Wet winter months

The winter months may be putting some off heading to the water but those with a real passion for the sea will be pleased to know winter is actually the best time for deep sea diving in Sydney and the gay diving group SUBS has a perfect trip for beginner divers on their calendar.

On June 22, SUBS will be heading off the coast from Cronulla with two boats and some of the helpful staff from diving store Aquatic Explorers.

SUBS president Sophia Symeou says people shouldn’t be put off by the cold temperatures or wild winds blowing outside.

There’s actually better diving in Sydney during winter than in summer. Often the cooler currents bring in clearer water and the wind direction means the water is usually calmer so it makes for much more scenic diving. People shouldn’t worry, their wetsuit will keep them warm, she said.

Where we go depends on conditions but heading off from Cronulla we might be hoping to see some weeded sea dragons, which are like seahorses covered with weed. They’re really quite spectacular. Or we might see some sharks. We might even head out to the grey-nosed shark sanctuary.

We’ll be heading out with the Aquatic Explorers [a Cronulla-based dive shop] which should be good because they’re very supportive of us and they’re very professional as well. It would be a great opportunity for anyone who’s relatively new to diving. As long as they’re certified, then they can come along and the Explorers will be able to provide Dive Masters who can dive with newcomers and help them along.

SUBS will be diving with the Explorers on June 22. For details on this dive or to RSVP contact Daryl on 0412 340 613. To find out about other upcoming dives and get involved with SUBS head to www.gaydive.org.au.