Where to start training? Club or course??

[Scubastanley]

Hi Everyone, I am a 31 year old guy from Ireland who is about to start diving. I am in touch with some organisations and clubs and I am getting different advice everywhere I turn. Some people suggest I join a club and get CFT/CMAS qualifications and enjoy the social aspect of being a club member. It costs €300 to join the club. Others say I should do my PADI OWD Course first which costs €600 and then join a club. Is there any opinions on this? Thank you esteemed divers!

 

[Dive the World]

if you are going to join the club and know they will be starting a training session - go for it.

If they are not - then do OWD (or even AOW - if most of the dive sites are more than 20m) and join the club.

Nothing beats a club. The only thing is training tends be in patches and not as regular as commercial venues - for obvious reasons.

Whatever gets you diving and under the water first.

 

[Scubastanley]

Cheers for the reply mate!