Breaking in the boys club??

[Bubble Maker]

I was not the least bit interested in learning to dive. I even did a Discover Scuba class to confirm that I did not want to dive...that was almost a year ago. Now I have a Manta Ray night dive under belt and we are heading to Grand Cayman next month and we head to Monterey on a regular basis.

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Face it, we're wired different. In the fight-or-flee mode, men tend to fight first. Women tend to flee.
I feel your pain, and I hope no one's reading this as sexist, because I go to great pains to be neither condescending

No divebri, it is not sexist at all. We are wired different and that is one reason I have started being more active in the women's forum. Women think different than men. You don't hear of too many men painting their nails and so forth.

 

[girldiverllc]

Great topic...just logged in.

I'm with the "Discover Scuba" approach...one I'm going to start implementing. In the Northwest, the myth that I hear most often is that it's dark and cold under the water. Seems like it's easier to overcome the cold than it is the dark. And truthfully, it's alot colder than it is darker.

So, I'm going to start organizing Women's Discover Scuba events...charge a minimal fee to cover gear rental and pool rental and after they are blowing bubbles...the hook is set.

The latest stats that I got from PADI is that newly certified divers are now at 50/50 ration, women to men. We still have a male dominated sport...because there's been alot more men for alot longer, but the newly certified dive population is changing. I wonder, however, if we aren't losing women after they get certified.

Just started "It's a Girl Dive" club in Washington state to try to encourage women to stick with the sport and to mentor newer divers. Hopefully, that's a step in the right direction.

I've taught women's only classes, and the dynamics are definitely different. Kinda cool, from my perspective, but then...I'm a woman.

Great topic...and really...you ARE the QUEEN!!!

 

[grazie42]

I think its all about getting people into the water, once they´re there they won´t want to get out and if they do, scuba just isn´t for them...

Once people have put on gear and tried it at least you can talk about what they like/dislike based on actual experience rather than preconceptions and if nothing else it will help them understand what you´re talking about when you start raving about your latest dive...

I´d talk to your LDS, if they´re good they will want to drum up female interest in OW-classes as well, becoming the "LDS of choice for women" in your area should be an attractive idea. Any good business will be grateful for suggestions on how to improve.

Ask what it would take to set up a discover scuba class sort of of thing. If the water is "cold" where you live maybe you could just stay in the pool? That would minimize the effort the LDS has to make and still give your friends a taste of "weightlessness" (the shops DMs may be fighting for the oppurtunity to introduce your friends to scuba). Introduce it to your friends as the first part of a "girls night out", when you´re done you can drink some whine and talk to them to find out what they think...

 

[letterboy]

Women think different than men. You don't hear of too many men painting their nails and so forth.

I hear they like to paint their nails in San Fransisco. . .

 

[Rick Murchison]

... I've taught women's only classes, and the dynamics are definitely different...

Indeed. Different, but effective, and this can definitely work well.
Several years ago we had a cadre of lady divers who were at that point of experience and training that they were ready for the rescue course, but we just couldn't seem to generate any interest amongst 'em. Finally I suggested we do a "ladies only" rescue class and they filled it immediately. It was different in many small ways from the usual mixed or all male class, but it was also a very good, successful class and the girls built a comradery that endures today.
And yes, we used some big men as victims, so they got no slack in their training.
Rick

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

I hear they like to paint their nails in San Fransisco. . .

See there is a club for everyone! jhbryaniv, when you have your guys only nail polish party, I want you to know you have my full respect and support!!

You go boy!!!

 

[letterboy]

See there is a club for everyone! jhbryaniv, when you have your guys only nail polish party, I want you to know you have my full respect and support!!

You go boy!!!

Yeah see I don't paint my nails. . . or enjoy Shopping. . . I don;t even use nail clippers I use my 8" bowie knife to trim my nails. . .

 

[jsmharley]

"Yeah see I don't paint my nails. . . or enjoy Shopping. . . I don;t even use nail clippers I use my 8" bowie knife to trim my nails. . ."



:lol: let me guess you eat sawdust and metal shavings and crap 2x4's and nails ready to build a hunting cabin too

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Yeah see I don't paint my nails. . . or enjoy Shopping. . . I don;t even use nail clippers I use my 8" bowie knife to trim my nails. . .

I hear what you are saying, but you also seem to have intimate knowledge of what is going on in San Fran. :11:

So while you are posting in the women's views forum, I just want you to know I respect your kind and being the kind you are, I am sure you will shortly be providing some insight as to how we can get more women in the sport of diving--and nail painting!:10:


After all, getting more women is the point of this thread and I look forward to a meaningful contribution to how such a goal can be accomplished from a "man" such as yourself.