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What does HUGSAC stand for?

Well, Hertfordshire Underwater Gogglers Sub-Aqua Club is a bit of a mouthful. When we ceased being a University club with the University of Hertfordshire we decided to change our name from UHSAC (which everyone pronounced "You-Zack").  We wanted a new name that could also be shortened to a simple name, summed up our wide geographical base, our aquatic hobby and our long history. Gogglers was an early name for what we now know as SCUBA Diving.
 

Why join a diving club?

Joining a club is a great way to do a wide variety of diving in the company of buddies you know and can trust. Going diving on holiday is great, so too is joining a boat as an individual but the skills, resources, further training and enhancement to your diving that is gained from being a club member is well worth experiencing. As a member of HUGSAC you'll be able to join any trip you're certified for on our dive program or progress your training to join more advanced trips we have planned in the future.
 

I went diving on Holiday, can I join?

Of course! Maybe you've done a PADI, CMAS or even BSAC introductory course on a foriegn holiday, as you can imagine the diving here in the UK is very different... but its also very good, despite what you've seen on TV and read in the papers the British waters aren't filthy and devoid of wildlife. The waters around our coastline are filled with the nutrients of high lattitude seas but warmed by the Gulf Stream, a combination leading to rich and varied marine plants and animals, from microscopic corals and anenomes to large seals and basking sharks! (Check out our Video section for proof)
 
You might well need some cross-over training to diving in the UK but hopefully you enjoyed that short course you did as a holiday activity enough to make it your hobby back home?
 

I used to dive but haven't done for years, can I join?

Many experienced divers have to take time out for other commitments and although the world of diving is constantly changing and evolving we'd be glad to introduce you to whatever changes have occured since your last dives and help you get back underwater. Its never too late to restart and you may be pleasently surprised by the way things of progressed!
 

What is your minimum age for membership?

HUGSAC have a minimum age of 16 yrs, as long as you learn to dive with a parent/guardian. If you don't want to learn with your parent(s)/guardian(s) you must be 18 yrs old or older. BSAC itself has a minimum entry age of 12, as of 2005, but individual branches of BSAC (such as HUGSAC) can set their own entry ages.

Can you teach me to dive?

Until recently, HUGSAC have offered a "learn to dive" package.  However, as of 2008, we have decided to withdraw that package on the grounds that many commercial entities (BSAC Schools, PADI Centres, Dive Shops and such) can offer these on a more cost effective basis.  However, we will continue to offer "development" and "progression" courses, which we hope will be of more interest to divers coming back to the UK with their entry-level qualifications, who want to take their diving to the next level.

When is your next training course?

We schedule a variety of "Skill Development Courses" throughout the year, details of which can be found on the Dive Programme.  Divers are encouraged to progress through the diving grades at their own rate and will organise courses, exams, and in-water training on demand.

Do you have kit for hire?

Yes - we have 6 full 'aqualung' sets that we hire out to people as and when they are needed. Each complete set costs £7.50 per day, or £2.50 per item (regulator, buoyancy jacket, and tank making the full set). We also have several sets of 'basics' (masks/fins/snorkels) but these are typically reserved for pool use (though may be hired/borrowed on occasion). All monies must be paid up front when hiring equipment. A deposit may be required to cover lost items. We do NOT have any suits for hire.

Do you have a compressor?

No. They are expensive to run and service and there are lots of dive shops locally offering air, nitrox and Trimix fills.

Do you have a boat?

Not currently.  Most of our diving is currently from charter boats.

Do you allow rebreathers on dives?

Of course! At present, we have five qualified rebreather users (owners) within the club and more will inevitably follow in the next few years. BSAC allows qualified rebreather users to use rebreathers on club trips. The final say is of course with the Diving Officer. We currently have members diving the Jetsam Classic KISS, AP Inspiration Vision, Evolution Vision and Ouroboros rebreathers

Do you allow nitrox/trimix on dives?

Yes - in fact we encourage it! Most of our members are qualified nitrox divers (varying levels) and we have at least 6 members who regularly use trimix down to 70/75m. Obviously only those qualified to use these gases will be using them.

Where are you based?

We regularly meet at the Gosling Sports Centre in Welywn Garden City, Herts, but also have monthly meetings which are more widely attended by those members who are actively involved in the club but live further away - these events are typically social in nature but often have a specific theme - photography, trip planning, and such.

Although we are based in Hertfordshire we don't see your or our geographical location as a restriction to membership or diving with us, we prefer to think divers should choose a club offering the type and range of diving they wish to do, either way the best course of action would be to come and visit us and discuss your diving needs.

What pool do you use for training?

As we no longer offer an introductory course, we have no need for access to a pool.  All our training takes place in open water (the sea, or inland venues).

How do I join/come and meet you?

The best thing to do is contact us directly, and sort out a convenient time to come along and meet the club.

What does it cost, and what do I get for my money?

Club membership is currently £45 and BSAC membership varies from around £37 to £45 depending on your grade/instructor qualifications (less for students).

Further questions? Get in touch!