Posts Tagged ‘wigwam’
Technical Diving Social Thu 10 May 2012
Sunday, April 29th, 2012
Technical Diving Instructor, Mark Powell, will be hosting the next Technical Diving Social event at the newly opened View Cafe Bar at the National Diving & Activity Centre in Chepstow.
The event will take place on Thursday 10th May 2012 from 6pm until 9pm.
This is open to anyone who is interested in Technical Diving – Whether you are just thinking of buying your first twinset, are regularly diving to beyond 100m or just want to have a sociable beer with some other like minded divers.
It doesn’t matter what agency or instructor you trained with, all are welcome. This event is not associated with any club, shop or agency so everyone is welcome to attend.
The NDAC will be offering a special deal at the View Cafe Bar so you can get a pint and a curry for a bargain price.
Mark will also be showing a few videos on the night and planning a few trips. If you want to make an extra long weekend of it we have accommodation available in our Wooden Wigwam Village>
We look forward to seeing you
The View Cafe Bar opens Good Friday
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
We are extremely pleased to announce that The View, our new Café Bar complex, will open at the National Diving & Activity Centre in Chepstow on Friday 6th April 2012 (Good Friday) at 7am, with the licensed bar open from 11am to 11pm.
With breathtaking views overlooking our Chepstow quarry, the View Café Bar will serve an extensive range of hot & cold meals as well as a wide selection of beers, wines and soft drinks from the licensed bar. We also have two very posh coffee machines that make a lovely freshly ground coffee, perfect to prepare you for a morning dive.
The construction works have taken around 22 weeks to complete and, we’re sure you’ll agree from the images, the results look amazing.
The View Café Bar will be for everyone; Divers and visitors alike will be able to sit inside or out on the decked veranda. When you sit at one of our tables with the stunning views across the water you’ll see why we’ve named our Cafe Bar ‘The View’!
As a little thank-you for your support, We are offering all residents staying in our Wooden Wigwam Accommodation a 10% discount on all food for the duration of your stay. So after a long day of activity at the NDAC you will be able to relax into the evening with a cold beer and a delicious meal.
We are working hard and continuing to invest in the site to provide you all with a superb facility and what we feel is the best inland dive site in the UK.
We have big plans for the future and a number if new activities will be coming to site over the next few years, kicking off later in the month with The Wire, one of the UK’s longest Zip wires!
Thanks to all our visitors for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in The View Cafe Bar very soon.
New dates added for PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
Saturday, January 28th, 2012 |
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We have just added an extra course to our schedule for the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
This two day course will take place on the 25th and 26th February 2012. Places are limited so please book up quickly to avoid disappointment.
The PADI Advanced Open Water program allows you to customise your training path and learn various underwater tasks that broaden your capabilities as a diver.
You will complete 5 adventure dives (Deep and Underwater Navigation mandatory dives, aimed at increasing your diving skills).
With your PADI Instructor, you will select 3 more adventure dives tailored to your diving interests.
Upon completion of your course, you will be certified to dive to 30 meters (21 meters for Junior Divers aged 12 – 14 years old).
Price
This two day course costs only £225.
Previous Experience
Minimum age – 12 years old.
Be certified as a PADI Open Water or Junior Open Water Diver, or have a qualifying certification from another training organisation.
Review, complete and sign all PADI documents prior to in-water training.
For further information, other date options or to view the other Scuba Diving Courses we have available please visit the NDAC Dive School pages>
If you want to stay with us for the weekend of the course, we have our Wooden Wigwam Accommodation available>
New Year Deals at NDAC for 2012
Friday, December 23rd, 2011
2012 is panning out to be a very exciting year for the National Diving and Activity Centre. We have continued to make a considerable investment into the centre and the final phase of our £750K investment should be complete by May 2012.
To thank you for your continued support we are putting on some inflation busting deals for the New Year that cannot be beaten by any other dive centre for ALL of our divers
2012 Price Freeze
NDAC entry fees will remain unchanged throughout 2012, despite the credit crunch and inflation we are still operating at the same entry prices as we were in 2010!
NDAC Membership
NDAC membership prices will remain unchanged throughout 2012. Our Membership prices have been frozen since 2007!
