Best way to find a dive buddy

[HappyDiving]

Hello Fellow Divers,


I don't have a dive buddy. What's the best way to find a good one? approx same level, pays attention, nice, works hard, and I'd like to practice rescue skills with. Sounds harder than finding a mate LOL

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I would try a local dive club...or two...or three. Seriously, it's a great way to find a buddy...or several. Most dive shops will be loosely affiliated with a club -- heck, the LDS stands to benefit when more people catch the diving "bug."

Another great way to grow your dive circle is to take a class and learn some new skills. If you haven't taken an Advanced Open Water class (or equivalent), then you should consider doing so. I took a PADI AOW class several years ago, and I'm still diving with my fellow classmates. Several have gone onto Divemaster and OW Instructor training, but they still find time to dive with me. What an amazing bunch of people! We do local dives and dive trips together.

In San Diego, we have a very active dive community. Many people subscribe to an email list-serv associated with a website called "Divebums" (Divebums - A San Diego Dive Website). Everyday there are a number of dive-related email-posts regarding general interest dive news, local dive conditions, the sale of used equipment, requests for dive info at other dive spots around the world, and buddy requests. In fact, traveling divers in the know will sometimes email the list a week in advance to see if they can get an informal "dive guide." More often than not, some local diver will be gracious enough to show them a local dive site.

Rarely have I picked up an insta-buddy at the beach. I wouldn't recommend picking up a diver at the beach/boat in the hopes that you will find a good dive buddy. Still, I would say keep an open mind to diving with less experienced, curious divers.

The diving community is rich with cool, fun people. Keep your eyes open!

Have fun and be safe.

 

[scubamel0007]

You know I have recently become buddieless due to divorce I dive catalina almost every month with get wet scuba out of palm springs I am advance with some specialities about 70 dives love it sound good lets chat. melissa

 

[vicdiver656]

I'll look around for you. I'm in Victoria (B.C.) and I have a lot of buddies where I am, so I think I'll be able to dish up something on your end. If possible, it would be better if you fill out a form stating your diving experience and interests in diving, and send it to me in a private message.

Cheers,
Taylor

 

[vicdiver656]

You could try posting in the paper, or a local dive shop club, or look it up online

 

[don Francisco]

You're right, it can be harder than finding a mate. Try wearing a diver t-shirt to the singles bars in town. Seriously, other than joining a local club, if there is one, I suggest that you dive often & work on your own dive skills. Good divers tend to gravitate to good divers and eventually you'll find someone of similar temperment.

 

[almitywife]

my hubby married to have a full time buddy on call

otherwise float between 2 or 4 dive shops, attend their club dives and build up a list of divers of buddies you can dive with

goodluck!

 

[Walter]

Why approx same level?

 

[spectrum]

Hello Fellow Divers,


I don't have a dive buddy. What's the best way to find a good one? approx same level, pays attention, nice, works hard, and I'd like to practice rescue skills with. Sounds harder than finding a mate LOL

Here is some stuff that has worked for us.

I would also question seeking someone at the same level.

It sounds like you are seeking to "dive with a spirit of continuous improvement" and that makes you very desirable as a long term buddy.

Pete

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Do what I do ... sit on a street corner wearing your mask, snorkel, and fins and hold up a shabby cardboard sign that says "Desperate diver, will dive for food."

You might not find a buddy, but you'll earn some good coin ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)