scjoe
Contributor
I believe that the general consensus in the industry is that the drop out rate within 2-3 years is about 70%, although no one has precise stats. The Undercurrent article mentioned provides a good analysis.
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I think it depends on where you live and dive.That is exactly my point. You can't just look at "your circle". In the world of statistics this is called selection bias. If you only look your crowd of active divers, then of course you see a group of active divers, but that is not the norm. Ask a couple dive shops in your area what pays the rent and keeps the lights on. I would be willing to bet that it isn't from people who replace their basic open water packages. I am not saying that they don't make money from selling to active divers, clearly they do, what I am questioning is your assertion
I have put out there how I think the economics works. Why don't you do the same? What fraction of new divers do you think are still active within a couple years? What fraction of those go on to replace their gear, and how do you think that forms the basis of the LDS business model?
I went through the student folders I've accumulated since 2004 ... and about 70% of the divers listed in those folders I can verify as still diving.
I believe that the general consensus in the industry is that the drop out rate within 2-3 years is about 70%, although no one has precise stats. The Undercurrent article mentioned provides a good analysis.
I do have a question though, which I have noticed as I read through this thread that I have never seen addressed anywhere else...
It seems most people feel that drysuits are a pretty trivial thing and can be addressed in a single pool session. Is the class worthwhile? Or would having an experienced dry diver giving a crash course in suit operation be sufficient?
I have force fins which are ten times as good as split or blade fins...
... immensely ... thank you ...hope i helped