Cave Training with Martin Robson

[Decodiver]

Dear All,

2005 is going to be the year when I finally get round to doing a cave course.

Having batted the idea around with a few mates of mine (one a Cave IT) I have decided to do the course in France and have tentatively made up my mind to do it with Martin Robson at Eau2, I will be doing the course on CCR as I really cannot be asked diving OC anymore. I will probably use my Meg.

So is there anyone on the forum who has done the course with Martin?

If so what feedback could you give me?

Thanks in advance

Dave 'soon-to-be-a-student' Cooper

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by Decodiver

Having batted the idea around with a few mates of mine (one a Cave IT) I have decided to do the course in France and have tentatively made up my mind to do it with Martin Robson at Eau2, I will be doing the course on CCR as I really cannot be asked diving OC anymore. I will probably use my Meg.
So is there anyone on the forum who has done the course with Martin?

I did YBOD mod2 with him.
He made us work hard and was obviously ticking off the skills.
At the end of the week he said "You haven't failed - you just haven't passed yet." and made me do two more dives to do things 'better'.
I make that a serious recomendation.

nigelH

[ahar]

I did Basic Nitrox and IANTD Deep diver - basic stuff, but he was very competent pushed us further and harder than the course needed to make sure we were up to it. Very good and competent, also an ex RN Commando or something like that

[Decodiver]

Originally Posted by ahar

also an ex RN Commando or something like that

As an ex-Para myself, that should lead to some interesting banter......

Thanks for your input guys, that is just the kind of feedback I am looking for, looks like I have made the right choice.

Cheers

Dave Cooper

[malcolm smith]

A good choice, did cavern in Minorca, then followed up with cave in 2000 with Martin in France----on OC.

I think Florida is perhaps a better place for 'doing the course', far more offshoot tunnels, silt free finning of more relevance, access to the water in the 1st place easier----if you like your wilderness experience in parks with wooden steps leading to the water :-)

However, Florida is not noted for excellence in wine or fois gras :-)-----or even food of any kind that isn't deep fried!

You will be in a lovely part of France and will have a great time.
Martin is a great instructor who knows the area very well.

Enjoy.
Cheers, Malcolm.

[NotDeadYet]

I would agree with Malcolm, France is not a good place to train. Florida or Mexico is a much better option, the cave structures there are far more varied. There are a lot of drills that I have no idea how they manage to teach in France (such as dealing with complex cave navigation) as the caves are simply not suited. They all tend to be long, single tunnels. If there are any side passages then they tend to tie back into the main line, not particularly good for learning as if you ever go to Florida or Mexico you'll be stuffed when it comes to dealing with the maze-like stuff they have there.

I don't know if Martin teaches in Florida, if not then I know many people there and in Mexico that I would recommend.

Cheers,

Stuart

[wreckweasel]

hmmmmm, so if I were to mention "cabouy"??

[NotDeadYet]

Ah... a mess of lines though it is, it is still just one big long tunnel. But that does explain why the lines are like that, maybe someone set them up like that so they could piss off students? Still, it is fun when you hit that big starfish of lines!!!

Florida still gets my vote, not many places in this day and age where you can still see a burning cross or a man in pointy pillow case. It's like a human zoo or a Deliverance theme park, it's great fun laughing at rednecks. Get a cholesterol check when you get back though but if you like gravy on everything then it is the place to be.

If you like good food and women with their own teeth then France is the better choice

[Decodiver]

Originally Posted by NotDeadYet

If you like good food and women with their own teeth then France is the better choice

Well my wife is French and my mother-in-law is the daughter of a gourmet chef, so that's sorted then!!!

Cheers

Dave Cooper

[sal C]

hi dave

i've known martin a good few years and would recommend him, i watched him go through his instructor training and he aint one of these badge collecting types. he wont teach what he cant do himself.

besides i thought you are good mates with rich or that too close for him to teach you a course?

sal