FAQs
We only take on new divers every September. If you have an existing qualification please get in touch using the contact us page.
Some questions we often get asked are below, if you have any other questions, or if you want more information on anything at all, please either:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are we?
- Do you do any introductory dives?
- Can anyone join the club?
- How do I join?
- How much does it cost?
- Where do we dive?
- What is there to see in UK water?
- Isn't it cold?
- I wear glasses, will this stop me diving?
- Do I need a medical?
- Do I need to be able to swim?
- Do I need any kit to start?
Who are we?
We're LUUSAC (The Leeds University Union Sub Aqua Club). We are an award-winning branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) who have benefited from a grant from the Footsteps Fund, and a National Lottery: Sports England grant in recent years. We are still going after being established in 1962 so needless to say we are crazy about all things underwater!
We are one of the largest, cheapest, and most active diving clubs in the UK. We have about 100 active members and every year we open up 30 spaces so that people with no diving qualifications can become SCUBA divers!
If you're a qualified diver from other organisations (PADI, CMAS, etc.) then we would love to have you too! Whether you want to further your training or just go out and enjoy diving.
For more information on training please visit the training page. Contact us or email info@luusac.uk with any queries.
Do you do any introductory dives?
Yes. At the start of the academic year, we run a try dive session. This takes place in the Edge swimming pool and is designed for people who have never dived before. It is a good introduction to the sport and allows people to see if they feel comfortable in an underwater environment.
If, after your try dive session, you decide you want to take up the sport, you will be able to join the club as a full member once our membership places open.
We usually run another try dive session in January.
Can anyone join the club?
Yes, anyone can join LUUSAC. We have a diverse member base that includes both students and professionals. The only stipulation we make is that you must be fit to dive. For information on fitness to dive please visit this page and check this self-certification form. If you suffer from any of the conditions listed, it is likely that you will need approval from a specialist diving doctor to participate in the sport.
How do I join?
Joining LUUSAC is simple. Visit us at the freshers fair at the start of the academic year or come to our introductory lecture in freshers week. Optionally you can send us an e-mail for more information.
How much does it cost?
At LUUSAC we are committed to providing the highest quality of training for the lowest possible price. Although diving is not a cheap sport, LUUSAC training is one of the most cost-effective ways to learn.
For someone who has never dived before the approximate training cost will be £592. This pays for; LUUSAC and BSAC membership, basic SCUBA equipment, 2 residential trips and materials to take you to BSAC Sports Diver level (equivalent to PADI Rescue Diver).
Training costs for divers who are already qualified will be lower and vary depending on the level of qualification you hold.
Where do we dive?
We dive at a number of diverse and interesting locations, both in the UK and abroad. Our Ocean Diver training is completed at Capernwary quarry in Lancashire. Sports Diver training is split between here, and other UK sites. Alternatively, trainees can opt to complete their training on our Easter trip abroad. Aside from training, we run regular trips to the Scottish Lochs, Scapa Flow in Orkney, St Abbs, the Farne Islands, Angelsey, and the south coast of England. Our recent Easter trips abroad have included Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Malta, and Egypt. We encourage our members to run trips as much as possible to keep things lively!
What is there to see in UK water?
UK waters hold a number of hidden treasures, unknown to most people. The UK stands on a rich heritage of naval tradition and as such, there is a multitude of fantastic wrecks to see all around the coast. If wrecks are not your main interest then the UK boasts astounding marine biodiversity, from colourful coral reefs to the seals of the Farne islands and even to gargantuan basking sharks on the Welsh coast.
Isn't it cold?
UK water is undeniably colder than more exotic dive locations however, when diving in the UK we wear drysuits (as opposed to the more well-known wetsuits). The added insulation provided by drysuits means the water temperature is barely noticeable. Having said this during summer UK water temperature can reach 20 degrees, comparable to many foreign dive sites!
I wear glasses, will this stop me from diving?
Not at all, there are a number of options for people who wear glasses. These can be explored here.
Do I need a medical?
In order to dive with BSAC you must complete a self-certification medical form. In the event that you do not pass a self-certification, you will need to consult a physician to ascertain your fitness to dive.
Do I need to be able to swim?
We require all ocean diver trainees to be able to swim 200m (8 lengths of the pool). We typically get this out of the way in the first training pool session.
Do I need any kit to start?
The basic equipment needed for a UK Ocean Diver is; mask, fins, snorkel, hood, gloves and wetsuit booties. We source all of these items in a discount equipment sale at the start of the year.
Please note that any personal equipment you wish to use must suitable for SCUBA use, i.e. snorkel masks bought on holiday may not be able to withstand depth.
For information on fitness to dive please visit this page and check this self-certification form. If you suffer from any of the conditions listed, it is likely that you will need approval from a specialist diving doctor to participate in the sport.