UECWA Newsletter

16th October 2024

Upcoming Dives

The Vault & Jackson's Arch (Rotto Drop Off) - Sun 20/10

Crazy Wobbie & Exploration - Sat 26/10

Dive Report - Saturday 12th October

Skipper - Jeff Weston

DO - Donna Gratton

We headed out with 6 divers onboard in pretty choppy conditions. I am sure the forecast was wrong, and it was much windier with more swell than we had anticipated. The first dive was at Roe Reef, our favourite ‘go to’ place in more unfavourable conditions. Damo bagged 5 crays here and interacted with an inquisitive Groper. Everyone enjoyed the dive. We then headed off to City of York, but there was way too much swell, so we hit the waves again to find something else.

WARNING SHARK ATTACK…. Details are below…… We decided to find another spot to explore. We have never dived it, and it did not disappoint most people. However, Mike came back to the boat with a 14-minute bottom time and showed us his shark attack injuries (see the picture). He was happily scootering along a gully and, clearly, got too close to a Wobby. It was not happy and took a chomp. He fled back with images of leaving a trail of blood behind him and further predators awaiting. On his return, he showed us his injuries. Needless to say, he is in a stable condition after the attack. Mike, as always, looks on the bright side of things and is forever the Scotsman….. He was happy that he hadn’t been in the water long enough to use much air, so he didn’t have to pay for a tank refill!!

Everyone enjoyed this site, and it was considered a definite “return to place”. We have pinned it for further investigation and have named it “Bad Boy Wobbie”. Mike told me he thought it was a Cobbler Wobbiegong max 92cm. So really a puppy nip ;-)

We returned home quickly and were back in the pen by 1-45pm. Thanks to Mike for helping Jeff and I put the boat to bed. The lads got to the local for a beer, earlier than ever before after a double dive. BONUS!!!!

Cheers, Donna

Mandurah Christmas Lights are Back!

From Friday 13th of December to Sunday 22nd December, Cape Cruiser will be back down in Mandarah for another fun-filled adventure! Double dives during the days and canal cruises in the evening to see the Christmas light displays are on the calendar. Make sure you book your spots now to avoid missing out!

"We Love Diving" Dolphin Scuba Open Day

It was another sunny and fun day at Dolphin Scuba's “We Love Diving‘ open day.

Not super busy, but a steady stream of divers visited throughout the day, with at least 8 of them seriously interested in becoming club members.

Kelly Moon and Mel Turner were on hand to assist by answering many questions, and Kelly was in great demand, showing everyone how to navigate the new website. Thank you both, for supporting the club and me.

There was an interesting talk about wrecks in the swan river. I was amazed at how many wrecks were listed. Many, it seems, were scuttled because they had been significantly damaged, and sinking was the simplest, and practical (at that time), option to dispose of them.

Thank you, Dolphin Scuba, and chef Danny. I had a great day, and the gourmet sausages, prawns and crays were delicious and the secret sauce amazing.

I'm already looking forward to being with you again next year.

Liz

Limited Edition 70th Birthday Clothing Available

Liz has arranged some special limited edition 70th Birthday clothing, see her above showing it off at the Dolphin Open Day last weekend!

If you would like clothing bearing the 70th Birthday Logo, we can sell you shell jackets, male and female hoodies and polo shirts, sleeveless vests, caps and beanies. Please let Liz know via socialbookings@uecwa.com.au and she will give you the current purchase price.

Important Information for Dive Bookings

All members who have paid their fees for the year 2024/2025 should be able to access the dive calendar on the new website and mobile app. Please Contact Us if you are having any issues.

If you would like notice of dive cancellations during our peak periods, then please contact Donna at divebookings@uecwa.com.au with your name and phone number to be added to a WhatsApp group.

Cancelling a Dive Ahead of Time

Important to note that you cannot cancel dives using the dive calendar. Cancellation needs to be by email directly to Donna at divebookings@uecwa.com.au

Please note our cancellation policy below as per the club bylaws:

Cancellations between 07:45 and 16:00 the day before: 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellations after 16:00 the day before: 100% cancellation fee.

No-shows: Full event fee.

Appeals for waivers due to medical reasons or family emergencies can be submitted in writing to the committee.

If you have any questions please check out our FAQ's, Contact Us or chat to your Committee members when you see us on the boat!

Newsletter Editor

Mel Daws - Public Relations