Diver image. Do you even think about it?

[rhwestfall]

camo everything.....kind of like the current "tactical" everything...

recently saw a "tactical toiletry bag"

 

[Texasguy]

Came across this image, thought back of this thread:

 

[NAM001]

I seem to get get a different take on your post than others. Most others say they would rather look efficient than fashionable. As I read your post being efficient was the image you were referencing. We all know the divers that when we walk by them stumbling about, comment to ourselves "there is an accident waiting to happen". Bad image.

Bicycling in the water bad image
dangling hoses bad image
good trim good image
organized predive site good image.
baggy gear bad image
Rambo machete bad image

Just my take.

I was thinking about this one day as I saw some guys trying to get their gear on as beach on lookers giggled as one of them fell trying to walk backwards with the fins on and kept falling. He was probably a fairly new diver but he made himself look silly in front those with him as well as the on lookers.

I do think every sport or activity has with it an inherent degree of pride and style that goes with it. I believe some aren't really aware of that. For instance I like to surf. Style is everything when it comes to this sport. Surfers have learned to be mind full of their style as well what they wear and what board is used. If he looks like a kook he is probably a kook. Every thing is important from the way they paddle into the line up and catch the waves to how they perform on that wave. If they have a real goofy style they will easily lose respect in a crowd of surfers and will have to settle for surfing the scraps or just find a another spot to surf. This is just something that is natural to me since I have been used to seeing it for so long now.I'm sure there some who are skiers and they work their graceful style or are also some what fashion conscious.

I know we spend almost the entire time underwater but I think you take pride in your image. Example: How you carry your self, putting on your gear walking out to entry point. How is your gear is displayed is it all sloppy flopping all over the place,tank paint all peeling off, etc.. Or have you found ways to keeps it neater,streamlined and you look and act like you got it together.I am still learning to do this part but it is something I really want to do because I want that image versus the sloppy image.

I believe what gear we use is also important on the way it looks because it puts an image of oneself of how they are looked on. I particularly like the darker colored tanks, mask etc.. for myself because I like the tactical kind of look. Image in this activity is downplayed somewhat, but image is an important factor in the public eye. If we are all just slapping on gear with no real awareness on how the public views us, we are basically ignoring an important element in society.

Let me propose this question to you. Would you do anything to improve on your image?
Whether it is something that you do below or above the water to better your image, what would it be.

Is image even important to you.
Honesty is the best answer!

 

[Heg]

I have made a 2015 promise that before getting out of the water, I will blow all of the dripping goo out if my snot locker so that I don't have sea snakes dangling from my proboscis.

*crying with laughter* superb answer.

 

[FinnMom]

I was [desperately, once again] trying to find the leak on my my drysuit, so I took it to the pool. Unfortunately there were a lot of very small children in the shower room just as I was finishing getting dressed. When I pulled the suit on over my head and stood up I looked like the creature from the black lagoon and a little boy started howling in fear. Several more immediately took his clue! Baby howls reverberating off the tiled walls and floor, everyone staring and a few definetely nasty looks from assorted moms.

Oh the joys of being a diver!:blush:

 

[Storker]

When I pulled the suit on over my head and stood up I looked like the creature from the black lagoon [...]

I understand the kids' reaction...

 

[Texasguy]

I don't know about that image thing. In the last couple of months I have dived with two women who are just over 5' tall. Seeing as most gear is the same size regardless of the user it's really hard to look streamlined and sharp but they were/are awesome divers. I would also be a little careful of the colour scheme thing. Sometimes you may think you are projecting one image when in fact you are projecting another. If a diver IRL started talking about the importance of colour schemes I think most of us would certainly raise an eyebrow... but for the wrong reason. I would certainly be laughing on the inside. The only time this seems acceptable is for women who want pink.

So, when you go to a car dealership and say you want a car other than black or white... all of the sudden the dealer thinks that you are playing for a different team?
Please. Get a grip and some imagination. If you lack imagination, doesn't mean the world around you should be bleak with two basic unmatched colors.... and pink...

Choice of colors don't make man a man, it is his actions. I feel like you are quick to judge other people and may lack understanding behind the reason other might choose over your preferred choices. Don't raise an eyebrow, get a clue.

 

[bakodiver391]

My dive gear has evolved over the years to do specific jobs in specific configurations. It is mostly black or dark brown and stainless as that is what the industry offers in tech gear. On a practical note, it hides the rust, sediment, crude oil and paint smears I usually come up with.

 

[drrich2]

So, when you go to a car dealership and say you want a car other than black or white... all of the sudden the dealer thinks that you are playing for a different team?

That's an interesting point, but I think there's more to it. In our society, there are many things where personal aesthetic choice is encouraged and accepted; what color car you drive, home exterior, etc...

And there are some things where one might have a preference if offered choices, but usually wouldn't 'make a big deal' out of wanting a particular color, pattern or design. Like if I walk in Lowe's and I want a hammer or shovel. And seeing options for black, red & yellow, insist I want a blue one! Nothing 'wrong' with that, but it might strike others as a bit odd/eccentric.

Scuba gear is often seen as utilitarian. If you post on ScubaBoard asking what fins to buy, or what mask, regulator, etc…, look at the advice you get. All about function & versatility.

Nobody posts & tells you that this brand of regulator comes in more color offerings, or that BCD is more stylish, or those fins go great with that BCD...

Here's an interesting thought - is there an 'anti-image' sentiment in the more serious recreational dive community? If you see an ad for a brand/model of gear that emphasizes color/patterning/styling (aesthetics), do you instinctively think 'image-focused gear for vain posers' and find it off-putting?

I doubt this is a big deal in real world settings. Wonder how well Zeagle's attempt with the 'Wicked' BCD went?

Richard.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I could never grasp the point of camo wetsuits/drysuit ... must be hot as hell walking through the jungle in those things ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

What? I like Camo. I think it looks cool and it might just allow me to approach a fish a little closer. The idea is more to break up your outline, rather than be invisible (which is pretty hard if you put yellow tape on your snorkel).