| Army
Diving Team Conducts the First Services Cave Diving Expedition to
France
In July 2008 a team of 8 Army Divers led
by Guy Wallis visited the Lot Region of France to conduct the first
ever Services cave diving expedition.
Work up training had been conducted in the UK
at Hodge Close and the Silica Mines where 6 of the expedition members
trained by Guy completed their TDI Cavern and Intro Cave training.
During the expedition all 6 managed to complete their Full
Cave Course under Guy and Brian Ingle (TDI Dive Master).
The sites visited were The Ressel, St George,
Truffe and Landenouse. Conditions in the Lot were challenging due
to recent rain. Visibility in the St George was poor (3-4m) and
only slightly better in the Ressel (4-5m). Visibility in the Landenouse
was a lot better (10m) while the Truffe was gin clear. In addition
there was very little debris near the entrance to the Truffe so
negotiating the restriction at the entrance was relatively easy.
To make things even better the first sump was flooded and it was
possible to swim all the way to sump 2.
Gin clear water in the Truffe
The team were looked after by Lynne Vine while
at the Lot
Cave Diving Centre and as ever the accommodation was first rate
and food (and wine) was in abundance. The Army cave diving team
are now looking for new challenges and may visit Florida early next
year. In the mean time cave diver training continues in the UK and
Guy is due to return to France in October 2008.
The style taught is “Floridian” back-mounted
which is ideal for locations such as France, Florida and Mexico.
Anyone interested in conducting training in the UK or for those
already qualified guided dives of some of the sites used can look
on the Deep
Tech web site for information and contact
Guy directly.
by Guy Wallis
All
Serving MoD Personnel.
Jump
in and receive £5 discount on normal entry prices>
|
Training in the Silica Mines
in Wales
The clear waters of the Landenouse
Cave Diver Brian Ingle exiting
the St George
 Exiting
the Ressel
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