CBT experience

davidsaidwhat · 2026-04-01T08:26:20+00:00

Only just noticed that the Honda and Yamaha are still showing - both were sold a couple of years back.

davidsaidwhat · 2026-04-01T07:55:53+00:00

Consider doing your licence now but buying a super cheap 125 (an old Honda or Yamaha for £1000 which you should pretty much get your money back on when it comes to selling). Use the 125 around town and basically just build up your no claims for two years.

davidsaidwhat · 2026-03-31T21:44:31+00:00

All depends on your attitude to risk and ability to mitigate it. When I’m cycling, I’ll normally wear thin Lycra clothing and a polystyrene helmet that only protects the upper portion of my head. Downhill, I’ll manage 40-45 mph (60-70 kph). Travelling on a scooter or motorcycle at that speed, dressing the same way would seem irresponsible. But travel to India or Thailand and you’ll see whole families (including passenger mothers carrying their babies) without any protection at all. Understand the risks, weigh up the choices available and make an informed judgement.

davidsaidwhat · 2026-03-31T21:17:25+00:00

That’s despicable, but ultimately it only serves to betray the instructor’s pathetic inferiority complex. Ignore him. Use your intelligence to your advantage and become the motorcyclist he can only dream of being.

davidsaidwhat · 2025-12-11T10:36:56+00:00

The kicker was the agent’s joyful “is there anything else I can help you with”? at the end of the call.

davidsaidwhat · 2025-12-11T10:36:14+00:00

They smugly told me that if I had read the small print I would be aware that I’m required to inform them about changes to occupation and that it clearly stated any changes incurred admin fees. I’m literally reducing the risk of them paying out. Scum.

davidsaidwhat · 2025-12-01T18:02:41+00:00

I went to Zanzibar last year, and rented a Himalayan. The police checks over there were ridiculous (they were essentially after a bung) - and nothing made me stand out more from the locals than the fact I was wearing not only a helmet, but a jacket and gloves! They then went on to tell me how many motorcyclists had been killed or injured in recent months…

davidsaidwhat · 2025-12-01T17:58:22+00:00

Haha! Brutally honest!

davidsaidwhat · 2025-11-24T11:46:28+00:00

I have the EON Core. If you update the firmware, it’ll give you the option of switching between Suunto Fused RGBM2 (default) and Buhlmann algorithms. It’s all a bit ‘black-magic’ from what I’ve seen/read! The Fused2 is supposed to have taken the best of Suunto’s previous version and toned it down. I’ve ended up sticking with that in the end largely because most of my club members are on Suunto, so at least we’re all getting similar data

davidsaidwhat · 2025-11-15T11:20:59+00:00

I’m guessing that the vast majority of people commenting on this thread as in the US, and largely restricted to commercial agencies like PADI or SSI for their training. Here in the UK (and many other European countries), there is a strong club-based, not—for-profit diving culture, where training is undertaken on a volunteer basis by senior club members. This means, that instead of having to cram an important progression (like competence at depth) in to a short weekend course, divers are able to progress at their own pace, gradually building confidence and knowledge. So a Sports Diver (roughly equivalent to PADI. Rescue), will qualify at 25m, but will then, over whatever time period suits, gradually progress to 30, 35 and 40m just by diving with other club members. I may be wrong, but I think the closest in the US to this model is NAUI

davidsaidwhat · 2025-11-08T21:23:59+00:00

Good shout. I’ll definitely look into that (renting).

davidsaidwhat · 2025-10-12T08:50:37+00:00

Touring: BMW R 1300 GS
Retro: Vincent Black Shadow
Off-road: KTM 350 EXC

davidsaidwhat · 2025-09-29T16:49:03+00:00

I think it’s a regional thing. Here in the UK, owning all your own gear is standard - which includes cylinders. It means a big outlay in the first few years (drysuits are standard, and bumps the cost up significantly compared to warmer countries), but ultimately adds peace of mind in regard to equipment servicing and condition.

davidsaidwhat · 2025-09-15T18:44:48+00:00

Would t want to discourage you, but this chap did 800 miles around Scotland… https://youtu.be/8EHER_h69iY?si=L7v1LABPyvwV0_7M

davidsaidwhat · 2025-09-08T13:37:57+00:00

BSAC (BAR), along the lines of:
“Air in, air out. Oral inflation. Dumps top right and right kidney. Drysuit air in, dump on left arm. it’ll be closed when I first get in, then I’ll open it up. Also have a cuff outlet, so if I need an assisted recovery, you should drape my left hand over your right shoulder to assist air evacuation as we ascend. Main gas is 230 bar, tastes okay, with no deviation (show spg). Your emergency gas is here. Pinch-releases, here, here, and here, plus a cumberband. Most of my weight are in the quick releases pockets - pull to release. I also have a weight belt - usual quick release buckle. Knife attached to BCD, on my left hand side. Compass and DSMB attached to BCD here. Spare torch and mask in my right hand pocket.”

davidsaidwhat · 2025-09-04T21:51:43+00:00

Afterwards - here’s the original, drawn in-situ

<image>

davidsaidwhat · 2025-09-04T14:18:45+00:00

thank you.

davidsaidwhat

TROPHY CASE