5/30/2006 - Value for money?
Well, I've certainly spent enough time moping in this blog about my current lack of diving. That's about to change this week! Once again I am [FRANTICALLY] packing last minute for an impromptu blast up to Queensland to go dive the HMAS Brisbane! Should be most excellent.
The thing is, this little trip of mine is costing me $110 - ONLY for the two dives. I guess in the grand scheme of things I shouldn't complain because for $55 a dive, plus lunch, it's pretty damn good value. But I'm so used to just throwing on my gear, picking a likely spot and jumping in that to fork out $55/dive just feels... painful. Especially when I consider the fact that I dive from a boat most weekends, and get paid to do so as work. So you can understand my feeling a bit 'ripped off' about having to *gasp* PAY for a change.
It's times like this that I remember SCUBA is actually a fairly expensive hobby in most parts of the world. Once you have your gear, and have a few good beaches to jump in off, diving doesn't feel that expensive. I've gotten a few years out of my suit, regs, BC, and have had the same mask & snorkel & weightbelt since I did my OW course, which means that it's not a huge out of pocket expense each time I feel like going for a dive.
Still, despite my grizzling about the price (which is very, VERY reasonable), I'm totally looking forward to the dive! I've not done much diving outside my home area at all, so this is going to be a huge, huge treat! It's all booked and set up and all that remains now is for the weather to hold out. I really hope it does!
I'm also looking forward to getting in the water without having to babysit inexperienced divers, and worry about the logistics of running a trip. It'll be nice to have someone else in charge - not to mention driving the boat! - and not have it my responsibility to ensure that everyone has a good time. Definitely a good way to sneak in a dive!!
The Brisbane was scuttled sometime last year, and the pictures I've seen of it are brilliant. I've been hoping to dive it NOWish because I figured what would be a better experience than to dive a 'brand new wreck' and then dive it twenty, thirty years down the track?! So YAY! I get my long-covetted dive on the Brisbane.
Am muchly excited about my dive, and you can bet that I'll do a report when I get back home in the next couple of days.
Until then, have a good time all and dive safely!
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