Scuba Diving Conditions Report for South Wales, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Llanelli , Camarthen regions

Date – 21st September 2018

ACTIVITIES – Scuba Diving, Sub Aqua, Scuba, Free Diving, Snorkelling

LOCAL AREA – South Wales, Cardiff CF105BZ , Porthcawl CF365DH , Swansea SA20AY , Bridgend CF311BB , Southerndown CF320RN , Newport NP202UW ,Ogmore by Sea CF320PH , Llantwitt Major , Oxwich Bay SA31LS , Aberavon SA12 6QP , Stackpole Quay SA715DZ , Llanelli SA154SG .

SITE LOCATION – Sker Beach, Limeslade Bay, langland Bay, Oxwich Bay, Stackpole Quay

WEATHER –  Settled weather, sunshine and clouds with changable winds and little rain through week. wind picking up Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2648385?day=2) (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/gcjqmsw80)

WATER TEMPERATURE – 16 Degrees

WIND – Definitely depends on the day Friday, Saturday looking lighter winds and picking up Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with winds up to 30 mph. Winds will be variable again on the day with high winds from the West and North West.  (https://magicseaweed.com/Southerndown-Surf-Report/4321/)

SEA STATE AND SWELL – This again is a story of the day, light calm seas on Friday and Saturday and stormy seas when the wind turns Westerly into next week with bigger swell and choppier water conditions (https://magicseaweed.com/Southerndown-Surf-Report/4321/)

SWELL – 1 – 6foot

TIDES

Visibility – 0 – 1 meters

Again the scuba diving conditions are not looking good for the coastlines of South Wales, big swells and strong winds have dropped the visibility to a minimum. Entrance and exit conditions should be good on Saturday but winds are picking up on Sunday on wards. Really need to head inland for better conditions.

We have just completed the PADI Open water Diver course on  the weekend. all students did very well wit Harri, Nathaniel and Luke obtaining the PADI Junior Open Water Diver qualification. we are running the PADI Open water diver course on Saturday 6th October at Hebron Hall in Cardiff.

Conditions Report for Scuba Diving in Cardiff, Swansea & South Wales

We could see acceptable conditions for Scuba Diving on the South Wales coast this weekend. Swell is set to be reasonably low, 2ft – 4ft of the South Wales coast, however we are predicting southerlies and westerlies which could cause problems. Whilst winds should be gentle on Saturday morning we are expecting stronger gusts Saturday afternoon and into Sunday, so it’s vital you are aware of the effect of the wind.

Conditions have been fairly settled the last week in South Wales, however we are on a spring tide over the weekend so there will still be a large volume of water movement which could affect visibility.

For the best conditions head to the more sheltered bays, such as Stackpole Quay and Oxwich Bay and always remember the rule of twelfths, ensuring you dive on the incoming tide. Be aware of the swell size and wind, particularly for shore dives and how it could affect your entry and exit.

If you want to be confident of getting a dive in, the best option is to head inland. The National Diving and Activity Centre (NDAC) in Chepstow will offer diving less affected by the environmental conditions, or outside of South Wales you’ve got Vobster Quay.

Scuba Diving Training in Cardiff, Swansea & South Wales

Last week we were back in the pool on Hebron Hall, Cardiff, teaching our latest wave of PADI Open Water Diver students. This week we’ll be back to Chepstow and taking Sam, Robert and Alicia on their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver will give them the chance to work on their buoyancy, learn more about navigation and dive up to 30m.

Sunday will also see us leading some guided dives with qualified divers who are getting back into diving or diving in the UK for the first time.

CAUTIONS – The sea temperatures are slowly starting to raise, but we’ll still need to take precautions with regards to thermal protection (wetsuits, drysuits, hoods, gloves). If you are planning to dive off the coast in South Wales, ensure you are aware of the changing conditions, making sure you know the conditions for both the beginning and the end of the dive.