Why is Scuba Diving a Transitional Sport?
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Chavodel8en
Contributor
I wonder how much local diving opportunities factors into this.
I just don't get enough vacation diving opportunities to keep up. If not for local diving, I would probably be someone who only dives once a year (if that) on vacation, I probably wouldn't be a very good diver, and I would rent most everything.
I consider my self very lucky that I am 2 hours away from great shore ocean diving. I really prefer diving in the ocean, and I don't know if I would keep at it if I had to rely on quarries or reservoirs.
I certified in 2003 and was geeked, I dove a lot for many years, got AOW. After diving all the local spots, I lost a bit of interest - like when you listen to a particular song a lot and grow tired of it. I don't feel the need for more certs. I only had 6 dives total from 2008 through 2010 (so a morning of diving annually - for a variety of reasons - we just bought a house, with lots of needs, money was tight, I lost touch w my regular dive buddies.
I had to lower my expectations re diving a bit (I wouldn't be seeing awesome fish on every dive). Now, I'm not quite as addicted as some of yall. I try to go diving about once a month now and if I don't, I feel a hankering. I look forward to my next warm water diving (hopefully in March). I hope that I will still be diving into old age.
Also, the internet has really helped me connect with dive buddies, post 2010 or so.
I just don't get enough vacation diving opportunities to keep up. If not for local diving, I would probably be someone who only dives once a year (if that) on vacation, I probably wouldn't be a very good diver, and I would rent most everything.
I consider my self very lucky that I am 2 hours away from great shore ocean diving. I really prefer diving in the ocean, and I don't know if I would keep at it if I had to rely on quarries or reservoirs.
I certified in 2003 and was geeked, I dove a lot for many years, got AOW. After diving all the local spots, I lost a bit of interest - like when you listen to a particular song a lot and grow tired of it. I don't feel the need for more certs. I only had 6 dives total from 2008 through 2010 (so a morning of diving annually - for a variety of reasons - we just bought a house, with lots of needs, money was tight, I lost touch w my regular dive buddies.
I had to lower my expectations re diving a bit (I wouldn't be seeing awesome fish on every dive). Now, I'm not quite as addicted as some of yall. I try to go diving about once a month now and if I don't, I feel a hankering. I look forward to my next warm water diving (hopefully in March). I hope that I will still be diving into old age.
Also, the internet has really helped me connect with dive buddies, post 2010 or so.
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It isn't transitional for everybody. I reject that premise, but nicely.
No, I don't think so. I found my 'perfect' skydiving sport. It lasted less than a year. Flash in the pan.
It just happens. Those of us (who found our niche) dive because it calms and recharges us. It is positive energy, not an obligation that we place on ourselves.
Chavodel8en
Contributor
I should add, I do think a lot of people find local diving to be fairly challenging and/or not exciting, and don't keep at it.
I sometimes dive w newbies on local dives. Some just have real difficulties w the shore entries or with diving in general. A lot of folks don't feel comfortable w/out someone professional in charge of the dives.
And some folks I think just don't enjoy it as much as you and I. They do the first dive, and they're "meh - I'll pass on the 2nd dive." IMO, local visibility & sights don't compare to tropical diving (I know some of you disagree and prefer cold water), so a lot of folks aren't into the effort/rewards of local diving, so they drop out.
I sometimes dive w newbies on local dives. Some just have real difficulties w the shore entries or with diving in general. A lot of folks don't feel comfortable w/out someone professional in charge of the dives.
And some folks I think just don't enjoy it as much as you and I. They do the first dive, and they're "meh - I'll pass on the 2nd dive." IMO, local visibility & sights don't compare to tropical diving (I know some of you disagree and prefer cold water), so a lot of folks aren't into the effort/rewards of local diving, so they drop out.
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Not just cold water. I know several divers who just love warmer conditions and appreciate 'muck diving'. It is all about how YOU are wired and what works for you.
No judgment, it is how some of us have fun. If you are diving to impress someone else, then just quit now and save yourself the time and expense.
No judgment, it is how some of us have fun. If you are diving to impress someone else, then just quit now and save yourself the time and expense.
Dan
Contributor
Is it a sport, when you just floating weightlessly, watching fish swimming by or critters like those cleaner shrimps poking inside a fish mouth? 
That’s the reason I got hooked on diving. I wish I started much earlier. Growing up I love to watch fish. I had aquarium & pond (still have). Scuba diving is a way to watch them in their natural habitat.
That’s the reason I got hooked on diving. I wish I started much earlier. Growing up I love to watch fish. I had aquarium & pond (still have). Scuba diving is a way to watch them in their natural habitat.
Since SCUBA diving is a tool I use in my profession as a marine biologist, underwater videographer and educator it is not transitional for me except in the sense of getting me where I needed to be to conduct my work. Of course it also became a passion.
I see many divers get certified for a specific trip and then their interest seems to decline. Unless one has a keen interest in something only possible underwater, like marine critters or historic wrecks, I can see where the enthusiasm may decline over time. One needs a purpose to keep diving.
I see many divers get certified for a specific trip and then their interest seems to decline. Unless one has a keen interest in something only possible underwater, like marine critters or historic wrecks, I can see where the enthusiasm may decline over time. One needs a purpose to keep diving.
Kharon
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Dogbowl
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tran·sient
Dictionary result for transient
/ˈtranSHənt,ˈtranzēənt/
adjective
adjective: transient
1. lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
"a transient cold spell"
- staying or working in a place for only a short time.
"the transient nature of the labor force in catering"
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