Advantages: Cheap
Disadvantages: Poor organization

...A club based organisation that was started by divers who wanted an alternative to the BSAC some years ago, the SAA is lacking in discipline. They have training programmes, not dis-similar to those of the BSAC, but the running of the organisation is quite amateurish and somewhat sloppy. There is a lack of hard and fast rules and guidelines – these are often created “on the hoof” by individuals in the heirarchy. Boat training, for example, is run by one man. The committee of our club made a decision to take up SAA Club status for the benefit of new members, as it represented a much cheaper option. I joined the transfer of qualifications from the BSAC and as an Advanced Diver and Club Instructor was accepted as Dive Supervisor and Club Instructor with the SAA. To become a Regional Instructor I needed to complete... Read review

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Advantages: Nice staff...
Disadvantages: Serves LHR with check-in problem

...and talk to you. And the meals aren't bad either. But beware - there is no food on some of their shortest flights. There is no smoking on internal flights, but I personally would see that as an advantage. Check-in is usually easy, and the airline is renowned for their punctuality and efficiency. Then there's the international airline - South African Airways. Here, you will find firendly service in the comfortable interiors of their modern fleet, with the latest films to select from in Economy. Plus there's friendly staff and some culinary delights! There's a lot to do in South Africa. You may want to visit Cape Town's Robben Island (see seperate opinion). But, you need to get there somehow, and SAA does that for you, flying direct from the UK to Cape Town and J'B. They have a well-organised schedule, bringing in many night-flights, giving... Read review

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Advantages: Prepares new divers for UK diving, Great emphasis on safety, you'll make new friends.
Disadvantages: Training can be slow, You need to find the right branch.

...I originally trained with Padi when I lived abroad with tropical waters to dive in. When I moved back the the UK I joined an SAA club. After moving house I couldn't find an SAA club and joined my local BSAC branch. This was the best move of my diving career. Up until then I'd considered myself a relatively experienced diver but I soon learned how little rescue training I'd received. I've been with my current club over 10 years now and I am a BSAC Club Instructor. I've found BSAC to be better organised than the SAA club I was in and both BSAC and SAA are a lot less commercial than PADI. The BSAC does have schools which are commercial operations and push you through the training very quickly. However most BSAC divers are trained within the individual clubs. This mostly makes the training relatively cheap but does depend on the individual... Read review

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Advantages: CHEAP, friendly atmosphere, not forced to partake in the prayer/worship meetings
Disadvantages: Getting up early so as not to miss the bus to Saas Fee

...Oakhall is a travel tour operation that takes you to many tour destinations. They are based in the UK. They are Christian based and do have prayer and worship meetings on the tour. BUT you don't have to attend if you don't want to. They also do CHEAP holidays. which made us decide to travel with them. So a group of us, some Christian and others not so Christian went with Oakhall for a ski trip in Switzerland. Oakhall has their own tour buses but most oof wanted to fly and they did not seem to mind this. The hostel was based in Saas Grund. We either went to go ski at Saas Grund or Saas Fee nearby. There was a 3rd place if both places were shut down due to bad weather. Oakhall employed their own ski instructors and this made it even cheaper to be taught how to ski/snowboard whichever you prefered. The accomodation was based on Hostel... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap for the %
Disadvantages: Addictive

...Stella Artois. Is a well known premium lager, a lager that I enjoy and a lager that I am happy to express my thoughts on. Belgium premium lager is a must for hard working guys like me when you want to cool down and relax. 5.2% does it for me, a couple of pints and I’m sorted. Relaxed and cooled down. I can get it on draught in cans or bottles, I myself prefer cans, sitting at home feet up, and of course relaxing. To appreciate the full flavour of Stella it has got to be served cold. unless you want a sticky aftertaste in your mouth from warm beer. The taste of stella is individual in its self, and when you smell it you have the distinct smell of the hops.. It’s made with the bohemian saas hops, that is why the taste is so unique. Stella Artois is a distinguished beer when it comes to quality beer. It is brewed 6-11 days... Read review

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