Getting GF into diving

[Gallus-Allus]

Try the tropical trip! I just got Open Water Certified in Cozumel and beforehand swore I'd never dive in water colder than 75 deg F. I've just been checking out the prices of dry suits because now I'm hooked (even though I know cold water is nasty).

I did my whole certification in Cozumel because I knew the pool sessions would not thrill me and I wanted to do my training in the ocean. A waste of time being in Cozumel? - well maybe, but I had fun and completed the course. There was heaps to see in my confined water dives, which helped to keep me interested. Also I had my instructor to myself!

I have observed this GF phenomenon in other sports such as climbing, skiing and sailing. I'd say to hand her over to an instructor and leave your well-meaning advice well alone during her training.

If getting her on the tropical certification course fails, get a diving GF.

 

[divemistress]

I really want to enjoy the sport with her.
Ryan

But she isn't interested in the sport, at least not now.

What are her favorite activities? Do you enjoy any of them with her?

If you do enjoy her pasttimes -- fantastic! If you don't, well, you're in a jam. Think about how you would feel if she tried to push you into these activities despite your stated disinterest. Then try to imagine how she would feel if you tried to push her into diving.

Is it really a good idea?

DM
(Edited for clarity, 12/25/03)

 

[Foo]

I loved to snorkel, but it was really scary to me to think about going down deep... chances are, that's what she's thinking in the back of her mind. Then, I went on a dive trip with my husband (PADI cert) and some other family members (in the carribbean last summer) and snorkeled above them while they dove. I really started getting a yearning to be down there with them! Then, when we returned from the trip and saw the awesome video that the dive shop had made of their dive (all set to music, it looked like something out of Discovery Channel!), I decided that I was going to have to go do that, SOMEDAY...

Well, I started classes about a month after returning home. I was bad. I mean, really bad. I panicked if water got in my mask, etc- had a lot of trouble clearing my mask properly. I also was fitted with a reg that wasn't working efficiently (found out later when my husband used it to help on some checkout dives). I REALLY wanted to dive, though! To make a long story short, these are the highlights: I cried, quit, came back, cried, changed instructors (other one had to move), wanted to quit, wanted to cry... then one night, in the deep end, I looked around and suddenly had this euphoria surge through me- I was DIVING and I was loving it! Finally!!! Since then, I've had a new confidence and look so forward to my classes. I will finally certify open water in a couple of weeks, when I go do my checkout dives. Then the following week, we leave for our 25th wedding anniversary blowout- a cruise to Roatan, Belize, Cancun & Cozumel. Can't wait to go dive there!!!

I'm sure all you instructors out there are happy that you didn't have me on your hands But I am really proud of myself that I didn't let my "issues" keep me from diving, and I'm looking forward to learning more about this great sport, and plan to get my advanced open water, next. If anyone needs encouragement, I will be glad to help them, including your gf. Oh by the way, this is my first ever post...
Glad to be here!
Foo

 

[jhelmuth]

Foo..

Welcome to our world. I too am proud of you! I have a few relatives who are "scared" and have not yet breached their fears. They are constantly in awe of the videos I show them of the trips I've been to, and I hope that they (like you) will overcome their fear. For myself, this (diving) is as close to heaven as I will ever get.

007...

I think that you have been given some good advice. If you can flip for the bill, take her to the Bahamas and slowly inroduce her to the beauty in the tropical warm waters. It may be all the encouracgement she needs, and if nothing else, you'll get an idea of her interest (or lack of it).
Hope it all works out for you!

 

[jrock1014]

One aspect of diving that is rarely mentioned and I think one of the reasons it should be tops for ladies with Macho mates is that this is a sport that is almost free of the macho posturing. It is not about speed, danger or releasing endorphins (most of the time). Sure some guys will brag about depths, sharks etc but for the most part the underwater aspect turns this into an equallly shared sport. Women can generally control their air more efficiently which gives her the edge otherwise it is just exploration which requires powers of observation more then powers of quads. The amazing colors and exotic marine life should help lure her in. You might also mention how satisfying the intra-dive naps can be. good luck, she is lucky to have someone who wants to share diving!

 

[Walter]

"Problem is my GF is fully against even trying any dive class."

That is not the problem. The problem is you are trying to manipulate her into doing something she doesn't want to do. Diving is not for everyone. She knows you are a diver, if she ever changes her mind, she'll let you know. Drop the issue. Your girlfriend is not a diver and it is unlikely she ever will be. Live with it.

 

[carebear]

"Problem is my GF is fully against even trying any dive class."

That is not the problem. The problem is you are trying to manipulate her into doing something she doesn't want to do. Diving is not for everyone. She knows you are a diver, if she ever changes her mind, she'll let you know. Drop the issue. Your girlfriend is not a diver and it is unlikely she ever will be. Live with it.

My ex tried unsucessfully to "convince" me to become a diver. It only made me want to do it less. It wasn't until I had some space to make up my own mind that I decided to dive. If she wants to, she'll do it on her own. Otherwise, you should think about whether you really want a girlfriend or a dive buddy.

 

[Foo]

You all make great points! I do agree with Walter and CareBear on the point that unless it's HER (gf) idea, it's not going to work. I joined class when and only when it was MY idea to go ahead and try it. If not, the first time she sucks a little water, it will be quitsville! But I don't feel that it's necessarily manipulation to take her to warm water and let her try snorkeling if she wants to... if it is, MANIPULATE me, baby!

Just give her plenty of time and space, and if she comes around, great. If she doesn't, then that's her prerogative. I think we all understand that it's FUN to share things that we enjoy with loved ones, and I know that my husband is happy that I've decided to dive, but it did take a couple of years for me to even try. Good luck and I think you've been given some good advice.
Foo

 

[Orlando Eric]

How come nobody suggested another girlfriend? Maybe even several other girlfriends, one for each sport you like. Many of us of course are married and this is not an option..hmm hows the diving in Utah?

 

[carebear]

Eric,
Something tells me with that attitude, you probably can't get a quality girlfriend. LOL
Thanks Foo, I love it when people tell me I'm right!