New to BSAC

[Geoff123]

Hi
Although I have been a member of this forum for a couple of months, my wife and I have just joined our local BSAC club in Sheffield.
We had previously passed the PADI OW but have decided to start at the begining with BSAC OD.
I am currently almost through the PADI AOW and doing specialities - search and rescue, Smb and dry suit.
So far only been in the pool with our club but both myself and my wife have found a significant difference in the training approach - we actually enjoy doing the basic skills. The previous training seemed to be in too much of a rush and ended when we had completed a 'skill set', to move on to something else (to tick the boxes on the PADI OW required 'skills'). We didn't think this allowed us to learn but just do - if you know what I mean.
One pool session on the OD we both felt like we had actually learned something because we were told WHY we should do things.
This is not a bash at the PADI structure (I will be carrying on to the MSD eventually), but passing certifications doesn't mean we can 'do' the skill set with any real competence.
I like your forum and so far am learning a lot.
Thanks
Geoff :)

[Eddie Clamp]

Hi
Although I have been a member of this forum for a couple of months, my wife and I have just joined our local BSAC club in Sheffield.
We had previously passed the PADI OW but have decided to start at the begining with BSAC OD.
I am currently almost through the PADI AOW and doing specialities - search and rescue, Smb and dry suit.
So far only been in the pool with our club but both myself and my wife have found a significant difference in the training approach - we actually enjoy doing the basic skills. The previous training seemed to be in too much of a rush and ended when we had completed a 'skill set', to move on to something else (to tick the boxes on the PADI OW required 'skills'). We didn't think this allowed us to learn but just do - if you know what I mean.
One pool session on the OD we both felt like we had actually learned something because we were told WHY we should do things.
This is not a bash at the PADI structure (I will be carrying on to the MSD
eventually), but passing certifications doesn't mean we can 'do' the skill set with any real competence.
I like your forum and so far am learning a lot.
Thanks
Geoff :)


Good news Geoff. Welcome to you both :)

[Ed Howarth]

Welcome to you both.

A good instructor will "read" his/her students and give just the right amount of explanation needed for understanding/interest/enthusiasm. Sometimes this is 5 minutes at the water side, sometimes it can be an hour's chat in the pub amongst all your mates. If you can learn stuff without thinking you have been "taught at" then it's more fun for everyone.

Sounds like you have got one of those good instructors. It's a great start.

Ed