places to learn to dive and vision questions

[mikerobinson83]

I have made the decision to learn to dive as my partner can already dive and i see it as a hobby we can do together. the only problem being is i am a student and low on funds, my uni had a sub aqua club but does not anymore, so i have the problem of finding somewhere that is within my budget to learn to dive.
where in europe is a good location to learn to dive? taking cost of course and quality of instruction into account,i go on a week long holiday most summers and was hoping to do my open water course at the same time.
also i wear glasses and have a strong prescription and am unable to read without my glasses,is it possible to get a mask with my prescription in it and how much is it likely to cost me,i have a year to save and get myself ready and will work my way through the padi book in this time.

Thanks for any help you can provide me with.

Mike

 

[JerseyMike]

I have made the decision to learn to dive as my partner can already dive and i see it as a hobby we can do together. the only problem being is i am a student and low on funds, my uni had a sub aqua club but does not anymore, so i have the problem of finding somewhere that is within my budget to learn to dive.
where in europe is a good location to learn to dive? taking cost of course and quality of instruction into account,i go on a week long holiday most summers and was hoping to do my open water course at the same time.
also i wear glasses and have a strong prescription and am unable to read without my glasses,is it possible to get a mask with my prescription in it and how much is it likely to cost me,i have a year to save and get myself ready and will work my way through the padi book in this time.

Thanks for any help you can provide me with.

Mike

IF you can find a way to Thailand, specifically the Phuket area, you will find yourself a good budget vacation and an inexpensive way to get certified. Plus you will get some quality diving in. If you are interested, I will give you some places and names.

 

[Bonairetrip]

In terms of vision, you have two choice: contact lenses or prescription dive masks. In the US, Welcome to Prescription Dive Masks 1-800-538-2878. seems well regarded. Personally, I use contacts. You can also see http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...enses-diving-questions-welcome-idocsteve.html

 

[DA Aquamaster]

If you are near sighted, you can get masks from several companies with replaceable lenses that are available in various dipoters in half diopter increments from -1 to -8 diopters.

A slight under correction for the near sightedness (for example using a -4.0 lens rather than the correct -4.5 or -5.0 lens) will often help with issues reading gauges and won't be noticed at diving visibility ranges. If it is still a problem, you can get small inserts to correct the far sightedness in what amounts to the scuba eqivalent of bifocals.

If you are strictly far sighted, then you can use the small insert in any mask, and if that is not adequate, then spend the bucks for a custom prescription lens.

 

[Louie]

Hi Mike,

For low(er) cost dive locations from the UK, I can think of a few places.
The Red Sea is a good one as there are many charter flights and cheap trips. Have a good look for Sharm, Dahab or Hurghada and see what's available. Alternatively, there are many specialist travel operators that book UK-Red Sea trips. I've made a few trips out of London to the Red Sea and found that if you look round, there are reasonable deals.
Gozo - little island of Malta - is a nice one if you like a bit of archaeology/history. There are many dives suitable for new/inexperienced divers and very nice formations that extend underwater.
As mentioned by Padipro, Thailand - while it's a long distance from Europe - is very cheap. You'll find plenty to do for your holiday and Phuket and Koh Tao are places where you'll have a big selection of dives and courses.

If you are not planning on diving too often following your Open Water course, you may be able to arrange rental/hire of prescription mask. But it's probably worth looking into getting your own. Have a search online or contact your local dive shop and they may be able to direct you.

All the best

 

[knowone]

The train to Spain far surpasses the plane.

 

[stakanak]

Nice rhyme knowone. Is the diving in Spain really good? Must be on the Med side eh?

 

[ReefHugger]

Would suggest that you try for a branch of the British Sub Aqua Club. Don't think that you can go any cheaper. Traditionally, there is no extra cost for training, just the membership fees.

Have a look at BSAC.com and see if there is a branch close to you. It is a club, so there are the additional benefits of dive buddies and new friends.

 

[rk288]

Check out SeavisionUSA.com. I have a very strong nearsighted prescription and they did a perfect job! It's all they do. The LDS charged me $230 but I later found out you can order direct from them at substantial savings in the $170 to 180 range plus they have a larger style selection.

 

[mikerobinson83]

Would suggest that you try for a branch of the British Sub Aqua Club. Don't think that you can go any cheaper. Traditionally, there is no extra cost for training, just the membership fees.

Have a look at BSAC.com and see if there is a branch close to you. It is a club, so there are the additional benefits of dive buddies and new friends.

thanks i will look into that, are the qualifications recognised outside the uk?