NDAC Opening Hours
This Summer season (from April 2012) we will operate even longer opening hours you will be able to dive till 8pm on Saturdays, daylight permitting.
The View Cafe Bar
The View, our new Cafe Bar, with Licenced Bar, will be open and ready for the Easter weekend.
The Wire
The Wire, the UK’s Longest Zip Slide opens Saturday 21 April 2012.
More on this to come shortly, watch this space . . .
Wooden Wigwam Accommodation
Our onsite wooden wigwam accommodation has been developed recently to include a toilet & shower block and a water treatment plant. We have also expanded the Wigwam Village to 19 wooded wigwams.
Opening Times
We will continue with the seven days a week opening times throughout 2012 following their success over 2011.
Thanks for all your support over the last year and we look forward to seeing you in 2012.
19 Wooden Wigwams Now at NDAC Chepstow
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Phase two development works for the Wooden Wigwam Accommodation at NDAC Chepstow have just been completed on time, on budget and before Christmas – Now thats a first!
Over November and December we have been working hard on the site infrastructure and shipping in some more Wooden Wigwams for you to go glamping in!
The final wigwam unit arrived on site on Tuesday, just in time for the Christmas rush with the 2011 Scuba Santas event and NDAC Night Dive over the weekend of the 17th & 18th December 2011. This now brings our Wigwam village up to an impressive19 units.
We were not expecting the Wooden Wigwams to be such a runaway success, but they have proved to be very popular with divers and visitors to Chepstow. We started with six Wigwams back in February, this then grew to 10 units, then to 14 units and now 19 units in ten months! Each of the Wooden Wigwams are hand made in Scotland then send via road down to NDAC some 600miles away!
The Wooden Wigwams offer the ideal 4 season camping holiday or short break, for group’s families and couples. A great low cost alternative to youth hostels, B&Bs, self catering or camping. Wigwams are the ultimate eco cabin; secure and lockable the wigwams offer all year round camping, and the best bit, no pitching a tent in the rain!
If you are visiting us for Scuba Santas and the Winter Night Dive, why not make a full weekend of it and go glamping in style. The wigwams aregetting booked up quickly with this busy weekend, so book your wigwam accommodation now to avoid disappointment.
And there’s more!
We are pleased that so many of you have decided to support NDAC in such a big way and wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you. The investment has also included another toilet and shower block in the Wigwam Village and a water treatment plant which will be operational before Christmas.
The total budget for the Wooden Wigwam accommodation we have in Chepstow is around £300k but we feel has been well worth it and from listening to what our customers have told us, you feel the same way.
Hope to see you soon . . .
You’re only a click of the mouse away from toasting marshmallows round your own camp fire and sleeping under the stars in the heart of the countryside. Book a Wigwam now>
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NDAC December Night Dive
Monday, November 21st, 2011
The next NDAC Night Dive is on Saturday 17th December 2011, 6-9pm.
The adventure, thrill and excitement of night diving can be yours on a NDAC Night Dive. If you have never been on a night dive before, you could consider joining on one of our PADI Night Diver Specialty Courses.
This is the last NDAC Night Dive for 2011 and is one not to be missed!
Also on the next day we are hosting the 2011 Scuba Santas event where we all dress up as Santa, have a fun day diving whilst trying to break world records and raise money for charity. Full details of Scuba Santas here>
We also have accommodation available in the form of our new Wooden Wigwams, so why not make a full weekend of it and go glamping in style. The wigwams are likely to get booked up quickly with this busy weekend, so book your wigwam early to avoid disappointment.
More about NDAC diver’s accommodation>
We endeavor to put all events that are happening at the National Diving and Activity Centre on our Facebook group, so why not join the NDAC Facegroup group today>
To book on our night dives give us a call on 01291 630 046 or contact us using our online form>
Don’t forget your torches and we look forward to (just about) seeing you!
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6:00 – 9:00pm |
The Autumn GUE Experience Day 2011
Saturday, September 10th, 2011
Interested or curious about GUE but never had the opportunity to see what the fuss is about or ask questions from people that will give you straight answers. Maybe you just fancy a cheap day’s instruction to sort out that frog kick or find out what the hell is going on with your buoyancy?
Then this day is for you.
