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04-02-15, 09:15 AM | #91 |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
Of course you only recognise a good school when you've been diving for a while. Here's my 2d worth. 1) Start off by doing a PADI Open Water qualification somewhere warm with plenty of interesting fish. Then spend a few days going diving and see how you get on. After 20 or 30 dives a lot of the basic stuff starts to become routine and you can concentrate on skills like buoyancy. 2) When you get back think about whether you want to take up UK diving. Diving in the UK is harder work than diving in the tropics because the water is colder and you need more insulation. But there are some great dives around our coasts. If that appeals start looking at your local dive clubs to find one that goes diving regularly and drinks plenty of beer. The beer is essential because UK dives are sometimes cancelled due to sea conditions and you need something to do while the rain is lashing against the windows. On the plus side, once you're used to diving in the UK tropical diving is an absolute doddle. Just my thoughts, Keith. |
04-02-15, 07:17 PM | #92 |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
We were thinking the same about UK diving. If we learn here then anywhere else would be straightforward! Going to chat with Diveline on Friday/Saturday and see what they can offer. Also going to the London International Dive show at the Excel. This ties in with the Triathlon Show, London Cycle Show as well and the MCN bike show.
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04-02-15, 08:49 PM | #93 | |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
Quote:
If you ask politely, they might give you a free trial dive in their pool. Its great fun & warm. My sister did her PADI course somewhere near Peterborough, but she's been diving all over the world, usual places.
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06-02-15, 04:03 PM | #94 |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
Popped in and spoke with David at Diveline. We have taken the first step and picked up the training packs. Will do the theory first while we put some money aside.
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06-02-15, 05:12 PM | #95 |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
Cool, I'd love to do it, but I have too many expensive hobbies already.
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06-02-15, 07:31 PM | #96 |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
It's not too bad for the training, I think its the kit that will cost!
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06-02-15, 07:43 PM | #97 |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
Yes, although I bet you can get some stuff 2nd hand, like the air cylinders & harnesses
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07-02-15, 07:19 AM | #98 | |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
Quote:
New: Computer (these days I'd get a secondhand vyper) Regulators Mask Drysuit Secondhand: Wetsuit Backplate & wing (similar to BCD) Weight harness Fins Weights Torch I bought a lot of my secondhand kit from club members. The club also had a reasonable amount of equipment that the trainees could use on club dives which helped to spread the cost a bit when I started out. I used club cylinders for a long while, then bought a couple of new ones in a sale because secondhand ones almost all needed testing which worked out almost the same as new ones. Keith. Last edited by keith_d; 07-02-15 at 07:45 AM. |
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07-02-15, 09:14 AM | #99 |
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Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
From speaking to the chap at Diveline, there are just some things that are not worth skimping on, as you have said in your new only section. Looking at the prices in their shop, mask and fins aren't too badly priced. Going to looks at LIDS next week and try on some masks and stuff. Would you recommend normal or split fins?
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07-02-15, 08:24 PM | #100 |
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Re: Re: Any qualified scuba divers out there?
You know you want to!
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