endorsement of Liam’s dedication & commitment over the past few months.

It is a great personal achievement & for the club to have gained another instructor to continue teaching scuba diving into the future.

Continue reading "Congratulations!" »

March 18, 2008

Carraroe - St. Patrick's Weekend

The 2008 dive season started in Carraroe, Co. Galway on the St. Patrick’s weekend for the members of Naas SAC. The 24 member crew descended on the Galway Irish speaking village for the first diving weekend of the season which is dedicated to getting shallow trainee dives completed. It is also a great opportunity for the more experienced members to get dived up, get back into the swing of things & make sure all their equipment is in good working order after the winter lay off.

Continue reading "Carraroe - St. Patrick's Weekend" »

January 21, 2008

Naas SAC Trainees 2008

The last day of trainee/club diver lectures was held on Sunday 20th January 2008 in Lawler's Hotel, Naas. Seven trainees were in attendance with some dedicated 2007 trainees also taking the opportunity to sit in on the lectures.Come meet the 2008 trainees.....

Continue reading "Naas SAC Trainees 2008" »

January 18, 2008

Pool Training - New Pool Night

Naas SAC 2008 Pool Training re commenced on Tuesday 17th January & this change of training night seems to have proven very popular with approximately thirty Naas SAC members taking part on this first night back training. The new Tuesday night training is from 9 - 10pm.

Continue reading "Pool Training - New Pool Night" »

January 07, 2008

Snorkels & Trainee Lectures

Liam Staunton2(s).jpgWith Diving Officer Liam Staunton at the helm, the 2008 dive season kicked off with the annual New Year’s Day snorkel in the Grand Canal at Digby Bridge. Fifteen members braved the elements to participate in the first of three mandatory open water snorkels before starting to dive (New trainees require five OW snorkels) Most members retired to Flanagan’s Mill Pub & restaurant for lunch & refreshments afterwards.
 

Continue reading "Snorkels & Trainee Lectures" »

December 18, 2007

Happy Christmas

Wishing all our members & friends a very Happy Christmas.

Special thanks to all of the following companies who genourously sponsored Naas Sub-Aqua Clubs Search & Recovery Unit in 2007 & wishing them all a prosperous New Year

Continue reading "Happy Christmas" »

October 10, 2007

New Coltri Sub Compressor

National Lottery logo.gifThanks largely due to a €10,000 Irish National Lottery Grant we were able to purchase a new stationery compressor for the club house in late 2007. Last year’s committee & all the club members should also be congratulated on their tireless fundraising to come up with the balance to fund this purchase.

Continue reading "New Coltri Sub Compressor" »

September 26, 2007

Try-a-Dives and Training course

Naas Sub-Aqua Club Ltd. start our Try-a-Dives in October with diving course starting in November. Details as follows:

Continue reading "Try-a-Dives and Training course" »

September 22, 2007

Naas Sub Aqua Club Ltd AGM

The Annual General Meeting was held at 8am on Thursday 20th September 2007 in Tougher's, Newhall, Naas. The newly ellected committee for the coming 2007 - 2008 dive season are as follows:

Continue reading "Naas Sub Aqua Club Ltd AGM" »

September 13, 2007

More Club Divers

Congratulations to Chris Couling (Kiwi) & Sam Williams (Ozzie) on passing their Club Diver test off the Mugglins on 13th September 2007. 

Congratulations also to Tom Cruise on passing his Club Diver test on the 9th August & Joan McElwain on passing her Club Diver test on the 4th September.

September 10, 2007

New Leading Divers

Congratulations is also in order for our two Leading Diver candidates, Liam Staunton & Brendan Flynn who passed the final part of their Leading Diver exam in Killary Harbour on the 8th & 9th September. Well done to you both.

April 10, 2007

Easter Weekend - Killary Harbour

Easter 2007 the Naas Sub Aqua Club moved operations to Killary Harbour, Co Galway. Our twenty strong group based themselves in The Sleep Zone Hostel & dived out of Rossroe Pier, at the mouth of Killary Fjord.

