Learning to dive in the UK

In the UK we are lucky to have 2 ways to learn SCUBA, We may choose club based training with a group like 'Stourport Divers' or a PADI course, let me explain the differences -

Club based training with a group is when you join your local dive club (like 'Stourport Divers') and gain your world wide recognized dive qualification in a relaxed friendly manner at your own pace,

Alternatively you can go to a dive shop and buy an "off the shelf" PADI course that could give you a very basic dive qualification in just afew days!!!

Please understand, I'm not anti Padi, they are very good a supplying quick course to holiday makers, Its just that in my opinion there is a better & cheaper way to learn, and whilst these personal opinions are based on my years experience I'll try to outline the benefits and failings of both in a fair manner,

Which way is best for you?

With an SAA (Sub Aqua Association) affiliated local club like 'Stourport Divers' you become a member of the club and can learn as much or as little as you wish in the time that you are a member, i.e. there is no pressure to learn in a pre set amount of time, you are free to learn (fast or slow) at your own pace. as 'Stourport Divers' is a club run by volunteers it does not need to make a profit! it only has your best interests at heart and won't ever push you to do any thing your not ready for,

With an "off the self" PADI course you pay your money and do the course, its quick, it's slick! and it need to be! the fact is the PADI provider is a business!!! it need to make money!!! within days of parting with your cash you could be in a quarry, gain your 1st very basic padi qualification and be ready for the next course,

it's little wonder some say PADI stands for 'Put Another Dollar In'

Pro's & Cons

With a club,

Pro's, you are free to train at your own pace (fast or slow), you can take the time to absorb and understand the technical info, your training will usually be "one-on-one" (much safer that schools), you can utilize club equipment free of charge, there is a relaxed friendly atmosphere, you will make a lot of new friends as there is a good social side of the club, you will have a bunch of buddies to go diving with, dive trips and holidays both here and around the world are organized for pleasure throughout the year, as Stourport Divers is an "not for profit" club run by volunteers it's usually cheaper as there are no instructors wages or shop profits plus we don't charge extra for all those "steps" and "specialities",

Con's, emm! let me think, I'm going to struggle here, training may be abit slower as it relies on volunteer instructors and we take time to ensure that "you" get it right, you may get invited to attend social events (optional), as you make friends with other members you may find yourself re-joining the club, you may find yourself wanting to help run the club!

With a PADI school

Pro's, If you are cash rich and time poor, its quick, its slick and its efficient, no club to get roped into, no social events to be invited to, the shop is very happy to hire/sell you equipment, on completion of your 1st course you will find you are half way to the next level and so you may as well hand more cash over.

Con's, its more expensive as each step may costs more than one years club membership, you will find there are lots of "steps" and "specialities" to keep the money coming in!!! there is a strong incentive to get you though each step ASAP as less time means more profit, you will probably be one in a larger group (1 instructor to a group of students = less safety but more profit), you may not understand all the technical info even though you've 'signed' to confirm everything has been taught to you, no social side! no bunch of buddies to just go diving! no pool of club equipment to borrow! you may feel that your chosen new sport is just a series of course's or add-on's so they can take more & more money off you!

Summary

Padi is a business! clubs are not! its your choice!

The brutal truth is (ask any experienced diver) scuba diving is classified as a dangerous sport and its a fact that most serious injuries happen to inexperienced divers and those pushing the limits of the sport,