When I went to my Divemaster orientation meeting several years ago I almost got up and walked out...almost. I was put off by the speakers comment "Working in a shop/instructing is like Amway, except you don't have to hide stuff before you show the plan". That left a real bad taste in my mouth. It reinforced all of the negative BS I've heard about the industry/shops as a whole. But after doing some more research I figured the class was worthwhile and I'd learn something. It was, I did and had a blast learning, diving and helping others. I got razzed every now and then about my BP/W setup. But I never gave in. I ended up buying an inexpensive BC for pool work and the owner was actually appreciative to that as he knows I won't change my mind about what gear I dive and my beliefs about gear/diving/training/instructing. I was told "now no talking about backplates and wings" while I was helping out/interning on the OW dives. I just smiled and went on. In any event I've been helping out the shop on and off for a few years now and I'm told I can dive whatever I want in OW. Go figure. I bought a little gear for pool work but I dive whatever I want for OW dives. For the most part the students don't notice or don't care what I dive. And I believe it has NOTHING to do with gear sales. The students are there to learn. I'm there to help out and learn myself. Don't take the "old school" shop mentality too seriously. Just do what you feel is right. As a volunteer you either take what I have to offer or go pound sand.