Continue reading "Easter Weekend - Killary Harbour" »

April 04, 2007

New Instructors & April Fools

Naas Sub-Aqua Club has gained two more Moniteur* Instructors last weekend. Congratulations to Eamon Russell & Dave Headon who both passed their final Mon* exams on Saturday.

Continue reading "New Instructors & April Fools" »

March 22, 2007

Schull, St. Patrick's Weekend

Our first weekend away for 2007 was to Schull, Co. Cork. on the St. Patrick’s weekend. It proved challenging for the trainees & qualifieds alike with all but perfect weather conditions & the visibility down to ½ meter at times.

Continue reading "Schull, St. Patrick's Weekend" »

November 27, 2006

Dive Schedule 2007

With this years dive calender Eamon has made sure we will hit all the hot spots around the country & are spread from Schull in the South to Ballycastle & Ratlin Island in the North. Most of these dive sites are new to the club & hopefully will provide great, exciting diving. Read on to see the full dates & fixtures....

Continue reading "Dive Schedule 2007" »

November 05, 2006

Gozo 2006

Gozo ‘06
 
Our latest deep-sea diving adventure took 20 of us to the island of Gozo , off Malta. We departed a deserted Dublin airport in the small hours of Saturday morning…..

Continue reading "Gozo 2006" »

September 17, 2006

Annual Try-a-Dives


We have started our annual Try-a-Dives in Naas Pool & starting our recruitment of new members for next season.We invite anyone who wishes to give it a go to come along & try it for free.

Continue reading "Annual Try-a-Dives" »

Leading Divers

Congratulations to our two Leading Diver candidates, Dave Headon & Eamon Russell  who were successful in passing their final exam in Mullaghmore on the 16th & 17th September 2006. As everyone knows this is a long drawn out course over the summer months so well done to them both. We all hope to see them use the skills obtained in the training of our new trainees next season.

 

August 29, 2006

October Bank Holiday Weekend - Mullaghmore

Mullaghmore is the venue for this years October Bank Holiday diving weekend. The October weekend is always a dodgy one with the weather being so unpredictable at that time of year. Mullaghmore has been good to us over the past three years, we have only got blown out once which was last year. We even managed to dive John's Point from Mullaghmore in 2004.

Our friends from Dalkey Scuba Divers are also heading there this year so I'm sure we will have tha craic as always with them.

Accommodation:

Harbour View B&B & Dive Centre, Bunduff, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo, Ireland

E-Mail: harbourviewsligo@eircom.net    Phone: 071- 9166366

Pier Head Hotel  Mullaghmore, Co Sligo.  Phone: 071-9166171
Website:
http://www.pierheadhotel.ie/

Beach Hotel  Mullaghmore, Co Sligo.  Phone: 071 9166103

Website:  http://www.beachhotelmullaghmore.com/

E-Mail: beachhot@iol.ie

  • "Seacrest", Mullaghmore. John & Gabrielle O’Grady 071 9166468 <
  • "Frolic", Mullaghmore. James & Linda Conway 071 9166551
  • "Bleagh House", Cliffoney Liam & Berna McHugh. 071 9166153
  • "Harbour View", Bunduff, Cliffoney. Danny & Attracta Boyle 071 9166366
  • "Breffni" Cliffoney. 071 9166138
  • The Canavaun, Cliffoney. Dympna Harrison 071 9166123
  • "Lynnwood House", Cliffoney 071 9166198
  • "Villa Rosa" Bunduff, Cliffoney. Beatrice McLoughlin 071 9166173
  • "Atlantic Haven" Mount Temple, Moneygold Thomas Wymbs 071 9166547
  • "Armada Lodge" Moneygold, Grange. Una Brennan 071 9163250
  • Barry’s Lounge & Bar, Grange. 071 9163168
  • Dernish B&B, Moneygold, Grange 071 9166242
  • Dunfore Farm House 071 9163137
  • Kilfeather’s, Grange. 071 9163745
  • Morans Lounge & Bar, Grange. 071 9163131
  • "Rosswick", Grange 071 9163516
  • "Rowanville" Moneygold, Grange. Mattie & Patricia Hoey 071 9163958
  • Wyndales B&B, Grange. 071 9163745 Self Catering
  • "Harbour View", Bunduff, Cliffoney. Danny &Attracta Boyle 071 9166366
  • Ann Rooney, Cliffoney 071 9166373
  • Benwiskin Centre, Ballintrillick 071 9176721
  • August 28, 2006

