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Scuba diving...
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Having watched Simon Reeves incredible journeys show... and seen the lion fish in the Caribbean....
I am now sitting here on my sofa thinking I’d like to try scuba diving...
How do I go about learning this? Best to learn in uk or warmer waters?
I am forward thinking for when the world is right way up again!  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Depends how serious you are i guess.. I did a 2 day course as part of my 14day holiday, which allowed me to dive to 30m i think.. It was a long time ago! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Depends how serious you are i guess.. I did a 2 day course as part of my 14day holiday, which allowed me to dive to 30m i think.. It was a long time ago! "
also nice pics
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"U can go for beginner lessons usually in swimming pools before going in sea
I remember seeing a man have lessons in the pool when I was in Cuba.... "
if I was in Cuba I would b str8 in the sea |
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"U can go for beginner lessons usually in swimming pools before going in sea
I remember seeing a man have lessons in the pool when I was in Cuba.... if I was in Cuba I would b str8 in the sea"
Sea was too rough that day and the beach was closed! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"U can go for beginner lessons usually in swimming pools before going in sea
I remember seeing a man have lessons in the pool when I was in Cuba.... if I was in Cuba I would b str8 in the sea
Sea was too rough that day and the beach was closed! "
fair point lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"U can go for beginner lessons usually in swimming pools before going in sea
I remember seeing a man have lessons in the pool when I was in Cuba.... if I was in Cuba I would b str8 in the sea
Sea was too rough that day and the beach was closed! fair point lol "
lovd the bj pic |
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Absolutely take it up if you have the chance. I can't help you with sorting your diving course in the UK as I did mine back home in Australia, bit honestly diving is just magical. I haven't had the chance to dive for years but would totally jump into it of given the chance again. |
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By *yronutMan
over a year ago
St Austell |
Google PADI in your area. They are a recognised organisation worldwide. It’s an American modular idea but it’s pretty good. If you want to get into serious technical diving look for your local BSAC club/training facility. They’ll teach you exactly what PADI do but in much greater detail. BSAC not always recognised outside UK but better training.
Hope this helps |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If your wanting to try it you would have to do it in a pool first in the UK. Abroad you can go out in the ocean because its warmer and you wear a wet suit which anyone can wear. Here in the UK its more dangerous to dive in quarries or lakes because of the weather and dry suit which you need to be trained in before you do anything. |
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By *icentiousCouple
over a year ago
Up on them there hills |
Diving is an awesome experience.
Personally I’m a fair weather (warm water ) diver.
Have a fantasy of sex (at twenty meters as that is what I’m padi trained diver limit).
You will never regret doing it.
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Googled BASC and there is a club just up the road from me! who would have thought landlock surrey had such a thing!
Also can try a dive for £10.00 in a pool off course!
 am rather excited, possibility of a new hobby once we are allowed out again |
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I’m also Surrey. The club is quite well known.
However, like others above, I’m a fair weather diver only and only ever dive in the Caribbean..
Such a difference when the water is 29 or 30 degrees C.. visibility is amazing, wildlife is stunning..
Doing a course when on holiday is really easy, takes a few days and you can dive with groups of people at the same level.
I’ve holiday dived for about 10 years. Cozumel last year was the best yet. Diving Cenotes and caverns.
You won’t ever regret it. |
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"I’m also Surrey. The club is quite well known.
However, like others above, I’m a fair weather diver only and only ever dive in the Caribbean..
Such a difference when the water is 29 or 30 degrees C.. visibility is amazing, wildlife is stunning..
Doing a course when on holiday is really easy, takes a few days and you can dive with groups of people at the same level.
I’ve holiday dived for about 10 years. Cozumel last year was the best yet. Diving Cenotes and caverns.
You won’t ever regret it. "
You are in the same town as me!
I understand the appeal of warmer waters, last time I was on a 'beach hol' was in 2013. Hoping to visit my uncle in the Philippines next year, so will defiantly look at diving there if it is possible etc |
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"Having watched Simon Reeves incredible journeys show... and seen the lion fish in the Caribbean....
I am now sitting here on my sofa thinking I’d like to try scuba diving...
How do I go about learning this? Best to learn in uk or warmer waters?
I am forward thinking for when the world is right way up again! "
I recommend learning on a holiday say Egypt or Caribbean, not many Lionfish in the U.K. but lots of Mersey trouts I’m afraid |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I learnt to dive in the U.K. in the middle of winter, water at a nice 8 degrees C .... my first proper dive though was in Indonesia where I was surrounded by tropical reef fish in 27 degree water!
I’d just make sure if you’re considering learning abroad to check the resort/training centres reviews and Ratings as some can be a bit dodgy!
There’s some great dives and place to learn in the U.K., I guess it just depends on how brave you are when it comes to braving to the cold!  |
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"I’m also Surrey. The club is quite well known.
