Category: Dive News

  • RNLI Fundraiser Report

    RNLI Challenge Completed

    Cardiff BSAC carry a heavy kayak for 10 miles and raise an amazing £2,847.39 for the RNLI

    We did it! Our SCUBA divers are celebrating an amazing achievement. We successfully carried a bulky kayak – generously supplied by Cardiff Bay Kayaking – for four hours from Penarth RNLI, arriving at Barry Dock RNLI station before continuing across Jackson’s Bay and along the Eastern Prom to the RNLI Shop and Visitor Experience at Barry Island.

    And all to raise vital funds for the RNLI.

    A wonderful procession

    As we reached the final stretch along the prom, we were met by a huge crowd of supporters. HM Coastguard provided a special escort, helping to ensure safety along the route, while Pukka Productions brought the final leg to life, with young performers dancing all the way to the finish line.

    Musical finale

    At the RNLI Shop and Visitor Experience, participants were welcomed with live music from Perfect Pitch Choir, alongside stalls and family activities. The day continued with an afternoon music event at Barry Athletic Bowls Club, featuring performances from Women in Harmony and Voice Male, as well as Barry Ukulele Strummers..

    Giving something back to the RNLI

    Cardiff BSAC Publicity Officer, Steve Capell said: ‘It’s so reassuring to know that – in an emergency at sea – we can depend on the RNLI. But at Cardiff BSAC, we will never forget that the RNLI also depends on sea users like us. They rely on the money generated by sponsorship, donations and the sterling fund-raising efforts of their volunteers. So that’s why we had this bonkers idea to haul a great big Kayak round the streets of Penarth, Sully and Barry. We were determined to raise as much money and build as much awareness for the RNLI as we possibly could and give something back to this fantastic charity.’

    Helping to save lives around our coast

    The funds raised from the event will go towards supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work around the coast in the Vale of Glamorgan and will be split between Penarth and Barry RNLI lifeboat stations.

  • Women in Diving

    Highlights from Our Women in Diving Pool Event

     

    On Wednesday 29th April, Cardiff BSAC held our first-ever Women in Diving pool event in Penarth Leisure Centre. The session was designed to create a relaxed and welcoming environment for women interested in trying scuba diving, returning to the sport, or simply meeting and diving with other like-minded women.

    We were thrilled with the response, with all spaces selling out and a fantastic group of 16 women divers joining us. Impressively, although everyone was local to Cardiff, many of the attendees had never met, or dived with one another before.

    The group was split into seven buddy pairs and triplets based on experience level, allowing everyone to enjoy a session tailored to their needs. Some participants were completely new to diving, many were returning to the sport after time away, and others were looking to refresh their skills while finding a club that felt like the right fit for them – underwater photography was a particular hit, and the results from one of the trainees can be seen in the video footage here.

    Cardiff BSAC is fairly unique in that, of our 15 instructors, seven are women. Our committee also has 50% female representation — something we’re incredibly proud of as we continue working to encourage more women into scuba diving. Looking around the pool that evening, it was inspiring to see the enthusiasm, support, and knowledge-sharing happening across the group.

    Most importantly, it was a brilliant evening filled with smiles, encouragement, and growing confidence in the water. And, naturally, for many of us the night continued afterwards at the pub, where dive stories were exchanged and we got to learn more about each other beyond scuba.

    Overall, the event was a huge success. It achieved exactly what we hoped it would: creating a supportive space for women to dive together, build confidence, and form new friendships within both the club and the wider diving community.

    Women in diving group photo

    We’re already looking forward to the next one.

  • RNLI Kayak Challenge

    PRACTICE WALK COMPLETE.

    ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR OUR 4-HOUR KAYAK CARRY FOR THE RNLI.

    SUNDAY MAY 3RD.

    Carrying a kayak from Penarth RNLI Station to the RNLI Visitor Centre in Barry is going to be a big challenge. So, it is imperative that everything is planned, all potential problems ironed out, and any gremlins kicked out.

    A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN CARDIFF BSAC AND CARDIFF BAY KAYAKING.

    Our volunteers gathered at Cosmeston to road test our kayak carrying techniques in readiness for the big, sponsored challenge, and the good news is that everything went smoothly.

    We are all set for the big day!

    CHEER US OVER THE FINISHING LINE!

    • We’ll be arriving at Barry Island about 2pm

    • Performances by Pukka Productions‘ Theatre School and the Pitch Perfect wellbeing choir

    • Plus, stalls, family fun and a nearby music festival for your family to enjoy!

    POST WALK PARTY FROM 4pm

    Barry Athletic Bowls Club
    Paget Rd, Barry CF62 5TQ

    After we complete our mission, we are gathering at the Barry Athletic Bowls Club for a few well-earned drinks and some wonderful music by local choirs, Women in Harmony and Voice Male, as well as the Barry Island Ukulele Strummers!

    So, make sure you join us. It’s going to be a lovely day for all the family.

    All welcome!

    No entry fee.

    Donations welcome.

    All proceeds to the RNLI.

    SCAN or TAP the QR code and donate now! Thank you.

    DAY’S TIMETABLE:

    All times subject to change.

