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mickwood · 22-11-2008, 10:27 AM

I'd like to get into UK diving after doing my only dives abroad (Thailand, Jamaica, Egypt - about...40 dives in total? up to AOW) but....

Having done various outdoor activities in the past I've joined clubs before (climbing clubs, canoe clubs etc) and am hesitant to do it all again. Whilst they're good I just feel I don't want to get into all that political stuff that goes with it, or getting into conversations about the merits of PADI as opposed to BSAC etc, or the observations from the folks who are just waiting for you to fumble or make a mistake so they can re-iterate their own experience and knowledge in a 'look how good I am' kinda way - now I KNOW that those issues exist in ALL clubs to a greater or lesser degree but I'm not sure I can be bothered exposing myself to it, I JUST wanna dive! LOL!

So....what are the alternatives to clubs? If any? am I gonna be the sad loner who risks it all and dives on my own or puts his mask on whenever I get a bath! 001_tt2

divingdoc1 · 22-11-2008, 11:07 AM

just go and try your local club, be it BSAC, SAA, PADI or whatever. If they choose to be a bunch of prejudiced A*****les then thats their loss. There are lots around and im sure if you look hard enough you'll find something to suit you. Make it clear that your not interested in hacking other agencies etc to pecies and hope for the best!

Don't like the idea of you going off on your own, especially if you have done warm water clear viz diving to date.

mickwood · 22-11-2008, 11:11 AM

Cheers dude, yeah bit tongue in cheek the solo diving business, I do recognise my limitations (I think I have the basic knowledge/competence but just wanna dive more to gather that experience)

Although, I DO love the idea of diving completely alone in the future - do people do it? or is it a complete no no? My own thoughts would be taking another set of regs/pony bottle to allow you to resurface safely in case of malfunction/problems and staying shallow?

divingdoc1 · 22-11-2008, 11:29 AM

Personally, I hate solo diving, and yes people do do it. Not only is there the safety issue aspect (and there are some out there that will argue quite rightly that you can be safer diving alone than with some buddies, but im not getting into that argument) there is the thing that makes diving such a great sport for me!

I love the feeling of diving with a buddy and showing them this that and the other and having this that and the other shown to me. That for me is part of the sport, but others have different targets/goals. what you do is up to you at the end of the day.

I hope you find somewhere to have fun though

mickwood · 22-11-2008, 12:30 PM

ah...sounds like an age old climbing arguement of 'solo climbing', glad you didn't go into it lol!

Personally, I'd like the option to do both. I think you'd get different things from both approaches. Organised trip/dive and a few beers with a few like minded divers - shared experience, great! A quick snatched solo dive, grab the kit and get in, solitude and a challenge - equally as great! Thumbup

While I'm typing...anyone know of good clubs in and around Chesterfield, derbyshire?

Cheers

divingdoc1 · 22-11-2008, 01:55 PM

you got it in a nutshell pal!

Sorry dont know anything about Derby way me duck!!! Chek out PADI.Com to find out local dive centres. I think there is an equivelent site for BSAC and SAA divers, but you'll have to check with the bearded ones for that :-)

Sorry couldnt resist meself!

gerald1961 · 22-11-2008, 10:32 PM

whats with the beard cracks at bsac club members

sira · 23-11-2008, 11:20 AM

I wold just dive with guys from here this is almost like a club and it doesn't have any of the Padi Vs BSAC rubbish tc you can find else where.

mickwood · 23-11-2008, 11:49 AM

Sounds good, I'll keep my eye out for trips I can make Thumbup

Argonaut · (This post was last modified: 26-11-2008 12:00 AM by Argonaut.)

(22-11-2008 10:27 AM)mickwood Wrote: I'd like to get into UK diving after doing my only dives abroad (Thailand, Jamaica, Egypt - about...40 dives in total? up to AOW) but....
....
So....what are the alternatives to clubs? If any? am I gonna be the sad loner who risks it all and dives on my own or puts his mask on whenever I get a bath!

My local setup in S.Wales, is a 'club' in the sense that there are a group of guys who want to dive.
There are instructors for all PADI or TDI courses, but no club fees (except you pay when you use the pool) ... several DM's.

No committee, no picky rules, no subscriptions, no hierarchy, all disciplines welcomed .... and regular weekend diving, and 2 major trips a year ... I did a week with them in Scapa Flow last month.
Sharm trip due in Feb.

There are alternatives to clubs !