However, like others above, I’m a fair weather diver only and only ever dive in the Caribbean..
Such a difference when the water is 29 or 30 degrees C.. visibility is amazing, wildlife is stunning..
Doing a course when on holiday is really easy, takes a few days and you can dive with groups of people at the same level.
I’ve holiday dived for about 10 years. Cozumel last year was the best yet. Diving Cenotes and caverns.
You won’t ever regret it.
You are in the same town as me!
I understand the appeal of warmer waters, last time I was on a 'beach hol' was in 2013. Hoping to visit my uncle in the Philippines next year, so will defiantly look at diving there if it is possible etc "
So we are. x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As people have said search Google.
Can also go onto the PADI website and on shop locator and find nearest one to you.
I would recommend doing the theory and pool sessions at home and do the fun stuff abroad.
We are both instructors and dive daily, it is awesome |
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By *sh6866Man
over a year ago
halifax |
As has been said, you can do theory and pool work here, then open water dives abroad ( when we can go  ) Found it cheaper to do it a in malta but takes time out of your hol ..not a problem if that's what you're there for though.
Just be warned....you'll get the bug...and it'll cost ya
But so worth it |
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If you are serious, contact your local BSAC branch & they should be able to give you a try dive in a local pool. You have 3 in your area, Tolworth, Cheam & Sutton.
BSAC qualifications are recognised & respected worldwide, we are both instructors & highly recommend Scuba as a hobby |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Depends how serious you are i guess.. I did a 2 day course as part of my 14day holiday, which allowed me to dive to 30m i think.. It was a long time ago! "
18 meters is the maximum as open water diver and it takes 4 days.
Your pics are awesome |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"As people have said search Google.
Can also go onto the PADI website and on shop locator and find nearest one to you.
I would recommend doing the theory and pool sessions at home and do the fun stuff abroad.
We are both instructors and dive daily, it is awesome "
Well said. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"PADI - PAY & DIE.
Go with BSAC."
It all depends on the instructor.
BSAC suppose to be a sports organisation and PADI for recreational divers.
So me as a three star instructor in CMAS and MI instructor in PADI can teach the same student in different ways but some times I found PADI students better than the others |
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By *orro.Man
over a year ago
Hamilton |
I was a pro commercial diver for years. Dived rivers, lochs, and sea. If your starting out go with PADI clubs I found BSAC quite cliquey when I was starting out. But you’ll enjoy it, different world! |
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By *ickJMan
over a year ago
Hemel Hempstead |
"Having watched Simon Reeves incredible journeys show... and seen the lion fish in the Caribbean....
I am now sitting here on my sofa thinking I’d like to try scuba diving...
How do I go about learning this? Best to learn in uk or warmer waters?
I am forward thinking for when the world is right way up again! "
I love scuba diving. I started about 10 years ago and I'm an instructor.
The UK has some of the best diving in the world. OK, it's not as warm or as clear as the red sea or the bahamas, and the fish aren't as colourful, but there's plenty of shipwrecks to visit and lots of sea life to see.
If you want to dive in the UK, I'd recommend going the BSAC route and joining a local club who can teach you. If you only want to dive on holiday in the tropics, then PADI are probably easier and quicker. |
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By *icentiousCouple
over a year ago
Up on them there hills |
"PADI - PAY & DIE.
Go with BSAC."
I was very impressed with PADI, especially the tiny lady Filipino instructors bum, just glad they don’t have much in the Maldives, might have held me back a tad.
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"I’m also Surrey. The club is quite well known.
However, like others above, I’m a fair weather diver only and only ever dive in the Caribbean..
Such a difference when the water is 29 or 30 degrees C.. visibility is amazing, wildlife is stunning..
Doing a course when on holiday is really easy, takes a few days and you can dive with groups of people at the same level.
I’ve holiday dived for about 10 years. Cozumel last year was the best yet. Diving Cenotes and caverns.
You won’t ever regret it.
You are in the same town as me!
I understand the appeal of warmer waters, last time I was on a 'beach hol' was in 2013. Hoping to visit my uncle in the Philippines next year, so will defiantly look at diving there if it is possible etc "
Diving in the Philippines is amazing in places. My second favourite place to dive so far.
Diving in the UK is good, if you don't mind cold water... |
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"PADI - PAY & DIE.
Go with BSAC."
Well pay and dive immediately...
If you can train with bsac in the UK it might make you a better cold water diver initially, and will make diving somewhere like the Philippines fairly easy.
I'm padi, more than a few hundred dives, not dead yet... I've seen good and bad divers from all agencies... |
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By *roticusCouple
over a year ago
Porthmadog |
I'd agree on BSAC, and I'd trongly suggest you do the Part 1 in the UK before your holiday. I used to be involved with investigating diving fatalities and bends (long story) and a lot of them were novice PADIs. BSAC is a bit boring at first, working in a swimming pool and lots of mask clearing, free flow valve etc. but believe me, if you do get your mask kicked off by your buddy at 30 metres you really want to be confident to put it back on again rather than bolting to the surface for a bend.