    Belmullet Weekend

    On the 12th August 2006,ten of us headed up to Belmullet for a weekends diving with our good friend, Sean Lavelle, Dive West Ireland. Leaving all our own boats at home in the club house we travelled to the dive sites in the comfort of Sean's hard decker, the Offshore 105, Deloree. 

     

    Continue reading "Belmullet Weekend" »

    August 21, 2006

    U260 & Kowloon Bridge weekend

    The dawn raid did not deter the 12 enthusiastic divers with a 6am start on the Saturday morning to catch the slack on the German U-boat, the U260 which sank five miles out of Union Hall in 1945 near the end of World War 2.

    Continue reading "U260 & Kowloon Bridge weekend" »

    July 30, 2006

    Upcoming Events

    August Bank Holiday, Kilmore Quay - Belmullet Weekend - U260 Weekend - Fancy Dress Fundraiser…..

    Continue reading "Upcoming Events" »

    July 23, 2006

    Summer Holiday - Dingle 2006

    The annual club summer holiday was once again in Dingle, Co. Kerry this year. This was the fourth consecutive year we travelled to Dingle for the weeks diving holiday to dive the Blasket Islands & the other great dive sites that are on offer. We could not have ordered better weather, with slack winds & temperatures soaring into the high 20’s & low 30’s.

    Continue reading "Summer Holiday - Dingle 2006" »

    June 06, 2006

    Inish Bofin - June Bank Holiday Weekend

      
    Because of the shortage of accommodation due to an orienteering competition on Inish Bofin for the June Bank Holiday weekend only 15 divers from Naas travelled. With perfect weather conditions, two boat & two compressors working well, it was a weekend to remember.                                                            Sunset(s).jpg                        Sunset on Bofin

    Continue reading "Inish Bofin - June Bank Holiday Weekend" »

    May 28, 2006

    Rescue Divers

    We have three new rescue divers who sucessfully completed their Rescue Test on Saturday 27th May 2006 in Dun Laoghaire. Sucessful candidates were Eamon Russell, Declan Leigh & Padraig Hennigan.

    Continue reading "Rescue Divers" »

    May 18, 2006

    Thailand - January 2006

    We, being Liam, Carmel(Liam’s wife) Dave and Marina, Rose and myself, a motley crew if ever there was one, sweating before we even got on the flight, worried about excess baggage! We made it, we fooled them. We flew to Amsterdam, Singapore then Phuket. It was hot. A short ride on the bus and we arrived at out hotel.

    Continue reading "Thailand - January 2006" »

    May Weekend - Valentia Island

    May Bank Holiday weekend seen our group head back south to Valentia Island where we have spent the last three May Bank Holiday weekends. 24 members travelled, clocking up 109 dives over the weekend.

    Continue reading "May Weekend - Valentia Island" »

    April 17, 2006

    Easter Bank Holiday Weekend - Annaghvaan

    The Easter weekend seen us heading to Annaghvaan, Co.Galway for our second Bank Holiday weekend of the season. The strong spring tides limited the diving a little but we still managed to get five dives over the three days, making up 113 individual dives in total over the weekend.

    Continue reading "Easter Bank Holiday Weekend - Annaghvaan" »

    March 26, 2006

    Gozo Holiday (Malta) September 2006

    A group of 17 are travelling to Gozo, Malta from Saturday 2nd to Monday 11th September 2006. This is NOT an exclusive trip but open to all Club members & friends. There are also flights out of Malta on Friday 8th September for those who have to get back early.

