Andor's Trail

free-rider = not paying for it

Oohhh, a free loader...
Hmm, that's gonna get tough too, as there are some fees that need to be paid to either of the associations. I recommend SSI as they are simply cheaper than PADI, as well as I prefer SSI's teaching and development scheme, as it rests on the basis of experience as the single most important factor of becoming a good diver - PADI is a bit different in this point. I am an instructor for both though.

Well, in any case, if you like to get a cheap course, you should plan your next trip for Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines or any other country in this area. OWD courses (Open Water Diver = Entry Level) range around 200 bugs. Don't expect too much though, the quality of teaching (especially time wise) and equipment wont be high. A decent course will cost you less than double, about 350 bugs. In any case, it's always a great idea to ask many questions about the course up front:

1. How many pupils? More than 4 per instructor is a serious drawback in safety and teaching quality. (PADI and SSI allow for up to 8 students - but quality schools never have courses with more than 4-5 students)
2. Take a close look on the equipment, especially the tanks. Tanks must be checked regularly and receive a fresh stamp into the metal by the neck each time. It displays the year when it was checked and it shouldn't be longer ago than 3-4 years. This will also give you a good idea about the level of professionalism of the school. Good schools check regularly, every 2-3 years (international minimum standard is 5 - though in Australia it's even yearly!!).

So yeah... loads of unasked info. Cheers

fiernaq wrote:free-rider = not paying for it

No, freeride as in North Shore mountain biker... Nevermind. Does 'downhill' or 'slopestyle' help? O_o

LOL. Yeah, downhill mountain bikers I know about. Always wanted to try it but I never had a good bike and the little blue bmx I used typically didn't make it all the way down before dumping me somewhere (yes, I blame the bike ). But what does that have to do with diving? I'm sitting here looking for context and all I see is random words thrown star in the tree squirrel of ocean tv box pie of north slope printer fudge futons .

fiernaq wrote:all I see is random words thrown star in the tree squirrel of ocean tv box pie of north slope printer fudge futons .

Fish sticks and monkey twizzlers.
Sometiems, I like to sit in the laundry box and tickle my ears. Sometiems, I do not.

Badger and mushrooms, what a delight with fuzzy wuzzy treetop pie caeks. Omnomnom.

Umm, I'd suggest a Kanyon if you're on a budget, or a Pyga. Either way, you don't get the support like you do from your LBS (local bike shop).
If you're interested in trying DH, search teh g00gle scope for nearby runs and keep practicing! BMXs aren't too bad for easy runs and can really improve your skills.

Ok I think were off topic here

Sorrow, this is the Fallhaven Tavern and thus meant to turn off topic. It comes with the booze, ya 'now *burp*

But anyhow, free riding mountain bikers certainly have the ride ( right?!!) attitude to dive. Actually, I think it takes way more guts to helter skelter down a mountain than to dive down to a wreck... but this is just me not picturing myself riding a bike like a maniac but having been down at 40m on and around a wreck more than once. Both has its charm, no doubts about it.

Link my good friend I think our wonderful mods would have a different opion then

sorrow wrote:Link my good friend I think our wonderful mods would have a different opion then

So how about a picture of you then?!!

There is a pic of me.on this.thread link... just don't remember what page its on lol