"What happens to divers who fall out of the diving habit? How easy is it to get back into the sport after a long break? Mystery Diver had to know.

I had been a keen BSAC club member but had to leave because of work 10 years ago. I still had my gear, bought secondhand 15 years ago, and wasn't sure if my Dive Leader badge would still allow me to progress to Advanced Diver. Would Robin Hood Watersports set me back on course?

The shop was busy that afternoon - not packed, but a few people were waiting to be served. A woman who had been answering phone calls eventually saw that I looked lost and offered assistance.
I explained my problem and she asked if I could wait for Andy, who was doing air fills. But after a few minutes Sally, who had been showing a trainee the ropes, found herself free. While dealing with another customer, she listened to my needs.

Yes, Robin Hood Watersports had a training facility and could offer PADI or BSAC training courses. Which was best? "That depends on what you want from the qualification", replied Sally diplomatically, "but before that you might want to get used to being in the water again." She ran through the ways in which I could re-familiarise myself with my equipment and skills. Costs varied, but the methods seemed appropriate. She had no costing for the Advanced Diver qualification, but said the person who dealt with training would call me when he got back from a trip. She then went further, telling me where I could train and about the diving club, as a DO would talk to a potential member.

She agreed without hesitation to show me round. The pool area was spotless, with funky cartoons on the walls. Sally left me to wander around the store, well stocked and with prices that seemed reasonable, plus signs holding put the prospect of discounts. I had to test this out.

Andy had finished his fills and I told him my gear looked worn out. "Bring it all in and we'll service it," he said. What about discounts if I needed new stuff? His reply was unexpected. "I'll sell you new gear if you want, but first I'd recommend you bring your old gear in, let us take a look at it and see if it's still up to the job, otherwise you'll be wasting your money."

Would I buy from this man in the future? Absolutely, such honesty is a modern-day rarity. Would I train here? Definitely. I found Robin Hood Watersports and its staff to be role models for the diving retail industry."

Mystery Diver
Diver Magazine
May 2002