Jumping back in

[nigelhoath]

Well two years rest from diving this month and time to plan reentry May/June. Starting in 2008 I managed 26 dives and got my padi advanced. I had to knock it on the head for economic and time reasons. However this year I plan to get the kit serviced and tested out at the pool in Southampton. Then I need a nice easy dive trip in possibly Spain/Islands to get back in. Some nice 12 to 18 meter dives.

When I first started as most I was a heavy air golper but then I did a few shallow dives with Chris-aka-divingchef in galicia and the gulping became calm economic breathing even when later at 30+ meters (thanks Chris :) ). I don't want to go back to 24 min gulping dives so thus I want to follow the same gradual route.

During the two years I haven't visited here or read any mags - it was too heart wrenching - so a couple of questions:

Are there any new fascilities in the UK where one can try out kit or simply get back in? I was thinking like that place in Brussels with a deep pool for the latter.

And can anyone suggest anywhere suitable to get my gradual reentry? I remember in the past turning up and just having to take what was on offer. If 30 meters was the vote there was no alternative. A couple of probs: don't drive due to vision problem and have a 7mm wetsuit but no wish to go dry.

Well I see many of the old names are still here. Hope you are enjoying your diving and look forward to catching up on recent posts and getting back into the swim. Happy New Year one and all :cool:

[Oliver T]

I think you should join a club.

As for testing kit in inland waters, there's nowhere quite like Nemo33 or whatever that Belgian place is called, but there is Wraysbury or Vobster, both of them inland quarries, the first is a shallow gravel pit of murk, the second an old stone quarry in Somerset near Frome.
Both places will let you hire kit as well as arrange a refresher day for you should it be required. Either way, if you do go to either place, phone in advance and ask.

As for getting back into the sea....
You can shore dive off Swanage Pier for the cost of entrance to the pier, but as always - do make sure you have a competent buddy. Divers Down have a shop site on the pier and will also be able to hire you kit

Not driving is going to be a bit of a difficulty - what you'll need is a very understanding buddy, or a ready hand at the gas pump!
There's no reason why you shouldnt dive outside of the club environment - but it would be well worth joining/re-joining one and getting as much practice and guidance in in the pool before venturing off further afield.
You might just find that you're skills are more rusty than you think.

Water in teh inland sites is @ 5degrees C. at the moment, with the sea being @ 7 to 8. Also, the vis is pants at Swanage and will be so until March or April, so join a club, get some practice and support, and hustle any likely buddies about going to Swanage once it warms up and gets a bit clearer.

[nigelhoath]

Oliver many thanks for your suggestions.

Sadly joining a club raises the whole no driving thing. People are kind and two years ago my nearest BSAC offered to arrange transport but I will not be a drag on anyone. I decided my route had to be the holiday thing and PADI.

However the folks here have always been great with sharing information and I hope I have repaid them a little by using BSAC locations when possible.

Certainly the NEMO thing sounds great. The problem with inland UK is it costs almost the same as sunny spain per dive so I think that is a no no.

I just wanted not to miss out on any new fascilities in the UK (sim Nemo for example) but I guess I will as 2 years ago visit 'andark' in Southampton for kit servicing and pool testing. Then a week trip somewhere suitable. I still haven't found anywhere where sensible shallow dives are available. But the search goes on.

One things for sure the year will end with the red sea (all being well there):D

[GaryC]

Sadly joining a club raises the whole no driving thing. People are kind and two years ago my nearest BSAC offered to arrange transport but I will not be a drag on anyone. I decided my route had to be the holiday thing and PADI.

Don't let the "heated" discussions put you off. Diving is about experience and getting as wide a view as you can. I think the benefits of BSAC clubs far outweights the drawbacks and there is some fantastic club diving goes on in the uk. You can pick as much or as little as you want. And really UK diving is second to none on a good day.

Certainly worth having a chat with a branch at very least. They may do nothing but they could open up some really good and relatively cheap diving.

Gary