Dive into something great at Emmarentia

On April 1, 1962, on the banks of Emmarentia Dam, Normalair Underwater Club was established by a group of people fascinated by anything and everything to do with water sports.

This club is said to be the oldest inland scuba club. In the 60s, permission was granted by the Johannesburg City Council for the erection of a bathing shelter, and the same building, somewhat improved, still serves as the club’s clubhouse today. The club was named after one of the early underwater breathing devices made by a company called Normalair.

The club’s activities have expanded since those early days to include scuba diving, underwater hockey, spearfishing, and participation in triathlons and its members were amongst the pioneers of scuba diving in Southern Africa. Many of the well-known dive spots, both inland and at the coast, were discovered by its members.

Underwater hockey, a sport that has been likened to a shark feeding frenzy, has seen many Springbok players and coaches hailing from Normalair. The club is recognised as one of the premier underwater hockey clubs in the country.

The club has kept many traditions for the past 60 years. One of these is the annual Mid-Winter Polar Bear Dive, when scuba divers dive in the cold water and clean up Emmarentia Dam as a community service.

Details: Mark Botha 083 284 4415.