    Continue reading "Gozo Holiday (Malta) September 2006" »

    March 21, 2006

    Belmullet - St. Patrick's Weekend

    St. Patrick’s weekend Belmullet seen an invasion of 27 divers from Naas Sub-Aqua Club. This included seven new trainees looking for their first five dives & Belmullet did not let them down. While North Easterly winds reached force 6 & 7, they did not effect the diving in Scotch Port on St. Patrick’s Day & Ahadoon on the Saturday & Sunday.

    Continue reading "Belmullet - St. Patrick's Weekend" »

    March 13, 2006

    Egypt - Winter 2005

    We departed late one afternoon, from the great metropolis of Clane, it was grey and cold, there we were with our little bags (hoping they were not overweight) waiting with baited breath in anticipation of a week of warm sunshine and plenty of diving........

    Continue reading "Egypt - Winter 2005" »

    February 22, 2006

    Cylinder Testing

    All dive cylinders Must be in test. Out of test cylinder will not be filled by club compressors, No exceptions!

    Dive Cylinders must have a Hydrostatic test every 5 years & a VIP every 2 1/2 year.

    Sean Lavelle will be collect cylinder for testing on Wednesday 1st March over in Club house, Toughers. (He may not be able to take all cylinders for testing in one go!)

    Cylinders will be tested ubder following conditions:

    • Payment in FULL before he accepts bottles.
    • Almost empty.
    • No mini-cylinders.
    • Bottles will be returned to the clubhouse when he gets them done.
    • Name must be CLEARLY marked on bottles.
    • He will require a letter to be signed before he accepts the bottles.

    December 24, 2005

    Snorkelling

    There was a great turn out at Sandycove for the latest snorkel on Sunday 29th December with 24 members braving the all but perfect weather conditions.Trainees are now one snorkel closer to getting their first dive.

    Pool training has now resumed in Naas Pool since Saturday 14th January 2006 at 7pm.  Last set of Trainee lecturers took place Sunday 22nd January in Ambassador Hotel. Our annual New Years day Snorkel at Digby Bridge went ahead as scheduled with 18 Naas Sub-Aqua Club members taking the plunge

    Continue reading "Snorkelling" »

    December 07, 2005

    Billy O'Connor


    BillyO'Connor.jpg


    The removal of Billy O'Connor took place Monday evening,12th December  from "Cooney's" Funeral Home New Ross with equiem Mass at 12.00 on Tuesday, 13th December at the local parish church followed by burial in the nearby graveyard. 

    It was requested by the family, that they wished to have family flowers only, but  if anyone wished, they could make a donation to the RNLI

    Our thoughts are with the families of Billy O'Connor & Pat Colfer who were missing in the waters off Kilmore Quay since Tuesday and Thursday last.Billy's body was recovered on Saturday afternoon by Navy divers,he was found 20mt from the wreck of the "Rising Sun".


    Naas Sub Aqua carries out much of its diving in the area around Fethard-on-sea, Billy's "home pitch" for diving. Billy, as a member of Hook Sub Aqua Club, has always been most helpful to our club through helping us with breakages, lost gear and even as simple a thing as an on-the-spot weather report - which often saved us a two hour car journey.


    Twelve members of Naas Sub Aqua Club were on hand with two boats during the search operations for the two men on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December 2005 Unfortunately we were not successful, however, the Club will continue to help in any way we can if requested.

    We provided two RIB's with crew again last weekend (Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December 2005) to help with the surface search from Saltee Islands to Tusker Rock for Pat Colfer.

    Our hearts go out to both families at this most difficult time.

    November 21, 2005

    New Gemini RIB

     gemini7.3.jpg

    Our New 7.3mt Gemini RIB with twin 90HP Tohatsu two stroke engines that was bought this year with the aid of a €25,000 grant from The National Lottery. We used it to good effect when we helped out the emergency services in the search for two English tourists that were tragically lost off Inish Turk on the June Bank Holiday weekend

    lotto.jpg                                                

    November 09, 2005

    Club News

                  Wedding Bells !             WeddingBells.jpg

    Congratulations to Barry & Maire on their recent wedding.Barry & Maire(W).jpg

     

    New Arrival !                baby_bear.jpg

    Congratulations also to Bernie & John on the birth of their

    new baby boy TJ.

    John,Bernie&TJ.jpg