Moving to UK--any suggestions on dive shops/clubs?

[VTDani99]

Hello!

I am moving to Reading, UK in Jan 2010, and was looking for recommendations for dive clubs or shops to join up with.

I just got my OW this past weekend, and am working on my AOW, with the goal of finishing that up before heading across the pond.

thanks in advance!

 

[sylpha]

check out the local dive clubs. Mainly BSAC, but usually very friendly with their own boats Reading is a good club as is Basingstoke, there's one in Henley, one in Newbury & one in Bracknell too all within spitting distance of Reading. I lived in Bracknell for a while so PM me when you get here & i'll help with directions & introductions.


http://www.basingstokebsac.co.uk/ i can introduce you to the diving officer here


http://www.readingbsac.org.uk/

 

[VTDani99]

Great!! thank you very much!!

 

[MarkUK]

I'd also look up Berkshire Divecrew, based in Bracknell, which is close to Reading. Large, very active PADI dive centre with its own club members that does plenty of diving in the UK and abroad.

Divecrew - Padi Scuba courses in Bracknell, Slough, Amersham,Farnborough, covering Windsor, Aylesbury and Guildford

Hope this helps

Mark

 

[dbulmer]

There's also an SAA club in Caversham which is not far from Reading. I've been diving with them and they're nice people

 

[sylpha]

ah yes caversham aquanauts, i'd forgotten them. they used to do their training at Kimmeridge & we would run into them there. you're right they are a nice bunch of people.

 

[sylpha]

Hi Sam,

welcome to the UK. Who are you diving with?

 

[sylpha]

not the people you usually associate with diving, but, strangely, i have a diving pal who is exRAF.

so where are you diving?

 

[sylpha]

Hi Sam,

my travel insurance is rolled into my husbands and that is covered by his company because he travels so much for work.

check your bank, does your account give you cover? what about your household policy is that one of the extras thrown in. if you are after diving cover try the BSAC website.

apart from that, sorry.

 

[String]

If you're after diving cover DONT try the BSAC website. The BSAC insurance only covers 3rd party and only then in narrow circumstances. If you're a british citizen you don't need insurance as NHS will cover it. If you're not DAN Europe is likely your best bet.