Yet another new guy!

[Chris Fearn]

Hey guys!

I'm Chris, i'm 28 and i've just moved down to Cornwall through work. I've always had a love of the sea and wanted to try diving, but as yet i haven't got round to it or had the opportunity!
Now i'm down here i couldn't be better placed and so i'm really looking forward to getting into it.

In November work is running a 5day Ocean Divers Course i am hoping to get on, although i am currently only on the "reserve" list, the next one after that might not be until May so fingers crossed!

Certainly on the look out for a friendly club down my way!

Chris

[bythesea]

Hi Chris, you could try peninsula BSAC they are an active club or if you can't wait get yourself to Porthkerris divers and do the PADI open water course then switch to a BSAC club and cross over to sports diver, why wait.....

[Chris Fearn]

Having just found out the missus is pregnant and having moved down here, money is going to be tight :)

I can do the course through work free ;)

[bythesea]

Best get on and nobble one of the others then ;)

[Chris Fearn]

Forum looks great for information so far, i think i need to slow down, my brain is going to overload! :D

[ChristianG]

Chris,

This advice comes from Oz and no, I'm not a member of the BSAC either.

The BSAC mostly does training for free, yes, it'll probably cost in the form of training materials and club membership but if, as you say, you'll be looking to join a club subs are going to be a fact of life willy nilly. Importantly though, BSAC club instructors do it "for fun", or to give something back to the club, sometimes even to stroke their egos I suppose.

Additionally it means that you have access (depending on the club) to stuff like gear for borrowing and cheap-er diving than you can get by booking a commercial boat. You also get advice freely given and, if you play your cards right, a mentor to hold your hand while you get your diving feet, something that will not happen as soon as you pass that first course.

It's quite strange how the BSAC members of these forums which after all are run by the BSAC have a singular reluctance to fly their own flag. I have no such reservations.

[Chris Fearn]

Appreciate the response Christian, I did wonder whether maybe paying my way slowly but learning through experience and making friends through thatroad was better than the free work route!