Flintshire Sub Aqua Club marks 60 years. They look ahead with modernization and exciting dive plans.
The club meets each Wednesday evening to train from 7 PM to 9 PM. Afterwards, members socialize together.
Nathan McCarthy, the club chairman, says they currently have 50 members. They dive regularly, both at home and abroad.
Nathan says UK diving is surprisingly good, noting the coast has roughly 2,000 shipwrecks. He adds that while UK diving can be challenging, it’s also rewarding.
Having thrived over six decades, the club possesses two excellent boats: a 5m Humber and a 5.7m Osprey. In addition, a member owns a third boat.
Their location in North Wales is convenient, allowing them easy access to diving in Liverpool Bay and Anglesey. They also frequently visit inland sites and Capernwray when the sea weather’s unfavorable.
They own a club compressor for air fills, which makes fills both cheap and accessible.
The club boasts diverse members of all ages and ability levels. They celebrate their past as they look ahead to the future.
Nathan describes them as a sociable bunch of divers who offer mixed experience and enthusiasm. This includes instructors and Ocean Diver trainees, with their youngest diver being just 14.
As they approach their 60th year, they’re modernizing the club with new, tech-savvy committee members. This helps them improve communication and organization, plus increase their social media presence.
They want to stay relevant for the next 60 years, building on past club successes.
The club attends the Menai Boat Run yearly, an event where they raise funds for the RNLI.
Last summer, they enjoyed diving in Portland, and this summer, they plan to dive on the Llyn Peninsula. They will also socialize during these events.
They are planning something special for 2026, potentially a trip to Scapa Flow. Welcoming new members, they also pride themselves on having great instructors.