I speak from experience. |
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"I'd agree on BSAC, and I'd trongly suggest you do the Part 1 in the UK before your holiday. I used to be involved with investigating diving fatalities and bends (long story) and a lot of them were novice PADIs. BSAC is a bit boring at first, working in a swimming pool and lots of mask clearing, free flow valve etc. but believe me, if you do get your mask kicked off by your buddy at 30 metres you really want to be confident to put it back on again rather than bolting to the surface for a bend.
I speak from experience."
I think you're misunderstanding statistics with your statement.
You investigated more padi related accidents because there are far more padi divers than bsac.
Padi teach you how to put your mask back on before you get out of the pool.
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By *roticusCouple
over a year ago
Porthmadog |
"I'd agree on BSAC, and I'd trongly suggest you do the Part 1 in the UK before your holiday. I used to be involved with investigating diving fatalities and bends (long story) and a lot of them were novice PADIs. BSAC is a bit boring at first, working in a swimming pool and lots of mask clearing, free flow valve etc. but believe me, if you do get your mask kicked off by your buddy at 30 metres you really want to be confident to put it back on again rather than bolting to the surface for a bend.
I speak from experience.
I think you're misunderstanding statistics with your statement.
You investigated more padi related accidents because there are far more padi divers than bsac.
Padi teach you how to put your mask back on before you get out of the pool.
"
In my experience, it isn't so much about one or two mask clearing exercises, but training for it time and time again so that when your mask is kicked off at 40 metres in dark cold water it's second nature to keep breathing and get it back on again. BSAC is more thorough in that respect, in my opinion, than PADI. The course is longer, some say boring, but safer. The choice is yours of course.
I havn't done the PADI, although I've done the BSAC and HSE 4 professional diver and I have friends who teach both. |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
It's well worth doing, not only for the sights but the weightlessness you experience. I mostly snorkelled but dived once abroad to around 9m, learning at the shore for maybe 30mins before moving to more open water and swimming along shelfs, coral banks and reefs. It's honestly amazing to do. |
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PADI gets a look of stick "Pass And Die Immediately" for example but I have to say my training in Egypt was great. Like all things some centres I dived with around the world have been great, some bordering on negligent.
Personally I'd go abroad (I did) but that's bc I hate the cold. A good PADI school should check swimming competency ect in a pool first among other beginner skills anyway. |
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"Is there a big difference between OW and AOW?"
In terms of what you see not really. My interest (and job) required looking for octopus ect so needed greater depth. Sometimes specific sites require AOW e.g wrecks maybe but in the whole I found much of a muchness. AOW isn't much of a step up from OW in terms of skill anyway (I found). |
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I’m in Thailand on a group holiday and signed up for the AOW but found out that when I started the course it’s with a different Scuba accreditation called RAID (RAID Explorer 30). Does other accreditations recognise one another or will I need to do the PADI AOW still? |
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"I’m in Thailand on a group holiday and signed up for the AOW but found out that when I started the course it’s with a different Scuba accreditation called RAID (RAID Explorer 30). Does other accreditations recognise one another or will I need to do the PADI AOW still?"
No expert but PADI normally only recognises its own ! |
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"I’m in Thailand on a group holiday and signed up for the AOW but found out that when I started the course it’s with a different Scuba accreditation called RAID (RAID Explorer 30). Does other accreditations recognise one another or will I need to do the PADI AOW still?
No expert but PADI normally only recognises its own ! "
No one at PADI is an expert. That's why they have acronyms such as:
Potentialy Awful Diving Incident
Or
Pay And Die Immediately
Or
Pregnant After Doing It
(although with this last one I guess the instructors are at least an expert at that?).
And these were all from a friend of mine who is an instructor for PADI in Croatia |
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Have more PADI course cards then I can count but went to SSI a good few years back and now mostly do technical diving with twin sets or my preferred side mount.
Did the advanced gas training so certified to use (not that it is cheap) higher nitrogen mixes and managed a 78m deco dive on Helium to see some shipwrecks too).
If I had the money to their away a rebreather would be a gift myself to really explore the wrecks in Scarpa Flow....
Cave divers however are a special breed of lunatics and I could never do what they do. |
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Did the advanced gas training so certified to use (not that it is cheap) higher nitrogen mixes and managed a 78m deco dive on Helium to see some shipwrecks too).
"
If you’re paying extra for your gas tell them they need to reduce the nitrogen not increase it. Whether you’re going nitrox or trimix the nitrogen goes down - it’s how we minimise the chances of the bends.
78m is a seriously technical dive, what were your gasses and run times?
I stopped tech diving about 17 years ago following a major fuck up at 60m and a chopper ride to the pot.
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