+ Visit Cardiff FC for Latest News, Transfer Gossip, Fixtures and Match Results |
I loved Diving in Australia, did all my cards to become a PADI Dive instructor, always fancied continuing it over here, but went to the local dive club, 2 things put me of, one was when i asked wehre they dived they said " Oh the local flooded quarry " . Hmmmm that sounds exciting i thought
Then after i told them i was a PADI dive instructor they said " oh thats ok, we will teach you how to really dive, you can start from the bottom "
where do you dive ? ? ?
If you like music vinyls is a great pastime, finding list treasures in charity shops or car boot can be very gratfying.
Buying a good deck and speakers and vinyl records is very worthwhile if ones wallet stretch's to it or buy second hand .
Displaying Pop art sleeve can also a great addition to the hobby .
Have you dived much in the UK? It is totally different to abroad but it is great fun.
To be fair quarries have their place, but when it’s just quarry diving it gets boring. I’m happy to dive with near enough anyone as long as they know the basics, so if anyone wants a little bimble let me know.
No i havent done one dive, as i said, popped to the local dive club and they completely killed the vibe i had for diving, it was as if under PADI i was 2nd class to the BSAC, now dont forget i did all my cards and worked as a dive instructor, it was not like i had just got in the water, in Australia it really was a community thing, i have kept in touch with people i dived with in 93, one is a Australian and another is from LA ( worked for Microsoft in Sydney when we me ) , both top guys, we were like diving brothers
Do you dive with a club ? ? ? i guess under BSAC ? ?
I had a great hobby when I was 30.
Raising children.
I know exactly what you mean with BSAC - though I have met many who are great guys and don’t give a shit about the politics.
I spent 15 years teaching (PADI) and was a member of a club but again can’t be arsed with the politics and shit. I’m just independent now, I don’t teach anymore and go diving with whoever, whenever, and wherever I want to. Being more experienced - nearly 30 years diving - I’m happy to do what I want but can understand why newly qualified divers gravitate towards clubs; the problem you often see with clubs, and not just dive clubs, is they often get dominated by big personalities, and macho personalities, which often don’t work well with new divers.
Genealogy. Been tracing my family for 20 years on and off. It's never been so easy as it is now, there are so many historic documents on the internet now. I supplemnt this with visitis to living history places - Llechwedd Slate Mine/ Big Pit/ St Fagans etc - to put the life my ancestors led into a bit more perspective. I've recently found Lead Miners in my family, so will be looking to visit Llywernog Lead Mine Museum soon. If you like history, this is a great way to learn about it.
Are you doing it in Cardiff?
Irrespective of where you're doing, or who you're doing it with it don't rush through the courses, or rush to get down deep. Take your time, build up your experience, do it at your pace not theirs. And if you're not sure of anything then ask.
It is a massive shame. I used to love opening up the world of UK diving to people who had learned abroad, yes it's different, and yes it can be challenging, but a diver is a diver and they will have experienced things that I haven't. To be fair it can take some getting used to, but you help people to adapt, you don't make them feel like they're not worthy.
Walking. Since early retiring almost 5 years ago we have done Offas Dyke, Hadrian Wall, Anglesey Coast, Coast To Coast, Solcantay Trail in Peru and half a dozen long-distance walks across Europe. Doing half of Cornwall Coast (about 180 miles) in August. All different and all fantastic ways of exploring and keeping fit.
Also deep into the research and early drafts for my Great Yorkshire Novel on the forgotten hero of revolutionary Chartism, Samuel Holberry (1814 - 1842). This is the year to turn a pastime into an obsession and get it done.
Is arguing with crazy antivax ladies on the internet a hobby?
Allotment has its rewards