Not only will you have a great laugh, you will receive guidance on your diving skills, video feedback and tips on how to improve, and an insight into the GUE style of diving, without having to make a heavy investment in time or money. This day is scheduled for the 29th October at The National Diving & Activity Centre (NDAC).
The event will be for already qualified recreational or technical divers who are interested or curious about GUE but haven’t attended an event like this before. It doesn’t matter if you wear a single tank or a twinset, whether you use a BCD or a wing. It doesn’t matter who trained you or how. We will create a friendly environment where people feel free to ask whatever questions like they like, and to watch demonstrations of the skills we teach, and even get some video feedback and advice on their own skills – without being bombarded with loads of GUE people.
We will be covering the following
• Discussion – The Origins and Goals of GUE
• Discussion – The strengths and techniques of Buoyancy Control
• Dive 1 – Demonstration of Trim and buoyancy control
• Dive 1 – practice and video of trim and buoyancy control with in water feedback
• Dive 1 – Ascent with stops practice
• Discussion and hands-on – Kit Configuration
• Discussion – Why team diving?
• Dive 2 – SMB Demonstration
• Dive 2 – Valve Drill Demonstration
• Dive 2 – Ascent with stops practice
• Video Feedback for all divers
• Q&A
Pricing
Organising several of these events throughout the year costs a significant amount of time and money. Nonetheless, Garf feels it important that these events continue to be run as non-profit. So the small registration feee is there to encourage those who sign up to turn up, and also to cover some of the direct costs of organising the event. Other than these direct costs, all proceeds from the event will go to the RNLI.
Registration
To attend this event, all you need to do is register at DiveDIR. To register you will need to make your £25 payment through paypal. If anyone is not happy with this, please contact Garf and he will provide you with alternatives.
Logistics
The day will kick off at 0845 promptly, and we will wrap up around 5pm. If anyone needs accommodation, Garf recommends the Wigwams on site at The National Diving & Activity Centre. The day will be run by Gareth (Garf) Burrows with James Sanderson. They will also have a few people around for HSE purposes, including video / safety divers.
These events are always a great laugh, and people seem to get a lot out of them. Here’s what they have said in the past…
A day’s education from two GUE instructors for £25?
whether you were interested in GUE or not a lot of people
must be kicking themselves for missing this
I realised two things in the first hour. Firstly, the bar set
by GUE standards is like nothing I have experienced before.
Secondly these guys do not preach – but they are incredibly
well trained to teach
As a single tank diver, I expected to feel like an alien,
but was welcomed to the crowd. Forget about the fact
it was a GUE day. It was just a bunch of divers enjoying
the sunshine.
We hope to see you there. If anyone has any questions, please contact garf at gue.com
400ft Special Bungee Jump weekend at NDAC, Chepstow
Sunday, August 28th, 2011
• Bungee Jump Weekend 8th & 9th October 2011
• Jump Height 400ft
• Crane Bungee Jump
• Pre-booking is essential
• Jump over the water of the NDAC
• Location: Chepstow/S Wales – National Diving & Activity Centre
This is a one off special event and is not to be missed
The National Diving & Activity Center have teamed up with UK Bungee to provide this iconic Bungee experience over the weekend of the 8th & 9th October 2011. As you are raised up to the top of a 300ft crane over a 100ft quarry you will realise the magnitude of what you are about to undertake. This is a truly unique jump falling 400ft disappearing into a quarry.
When you arrive at the bungee jump location you will register and complete a membership form. You will then be weighed and allocated the appropriate jump chord before entering the jump site. Here you will be harnessed by UK Bungee’s professional jump crew where a number of double checks take place of your weight, jump chord selection and waist harness. Once in the hot seat with your ankle harnesses fitted you will be passed to the jumpmaster who will double check everything again before taking you up in the jump cage and talking you through your jump.
Once at the top you will hear the famous countdown “3, 2, 1, bungee” and then……..it’s up to you!
Duration: You should arrive about 20mins prior to your jump time and allow around two hours from arrival to complete the experience.
What to Wear / Equipment: Dress in comfortable, casual clothes. Skirts are not recommended. Also please refrain from wearing boots or anything that may interfere with ankle harnesses otherwise they will have to be removed prior to jumping. Trainers and securely fastened shoes are fine.
