Moving to Adelaide

[bracko]

hey all...

work are moving me to Adelaide for the next few years (unless I really hate it). I'm a qualified/insured DM so wouldn't mind doing the odd weekend of course assisting depending on the vibe of the store (the store I "work" in at Sydney is great and the interaction between instructors and DM's is very casual, unlike other places I've seen) so wouldn't mind some recommendations and ideas on where to dive and where to see if i can help out with a few courses.

the next point... sharks. We all know they're there, we all know people get taken in Sydney. But I have a particular fear of diving in Australia's southern waters. I'm sure I'll get over it, but bull sharks just take an arm off, great whites take the bottom half off :-/ for the locals who dive there, what are your experiences? do you consider it much?

finally... SA, dry-suit required? I have a 7/5 and a 1mm log sleeved vest. I've never used both and have dives in as cold as 14°C while not exactly toasty, i certainly wasn't dying.

oh... also if anyone knows someone looking for a roomate or someone to fill their 1bedroom unit, I'm a 29yo engineer. I would be good to live with another diver

 

[diver257a]

Hi Bracko,

I live in Adelaide.

WORK – as your profile indicates you are a PADI DM, you should look at the following stores – Adelaide Scuba, Divers Delight, Divers Service & Underwater Sports Diving Centre. All of these stores have websites. I am reluctant to make a recommendation as I only usually shop at one of these stores (i.e. Adelaide Scuba) because it is the closest to where I live. The other stores in Adelaide are either SSI or FAUI.

SHARKS – these guys are a fact of life. They can turn up anywhere. Most of divers now use shark shields (Shark Shield - Shark deterrent system - protection from shark attack and great white sharks). Also, it is wise to avoid dive sites at the times of the year when large schools of fish (esp. Snapper) are present.

COLDNESS – I use a wetsuit (7 mm semi-dry) from about November to May (temperature > 15C) and I use a drysuit from June to October (temperature < 15C). Due to my advanced age & a decade of living in northern Australia, I can only now tolerate 1 dive a day in a wetsuit during winter. During July-August, the water temperature can be as low as 10C.

ACCOMMODATION – cannot help with this matter. Getting connected with one of the dive stores may be the way of finding a place to live.

 

[bracko]

are they [sharks] common? you're starting to worry me now :/