How has the economy affected your diving?

[Blazinator]

I am fortunate to have landed a contract to build a mobile of tropical fish for a children's hospital in Hawaii - two weeks. It takes a "long" time to install, and requires dive equipment

Other than that, I can only rely on business trips these days to take me to dive locations (FL) - been way too tight otherwise - in '08 I only did 20% of the business I did in '07.

I guess I learn to enjoy Lake Erie more this summer.

 

[friscuba]

From a dive operator standpoint I'd say it's definitely affecting a lot of divers. I think it's more belt tightening at this point, but if layoffs continue it could take a turn for the worse. Here in Kona we've lost a dive company or two and nobody's going out at full capacity steadily anymore and there are days there's only a handful of boats on the water.

I think a Caribbean operator mentioned earlier there's a lot more last minute stuff these days. We're seeing a little uptick in interest compared to a couple months ago because there are now some pretty decent deals for travelers. Things started slowing here this last summer, it'll be interesting to see how spring goes.

 

[ScubaJeff123]

I haven't been diving since last June. I have been trying to remodel the house and my weekends are usually occupied.

 

[Reef]

Yes, I can't sell our anchor (house) in Atlanta.

 

[DiverLS]

I'm lucky, I have a job that the feds require to get any of their money (I work for the State Department of Transportation) and the Governor is trying to push a 7% negative COLA on us. But with my house payment lower (taxes lower) and being as frugal as I always am, I plan just as much diving as before. I'm even going to start my DM this year, the big trip this year costs a lot less than Egypt last year and the Galapagos the year before.

And I'm not funding anyone else so boy am I lucky.

 

[redacted]

The economy has effected how I'm shopping for trips. I went looking for our usual spring trip to Cozumel and was very surprised to see higher prices than last year for my preferred hotels. So I started looking at other options. I was thinking of doing a FL trip and keep the $$$ home until I realized that would cost about the same as the Cozumel trip. So I think I will do a less expensive Cozumel trip for the spring but I'm goint to hold off for a while on booking. I'm still looking for a good deal for Bonaire in the summer, but have not found it yet.

I do expect prices to come down as our economic downturn sinks into the pockets of resort operators.

 

[sam1]

I am fortunate and have a secure job (as does my wife) so it has not affected me.

Steve

 

[lmorin]

Interested in adopting a diver ?

We have limited our children to two. They cost enough, thanks. Can't afford to adopt a diver. I'd be happy to send you a used snorkel, though.

 

[crispix]

I've had a cold all year, that's affected my diving more than anything.

Since I own my gear and the beach is close, I don't expect much to change locally. Deals are so good on vacations/travelling right now that I just planned a trip to Hawaii in April! Can't wait!

Frankly, I'd like this whole recession thing to be over with already. Sure, gas prices will go up, but at some point we all have to pick ourselves up and get optimistic. Half this game is 90% mental.

 

[shoturtle]

It has not affect any of my diving, I only go diving about 15-20 times a year. I have all my toys paid for, so I really have no worries. Getting a new car for the wifey. Need to live your life still, and if you live within you means one should be fine.