Rich W

Interesting video. I still want to do it. I was in Japan for 9 months last year with my gear and at one point from Izu could literally see the lighthouse. I couldnt persuade my partner to go dive it (used to work there) and English speaking centres which id need on my own didn't have the best reputation so it never happened. As above, Japan is big enough in terms of population it doesn't have to rely much on external tourism and cultural differences so deals with its main market only. That said, some places, in particular main island ski resorts do now seem to be advertising, changing and trying to get foreigners in. Large group diving is common, arguably even popular in Asia and yes as a photographer and as a guide i hate it. 35 min dive times i could cope with i guess if its that or nothing. The "full service" style diving is very popular in the Caribbean as well with the American audience. Personally i dont like it - as a guide the best indication you have of a diver you've never met competence is watching them set their gear up. If its all done for them the chances are they cant recognise problems and other things. In the Caribbean we literally had people with 200+ dives who had set their gear up on the OW course and never since. THAT said, from a business point of view its much slicker in the mornings getting everything setup and ready. No talking, delaying, wandering, faffing. Even more so if its rental. Its still on my list for sure, maybe this year. Although i really want my R6 housed for better video...

Only just discovered this forum as another one i used appeared totally disused... New name here (formerly gnirtS) but same thing. From Wales, often based in Asia. PADI/BSAC instructor, various OC/CCR quals, photographer since about 2006 and dabble, very badly, in video.