Jurrasic Coast

[boristhebold]

Anywhere decent that you guys know about for a spot of good Snorkeling ? Having dived all over the world I don't intend to dive in this area due to too many accidents happening, however as a compromise I fancy doing a bit of snorkling. Any experience out there of any good places along south coast or Jurrasic Area in particular.

[jokaboat]

Nothing wrong with diving the Jurassic coast. Been doing it for years.

Snorkeling is pretty good all along the coast, just pick a rocky bit, Durlston Head, Lulworth, Ringstead especially where there is a nice little reef close inshore, Kimmeridge Bay etc. are all worth a look.

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Having dived all over the world I don't intend to dive in this area due to too many accidents happening,

Its a percived problem !! as this area is extremly popular!! and would Seem to be dangerous to others.. Diving is a risky business anywhere in the world !!!!

[Flyguy]

Most of the accidents happen on deep wreck dives. Stick to the easier stuff and you'll be fine.

As previously said the whole coast is pretty good.

[jokaboat]

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Its a percived problem !! as this area is extremly popular!! and would Seem to be dangerous to others.. Diving is a risky business anywhere in the world !!!!

I don't think the diving there is any more dangerous than anywhere else. There's nothing there to make it more dangerous provided that common sense rules are followed, which should be the case for any dive undertaken anywhere. The stats should be seen as percentage of dives undertaken rather than as a pure number in a year. Stats eh, who can trust them

[ashbypower]

Totally agree, we spend a lot of time on the water and there are more Yachties and tourists rescued than Divers. I have dived all over the area and see some divers doiung 30m + deco dives and proudly say that was first dive of the season and was great ........

[jokaboat]

Hmmm, I'm a firm believer in working up from a few shallow easy one early season. As much to get me dive fit as to make sure all the kit is still working properly.

Over the 30 odd years that I've dives the South I've personally known 3 deaths, and only one along that bit of coast.

1 doing a tri mix dive at 60m+ mid channel, one in Greece in a cave and one heart attack, heavy smoker and over 60 years old. I cannot work out the odds against how many dives that have been done by the club over that time but with an average number of members around 70 averaging 20+ dives per year over 30 years comes out at 42000 plus. Pretty good odds I would say

[250kts]

Mark, I would recommend Old Harry and Pevril Ledges at slack water, Dancing Ledges and the stretch between St. Albans Head and Chapmans Pool. The Old Pier at Swanage is also worth a go.
Where ever you elect to go, I would use a very good surface marker, the inflatable ones are good, as it can get busy with Jet Ski's, even when close in.
I have an inflatable marker if you want to use it.
Regards
Steve

[Maximus]

,
'Fly guy' spot on,most accidents wreck diveing in Lyme Bay, and a bit of a numbers thing.Some realy exceptional Dive sites in the area!Like you have Dived in a lot of locations,and believe me on the right day Lyme bay in particular can REALY deliver,especialy if you like a feed!
Some realy great snorkelling west of Lyme regis, Charton bay to Seaton can be un-real,lovely pretty sites,loads to see, not too deep, PLUSS loads of Flatties, and Bass.

[boristhebold]

Thanks everyone some good places recommended I will try