    WALK

    • 8am: Walkers arrive Penarth RNLI station
    • 8.45am: Photos at start of Walk
    • 9am: Start walk
    • 1.30pm: Arrive Eastern Promenade Nr toilets and large umbrella
    • 1.30pm: Meet up with Pukka Theatre Group
    • 1.50pm: Start dance procession along promenade
    • 2pm Arrive Barry RNLI visitor centre
  • Women in Diving

    Women Pool Training

    Women in Diving

    An evening event at Penarth Leisure Centre
    Wednesday 29th April 
    7.30-9.30pm
     
    We recognise that women are under-represented in our sport, and this aims to address that balance by building a girl gang to get excited about diving together!
     
    All for just £5
     
    Thinking about giving diving a go, or getting back into it? Join a women-led session where you can build confidence, meet like-minded people and experience what it’s like to dive as part of a friendly, supportive club.
     
    This will be a women-only event (trans women welcome), however, the opposite end of the pool will be shared with the wider mix of club members.
     
    No experience required. All equipment provided. This is our first ladies’ night, and if it’s popular we may have to arrange more.
    Spaces and equipment are limited, so please get in touch with the club to secure your place.
     
    What you need to know
    • Need to be able to swim
    • The whole session could take up to 2 hours
    • You only need a towel and swimming costume and an old t-shirt to wear in the pool
    • Email Karen or Vicky at try-dive@cardiffbsac.org

    Get in touch – limited space available

  • Boat Trials

    Boat Trials

    One of our club members arranged to do some boat handling practice today in preparation for a Diver Coxswain exam. The weather conditions were not much of a challenge, but it was also a chance to check the club rhib out prior to it going to West Wales for the summer. The hope is to get lots of Club diving in Pembrokeshire over the next few months. The launch and retrieve at Channel View slipway was smooth and uneventful and Cardiff Bay and the Barrage locks were surprisingly quiet for such a nice spring day.

    A few final tweaks of the boat and trailer need to be completed and then Pembrokshire will be calling.

  • Facebook

    Cover for Cardiff BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club)
    902
    Cardiff BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club)

    Cardiff BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club)

    Cardiff BSAC is a South Wales scuba diving club for UK divers living in and around Cardiff.

    Here’s a quick video of Cardiff BSAC’s 10-mile Kayak Carry in aid of the @barrydockrnli @rnlipenarth . We raised an amazing £2,847.39! So, if you donated then a big fat thank you! Your generosity will help to save lives!More information about the day on our website cardiffbsac.org/2026/05/15/rnli-fundraiser-report/ See MoreSee Less
    View on Facebook
    Our recent "Women in Diving" event was a great success! Read more about it on our website. cardiffbsac.org/2026/05/08/women-in-diving-2/ See MoreSee Less
    View on Facebook
    We’re truly stunned that you’ve helped us raise over £2,700 across all channels for @rnlipenarth @barrydockrnli, including over £2,000 on GoFundMe. The page is still open for a short while, www.justgiving.com/campaign/cardiff-bsac See MoreSee Less
    View on Facebook
    Between 8.30 – 9am this Sunday morning, our crew and volunteers will be waving off the #cardiffbsac as they commence their epic quest of carrying Kayaks from Penarth to Barry. show your support too with a beep and a wave if you see them.#volunteering #cardiff #fundraisingevent #penarth #cardiffbay See MoreSee Less
    View on Facebook
  • Cosmeston Lake Returns

    Scuba divers at a lake

    Cosmeston Lake Returns

    Cosmeston Lake has been off limits to water users since the end of 2025 due to the discovery of Avian Flu.

    The local authority has carried out tests on bird carcasses found in the lake, but says the results are inconclusive.

    After a three month hiatus, the club has been given the all clear to return to diving again, just in time for the start of the training season.

    Over the winter the on site toilet block has been completely revamped and the cafe has been taken over by new owners, who are currently refurbishing the kitchen and restaurant. It is due to reopen in the next two weeks.

    The club has been using the lake for training and kit testing for over 25 years and has a regular Sunday morning slot booked for the use of our members.

  • RNLI Fundraiser

    Ten Miles. Four hours. Carrying one very heavy kayak.

    Support our marathon challenge for the RNLI

    We’ve set ourselves an enormous challenge to raise vital funds for the heroes at the RNLI.

    Next May 3rd 2026, on the Bank Holiday Sunday, we’ll be embarking on a 10-mile marathon hike from Penarth Lifeboat Station to Barry Lifeboat Station and onto the RNLI Visitor Centre in Barry.

    And every step of the way, we’ll be carrying a bulky two-man kayak; generously supplied by Cardiff Bay Kayaking.

    It’s going to be a tough 4-hour route lugging a heavy kayak through the streets of Penarth, Sully and Barry, but we are determined to complete the course. The RNLI is a charitable organisation that depends totally on fund-raising events and the amazing efforts of their volunteers.

    Every penny of sponsorship raised from our 10-mile challenge will make a huge difference, so please help us as much as you can. Go to our GoFundMe page and sponsor us. Thank you!

    By the way, apologies for the picture of our bedraggled bunch of soaking wet divers with soggy flags. Just as we began the photo shoot, the heavens opened! It didn’t dampen our spirits, though. If the RNLI crews are prepared to risk their lives and launch into the teeth of a raging storm to save others, we could cope with a little rain.

    And besides, we’re SCUBA divers. We’re used to getting wet!

    .

Cardiff BSAC
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