I like how all warm water divers get lumped into the "vacation diver" group.
I like warm water. I do not like cold. This is why I don't live in cold areas. I live in a desert. The water may be as high as the mid 90's in the summer, but our vis can go to zero in an instant and the currents are unpredictable and can be severe.
I think many people think warm water, and all they see are those Caribbean or Red Sea waters. Nice, clear, and easy. These are the spots that many once or twice a year divers flock to.
People like the OP don't see the deep wrecks of the Caroline Islands, the unbelievably tricky waters off South Africa, along with the Great Whites and other aggressive fish. They fail to think of those downcurrents that hit on the global current routes. Ironically, South Africa is cold on one side and warm on the other....
I am just as comfortable in a 7ml wet or my drysuit in a fresh water quarry as I am in Sharm El Sheikh. I have been in all conditions of the world and trained for all. I am good at all of it. I sure there are many many more who are even better in any and all conditions.
The beauty is that I can choose where I dive. I choose to be here in warm land.
Of course, our winter temps run at just 50 degrees from December to April. I guess that doesn't count as cold water diving?
I think every area has it's own challenges and special considerations. Why does one group have to feel so elite?
I like warm water. I do not like cold. This is why I don't live in cold areas. I live in a desert. The water may be as high as the mid 90's in the summer, but our vis can go to zero in an instant and the currents are unpredictable and can be severe.
I think many people think warm water, and all they see are those Caribbean or Red Sea waters. Nice, clear, and easy. These are the spots that many once or twice a year divers flock to.
People like the OP don't see the deep wrecks of the Caroline Islands, the unbelievably tricky waters off South Africa, along with the Great Whites and other aggressive fish. They fail to think of those downcurrents that hit on the global current routes. Ironically, South Africa is cold on one side and warm on the other....
I am just as comfortable in a 7ml wet or my drysuit in a fresh water quarry as I am in Sharm El Sheikh. I have been in all conditions of the world and trained for all. I am good at all of it. I sure there are many many more who are even better in any and all conditions.
The beauty is that I can choose where I dive. I choose to be here in warm land.
Of course, our winter temps run at just 50 degrees from December to April. I guess that doesn't count as cold water diving?
I think every area has it's own challenges and special considerations. Why does one group have to feel so elite?