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Lewis
29-05-08, 13:05
I have some time off next week, Wed 4th 'till Sun 8th June & would like to do my AOW course, any recommendations please of suitable training schools / instructors?
If it was the weekend I'd probably bring family up, so I would like somewhere with stuff for kids to do/see while I'm diving.
Any help appreciated, thanks:confused:

chris
29-05-08, 13:13
Try these two if you are East Coast Based:
http://www.divesafariscotland.com (http://www.divesafariscotland.com/home.htm)
www.deepbluescuba.co.uk (www.deepbluescuba.co.uk/)
Might be short notice but you just never know. Also it should take you around 4 days, including 2 full days of diving so if you are only up for 5 days it doesnt leave much time for anything else.
Being Biased obviously if you are on the East Coast doing your course there is plenty much for family stuff especially around Dunbar, North Berwick and of course all the attractions of Scotland's Capital City.
I will wait patiently for all the West Coast stuff as I type this from the centre of Glasgow :)

diver_cam
29-05-08, 13:13
dont mean to be funny but have you looked at padi's web page, there is a search facility on it to look for schools

Mr Flibble
29-05-08, 13:24
Hi Lew,

Although I hate to say it, you could try Puffin up at Oban. They have a VERY good setup and Oban and the local area has plenty of sightseeing, boat trips etc. I have never used them for training but have heard stories. Some say they are great some say they are arrogant, and unprofessional. Horses for courses I guess.

www.puffin.org.uk (http://www.puffin.org.uk)

Also consider C&C Marine in Largs at the marina. Largs is a wee Clyde Coast town with amusments, restraunts etc and some nice beaches further south. The Instructor here is a mate, he is very good.

www.ccmarine.co.uk (http://www.ccmarine.co.uk)

Or if your looking for the city stuff try Aquatron or Splashsports.

www.aquatron.co.uk (http://www.aquatron.co.uk)

www.splashsports.co.uk (http://www.splashsports.co.uk)

Don't know many East coast schools. Have dived with Dive Bunker at Burnt Island (lots do do in Fife) they are very good, Mark is a good bloke.
I think Loudy dives alot with them.

www.divebunker.co.uk (http://www.divebunker.co.uk)


Hope this helps.

Lewis
29-05-08, 13:29
Thanks for the suggestions, (I had looked at PADI site but wanted recommendations from experienced divers as I don't always believe everything PADI puts on its site!!)
Thanks again, I'll make some calls on Friday when I finish work.:D

chris
29-05-08, 13:39
Oh yeah, I forgot about Dive Bunker, I would recommend Mark also!

Bruce
29-05-08, 16:01
How about aquastars in Eyemouth?

www.aquastars.co.uk

I've done a few dives with them a while back and they always seemed helpful while I was there. There's a few nice coastal villages / beaches not too far away for the kids to play on as well.

loudy331
29-05-08, 17:05
The Best place is probably the DiveBunker in Burntisland. They have the best set up in Scotland www.divebunker.co.uk. a bit of advice is steer well clear of Puffin in Oban. I worked there as an Instructor and they were very arrogent and full of themselves and were really quite amaturish. and they are extremley pricey for what you get. the Divebunker is well priced and all dives are from a fast rib

Another vote for the bunker from me,just been on puffin's website have you seen their prices :eek: at least dick turpin wore a mask :p

Air2spare
29-05-08, 17:34
The answer to this question has got to be Divesafariscotland.com 07974168606 ask for Gary this has to be one of the most professional outfits going in my humble opinion
I have done loads with them and they really are good

George ;)

Gord
29-05-08, 23:29
I did my OW course with Puffin in 2000. They were great and the setting is fantastic.

tomy2tums
30-05-08, 07:46
what about DavieG, is he an instructor yet?

craigbrls
30-05-08, 09:45
how things have changed since 2000 lol

chris
30-05-08, 10:59
how things have changed since 2000 lol

Oh come on now....The setting is fantastic :D

Davieg
30-05-08, 11:12
what about DavieG, is he an instructor yet?

I am (PADI only set up the Instructor Status about three days ago)but don't have time (and haven't got the appropriate insurance or a HSE Medical as yet, will get it sorted over the next few weeks).

To Be Honest Id happily run a few* courses for only expenses and PADI Fees to get me some practice at teaching.


Thanks for thinking of me Tommy.


Davie

* one or two of each course.

diver_cam
30-05-08, 13:05
what course could you run? im sure a few bacon rolls and some beer given to you as a thank you:D

Lewis
30-05-08, 14:02
Weather permitting, I've organised my AOW next week with Dive Bunker, thanks for all the advice, :D
Lewis

chris
30-05-08, 14:59
excellent you will have an enjoyable few days with them!! And some nice sites to do too!

craigbrls
30-05-08, 17:37
Thats the way to go Easily The no1 choice in Scotland:)

loudy331
30-05-08, 17:59
Well done Lewis :D,are you still diving in yon semi dry suit? brrr :eek:

Lewis
31-05-08, 13:42
It was up to 9degrees in Wastwater 2 weeks ago, semi was fine, mind you my layer of blubber is quite a good insulator!!