I'm thinking of heading to Poole next weekend for a dive on the sat morning (weather permitting), but having only dived properly in Devon before I'm not too hot on exactly where to go, need a shore entry.
Would anyone please be able to pm me with a couple of places to try? Anyone else up for coming along too?
Cheers
Si
Si,
I wouldn't come as far as Poole if I were you. It is a tricky, and not particularly safe place to dive, with strong tides and lots of boat traffic, and requires quite a bit of local knowledge if you want to stay safe (you will not find it a mellow dive, as you might in Devon).
I'm not trying to fob you off mate, Poole is genuinely a tricky place to dive, and I'm sure others will back me up on this.
If you want to come that far east I would usually suggest somewhere along the Purbecks, at any of the entry points between Weymouth and Lulworth Cove (have a look on an O/S map for these entry points). An easy, more mellow dive would be found around Osmington and Ringstead but, unfortunately for you, the BSA are holding their competition in that area this Saturday (although that shouldn't necessarily stop you).
As you come further east there are a number of spots along the Purbecks that can be fished, but they often require a very long trek to get to. Avoid Kimmeridge, especially at the weekend, as spearfishing is banned here, and you will only be asked to leave if you turn up with your gun.
Another problem you might have with the Poole area this weekend is that I think that the wind is southerly, with a bit of east in it, and this usually messes things up a bit around here (this area works best with more westerly winds).
If you are determined to head over here though, I will PM you a couple of spots.
Stand by . . .
.