|
|
 |
|
Vobster Quay - Basic Info |
|
|
Web Albums |
|
|
Vobster
is a very good inland training site near Frome in Somerset,
a little over an hours drive away from Southampton. It
boasts a range of depths and platforms, along with loads
of attractions the majority of which are in the 20m range.
This
makes it an ideal non-tidal site for almost all levels
of training or even just to checkout new kit configerations.
While we want to get divers into the sea as soon as possible,
a day here is very productive, often with a guarantee
of three dives each, hence the reason why SUCS uses the
facilty for most of our training.
The
site itself has changing rooms, showers, Air/Nitrox and
the all-important burger van, with bacon butty :-)
They
have a pretty good and comprehensive website as well.
Go here.
It's
also worth having a look at a map of the attractions so
you can get an idea of where we might be going.
|
|
What
do I need? |
|
|
Lots of clothes!
Chances
are you'll be using the club drysuits and these
have to fit you reasonably well. Although we do
have a range of sizes it's not unusual for a neck
seal or shoulder dump to leak. While this might
make you a little wet, it's not a major issue unless
that is the only set of clothes you have!!! So to
save a rather damp trip home bring a seperate set
of clothes.
Think
layers. Although thinsulates are supplied, you'll
need some form of thermals underneath. The traditional
grandad type is good, but failing that surfing rash
type vests do the same job. Even track suits or
fleeces. Anything that will trap air and keep you
warm.
Being
in the water is one thing, but we need to be careful
when out as well. If it's on the chilly side then
a coat or fleece and again a hat, but more a beanie
or thinsulate type.
Finally
dont forget that you will need to pay all costs
for the day and that includes entry, air & whatever
you've agreed with your driver. There are plenty
of cashpoints on the way, so no worries if you are
running a bit late in the morning.
Entry
to Vobster is currently £15 for the day, running
from 8.30am, till last off site on weekends at 5pm.
If there is an Instructor in the party then he/she
get's in free with every 4 students. This sub is
spread amongst those actually engaged in training.
Air
or Nitrox cost will be at cost depending on what
you use, but budget around £3.50 for a 12lt
air and twice that for Nitrox.
|
|
|
|
|
19th
July 2009
13th
June 2009
11th
May 2008
6th
April 2008
16th
March 2008
24th
January 2008 |
|
Archive
of 06-07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Getting
There |
|
|
Meet
point
Pretty
much every trip starts with a meet in the University
car park so we can minimise cars. Remember there
is no problem with individuals making there own
way, but if the vans are carrying your kit (even
if it's owned by the club), then you will still
be resposnsible for part of the diesel cost, besides
dive briefs and planning is often talked about on
the way up, so we tend to travel in dive groups.
Yes
I know times can be early, but we've been doing
this a long time now and leaving it late can ruin
your day, so be outside the Union or at Vobster
when asked,
Finding
Frome
Go
from Southampton towards the West and the M27, coming
off at Ower and through Salisbury, then just before
Warminster onto the by-pass looking for signs to
Longleat. Frome is signpsted from there.
If
you are still struggling go here
|
Finding
Vobster
From frome it's best to look
at the map, because it's a maze of backroads, but
you are heading for Mells , then Vobster.
And
on the way back ................
Not
so bad in the Summer, but hanging around in the
winter having a de-brief, signing books and sorting
out dosh, isnt so smart. Instead we are forced to
decamp to the Royal Oak at Corsley Heath for an
intensive debrief :-0 |
|
|
training,
diving & having loads of fun at
|
