Welcome to The Lily Pad - the freediving platform for the BFA! Based at Vobster Quay, the platform has been specifically placed for the use of BFA members wishing to train, practice and - of course - have fun! Moored over the deepest part of the lake with 6 lines going straight to the bottom, the 'Lily Pad' (as we affectionately call it) is the ideal platform to start your freediving career!

For info on AIDA courses and to find an instructor near you, visit the BFA website or ring Emma Farrell on 07980 648892

Interesting Lilypad facts...

• The two lines at the front of Lily (by the shed) are set to 15 metres and are for free immersion and testing buoyancy. They are marked using the system below.
  
  
• All the other 4 lines run to the bottom are for constant weight diving and are marked as follows - 1 black line for 10 metres, 2 for 20 and 3 for 30. At 5, 15 and 25 metres there is a red line. At 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 34 metres there is a yellow line.
  
  
• All lines are easily retrievable from the platform. Either an instructor, a member of the BFA committee or a member of Vobster Quay staff will show you how to use these if you are unsure. Please set your depth before you make a dive to avoid overshooting your target.
  
  
• Please be aware that below 26 metres the water gets very dark! This depth should only be reached by AIDA **** freedivers or divers under instruction from an AIDA instructor.
  
  
• In the shed there are currently 2 camping chairs, a dustpan and brush, a bucket and a first aid kit. Please feel free to add to the creature comforts of Lily and ensure that when you have finished your session everything is put back neatly in the shed.
  
  
• If you have forgotten your lanyard then quick release freediving lanyards are available to buy in the shop.
  
  
• If you would like to dive at Vobster but do not have a buddy then send a email to Jean-Marc at the BFA. He will put a posting out on the BFA site with your name, email address and dates you wish to dive - other members may use this facility to buddy up with you.
  
  
• You are expected to practice rescue techniques that you have learnt during training. Vobster is perfect for this!

Note that for insurance purposes, freedivers at Vobster must adhere to the following requirements - All freedivers using the freediving platform must be members of the British Freediving Association. All freedivers must dive with a buddy at all times. Freedivers may only dive to the limits of their training... 10m for AIDA * Freediver 20m for AIDA ** Freediver 25m for AIDA *** Freediver 35m for AIDA **** Freediver All freedivers using Lily must wear a lanyard. Note that this does not apply when buddying. Freedivers must phone Vobster Quay prior to their arrival and show their BFA membership cards in the shop - if you do not have your card then you must provide photo ID. Once your membership status has been confirmed, you will be given the key to the platform. When you have finished, please pull all lines out of the water, clean the deck, replace all gear in the shed and lock it and then bring the key back to the Vobster Quay shop.