Well, I signed up to the forum a few weeks ago and it looks like this is the place to write a little about myself then. I see a few common people from other forums here so you may well have read the "intro" below before - but given it is all about me I figured there was little point writing different stuff
Diving History?
I first did my "CMAS 1 star" open water course at the age of 14 - way back in 1980 (shock, horror - that means I will be 43 later this year!)
Did lots of general recreational diving before doing PADI "Advanced" Open Water to discover that it really only covered the same ground as my original "CMAS 1 Star" and then went on to do PADI Rescue Diver at the tail end of my time at university (around 1988 or so I guess). While at Uni I was involved in the Auckland University dive club and spent my last year at uni as president.
This was followed by a lot of general recreational diving over many years in NZ and, occaisionally, overseas. Kids arrived and my diving slowed down for a few years. I am back on track on the diving front now although I must say that I have left my tanks in the garage for the last couple of years and spent my time free-diving and spearfishing. When I write here about going diving I will generally be referring to free-diving rather than SCUBA diving. I just love the freedom and ease of movement when you are not towing around bulky tanks!
Yes, I do spearfish but I generally don't see it as a "sport" but rather a challenging, fun activity that puts food on the table at times. I like it as I get to make a decision as to whether I pull the trigger or just watch the fish swim (assuming I get close enough to the fish to be in a position to make that decision).
Over the years I have played a lot of underwater hockey - although my skills and speed aren't what they used to be in my younger days.
Underwater Rugby is a sport that a group of us started playing around August last year and I seem to have taken on the mantle of organiser / player and promoter - I will put another post somewhere on the site about Underwater Rugby.
I like a good debate and I have been known to question peoples statements, look at evidence and explore the logic behind what people are saying to form my own opinion rather than following along.
Cheers
PS. A few weeks ago AndyintheBox had a profile pic of an incredibly handsome dude in a mask and snorkel with a underwater rugby ball in hand heading towards the camera - that's actually me