Group Size / Spectators: You are welcome to bring spectators free of charge to watch you jump.
Weather: Extreme weather conditions may affect this experience, mainly high winds and thunderstorms. If in doubt, please look at the front page of the UK Bungee website or call the event information line on 07000 286433 option 2 to check before setting off.
Mobile Contact Number: Please ensure that you provide a contact telephone number when booking this experience, as we need a mobile contact number for the day of your jump in case of inclement weather.
Health / Age Restrictions: Please see the FAQ pages on the UK Bungee website>
Car Parking: Car parking is available at NDAC
Event Address
National Diving & Activity Centre
Tidenham
Chepstow
Gloucestershire
NP16 7LH
Location map and directions to NDAC>
Accomodation
Accomodation is available with the NDAC’s Wooden Wigwams, where you can experience a touch of luxury in the great outdoors at an unbeatable price!
Sleeping up to five adults, Wigwams are the ultimate eco cabin; double-glazed, secure, cosy and warm whatever the time of year. A low cost alternative to hotels and B&Bs, our Wooden Wigwams truly offer all year round camping, and the best bit, no pitching a tent in the rain!
Read more about Glamping in our Wooden Wigwams >
Book Jump
To book a jump on our Bungee Jump Weekend, please either use the links below
or telephone UK Bungee on 07000 286433.
Book a Bungee Jump on Saturday 8th October 2011 >
Book a Bungee Jump on Sunday 9th October 2011 >
Wigwam accommodation available at NDAC
Monday, April 11th, 2011
We are pleased to announce that our Wooden Wigwam site is now open and available for bookings.
Based at the National Diving and Activity Centre in the Royal Forest of Dean you can experience a touch of luxury in the great outdoors at an unbeatable price!
Sleeping up to five adults, Wigwams are the ultimate eco cabin; double-glazed, secure, cosy and warm whatever the time of year. A low cost alternative to hotels and B&Bs, our Wigwams truly offer all year round camping, and the best bit, no pitching a tent in the rain!
Our Wigwam site is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and offers a fantastic base to experience the spectacular and varied landscapes and all the activities Chepstow and the Forrest of Dean has to offer. Whether you are interested in walking, horse riding and cycling or something more adventurous such as climbing, mountain biking and scuba diving, the Forest area has something to offer everyone.
You’re only a click of the mouse away from toasting marshmallows round your own camp fire and sleeping under the stars in the heart of the countryside. Book a Wigwam now>
We aim to offer a low cost alternative to hotels and B&Bs that is affordable, comfortable and clean. Our wooden Wigwams are geared towards the outdoor market and provide a fantastic base to experience the local area and a range of activities.
Most bookings are made online, however bookings can also be made through the NDAC shop by calling us on 01291 630 046. We operate a first come first serve basis and will not reserve or hold a Wigwam without full payment.
Prices as of 07 April 2011
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£40.00 per unit per night (based on 2 people sharing)
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£17.50 per night per person extra (based on 3, 4 or 5 sharing the same unit)
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£10.00 per night for Children under 12
You will need to bring your own sleeping bags, towels and pillows with you during your stay, but we can hire items out if you don’t have them.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your custom and we look forward to meeting you on your stay.
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Wigwams and Café Bar
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011Commencement of Phase 2 & 3 Works
Wigwam Accommodation & The View Café Bar at NDAC
We would like to apologies for any inconvenience the site works may be causing to you on your visits to the National Diving & Activity Centre. We are working at quickly as possible to be the first Inland Dive Site in the UK to offer on affordable low cost on site accommodation, purpose built Café Bar and improved diver facilities for 2011.
The £250,000.00 investment shall be split into two phases Wigwam Accommodation (completed April/ May) the planning permission has been submitted. It is anticipated the units will be available as soon as planning is granted on or around 07 April.
Phase three The View Café Bar will yes serve alcoholic drinks and on site Café with a wide choice of hot and cold food available throughout the day. Planning has already been granted and on site works will start in the next few weeks. It is anticipated that works shall be completed around Aug of this year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and divers for there continued support so please keep on supporting us so we can in turn invest in you.
Many thanks Darren & Kaye
