THERE'S no time like the new year to take the plunge and start an adventurous new hobby.And that is why dozens of people got geared up as they gave scuba diving a try in Ipswich's Crown Pools yesterday.

THERE'S no time like the new year to take the plunge and start an adventurous new hobby.

And that is why dozens of people got geared up as they gave scuba diving a try in Ipswich's Crown Pools yesterday.

The event, organised by the Ipswich Sub Aqua Club, is designed to spark people's interest in the underwater sport and allow them to give it an informal try in a fun environment.

Jane Whight, the event's organiser, said: “The try dive has been running for at least 20 years and it aims to encourage more people into the sport.

“Usually people don't try it until they go on holiday but they could try it here and then learn before they go on holiday.

“Most people really like it once they've tried it, though some people do find it's not for them.

“They put all the equipment on and have someone with them the whole time and then we put one or two obstacles in the pool.

“There was a plastic crocodile at the end and rings and hoops for people to swim through, as well as some games to play.

“People enjoy the challenge and the adventure of what can be a very different environment, because we're not built to be underwater!”

Mrs Whight said she thought New Year's Day was a good time for people to give something different a go, and possibly end up with a new passion for 2007.

She said: “People would have to train to take it up but we can provide that in the club.

“Hopefully the event will have got some people involved for life now we've shown them the safe way to dive.

“And if they get involved they'll find the club is very social as well.”

Weblink: www.isac.org.uk