Sexism discussion

[DivingD]

I am an engineer (the only one in a dept. of 20-30 guys old enough to be my father), so I've seen the sexism at work and compared that to what I've seen diving...... let's just say there hasn't been any where I've been.

When it comes to diving I differ to my husband, since he has a lot more experience than I do. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't treat me like I'm inferior. He happened to be a Dive Master and the assistant in my Open water class, so he is aware of my capabilities since he wouldn't, out of principle, treat me any differently than the rest. Actually he did a lot of quizzing outside of class, so I could do it in my sleep practically.

We've got an agreement that we each take care of our own stuff, and he double checks my setup, per my request. Getting to the water, you are on your own unless a dive operator offers to help. Otherwise we watch each other's back, so to speak. As to the rest of the guys, I seem to be just another diver. If there is any sexism, then I'm just too immune to see it.

 

[DFC5343]

YAWN

 

[CuriousMe]

DFC5343 once bubbled...
YAWN

If you need to catch up on some sleep, maybe you should find some time by skipping the conversations in the Women's Views conference.

Peace,
Cathie

 

[dive4funOften]

I agree with the comment that advancement for women in the diving chain is more difficult. I started my SSI Divecon course with the total of 3 women and 3 men. The two other women dropped out and I was left. When it came time to sign off on certain things I had to prove it with my dive log. My instructor demanded that I go on deep dives with him and other situations that were not required from the 3 guys. I know for a fact the one guy did not have enough dives to qualify for required 60. The instructor never asked to see his dive log.

That was just my experieince. Sexist yes institutional - no.

 

[dive4funOften]

8buck - you are a gentleman and I appreciate your kindness. I don't think you are sexist at all.

I hate the idea that if we are kind to one another that somehow that is construed as sexist.

Sexism in action that I have seen is when guys try to intimidate the ladies I dive with. I want to duck tape their mouths shut! Why on earth would anyone want to frighten a new diver????

I am not sure that is truely a man thing but I have never seen women talking in a manner that would intentionally frighten another!

 

[coreyh]

I think the fun of diving is that women and men can do it together and participate at the same levels in a recreational activity. This is rare in many other sports. It is because there are so many women now, I think, that I have never felt that I have been treated differently than men in dive situations. I am only a recreational diver, so I can't speak to professional situations. I also work in an exceedingly male dominated field, and so am used to taking the initiative to speak up or do things for myself before anyone can get the impression I am waiting for their help.

On the far other end of the spectrum, one of my only real frightening experiences with sexual assualt happened at 30 feet, my first day in dive gear, my first 5 minutes under the water, during a Discover SCUBA dive before I was certified. I was doing fin pivots to get used to buoyancy and kept getting a hand between my legs (no wetsuit) from the instructor who was behind me. I was breathing the reg in the ocean for the first time and was very uncomfortable but I didn't know what my options were -- the instructor had sent the group ahead so we were alone. I kept whipping my head around and finally just swam off toward the group, but I regret to this day that I did not do more. I was not willing to get into a scuffle when I didn't know my gear and the instructor obviously could handle himself. This kind of situation is by far the exception, but I learned fast how vulnerable I was.

 

[chickdiver]

coreyh once bubbled...
I think the fun of diving is that women and men can do it together and participate at the same levels in a recreational activity. This is rare in many other sports. It is because there are so many women now, I think, that I have never felt that I have been treated differently than men in dive situations. I am only a recreational diver, so I can't speak to professional situations. I also work in an exceedingly male dominated field, and so am used to taking the initiative to speak up or do things for myself before anyone can get the impression I am waiting for their help.

On the far other end of the spectrum, one of my only real frightening experiences with sexual assualt happened at 30 feet, my first day in dive gear, my first 5 minutes under the water, during a Discover SCUBA dive before I was certified. I was doing fin pivots to get used to buoyancy and kept getting a hand between my legs (no wetsuit) from the instructor who was behind me. I was breathing the reg in the ocean for the first time and was very uncomfortable but I didn't know what my options were -- the instructor had sent the group ahead so we were alone. I kept whipping my head around and finally just swam off toward the group, but I regret to this day that I did not do more. I was not willing to get into a scuffle when I didn't know my gear and the instructor obviously could handle himself. This kind of situation is by far the exception, but I learned fast how vulnerable I was.

That instructor's actions are absolutely unconscionable! Congratulations on not letting it deter you from diving, and I am glad that you have had positive experiences since. If you remember the instructor, and if the incident was even relatively recent (last 5 years or so), I would urge you to write a letter to the training agency and complain. Behaviour like this is typically a pattern, and my guess is that your complaint wont be the only one!

 

[victoriawtx]

I get a bit of it, but I try to put a positive spin on it. And, it can be an interesting way to start a conversation.

For example, the most common comment I get is the assertment that since I am a petite female, I cannot possibly handle a backplate/wing, carry tanks, etc.

Usually, after they have dived with me, nothing like that is ever said again.

 

[DameDykker]

When I anounced to my peers that I'll probably continue to do the instructor course my male collegues/instructors said they really would appreciate it as it takes care of the male complaing about all the heavy gear! Noe is that sexsime or??

 

[Hoya97]

coreyh once bubbled...
IOn the far other end of the spectrum, one of my only real frightening experiences with sexual assualt happened at 30 feet, my first day in dive gear, my first 5 minutes under the water, during a Discover SCUBA dive before I was certified. I was doing fin pivots to get used to buoyancy and kept getting a hand between my legs (no wetsuit) from the instructor who was behind me. I was breathing the reg in the ocean for the first time and was very uncomfortable but I didn't know what my options were -- the instructor had sent the group ahead so we were alone. I kept whipping my head around and finally just swam off toward the group, but I regret to this day that I did not do more. I was not willing to get into a scuffle when I didn't know my gear and the instructor obviously could handle himself. This kind of situation is by far the exception, but I learned fast how vulnerable I was.

Please, Please, Please report that CLOWN! Get his cert number, his name or anything else and send it to the certification agency. Rest assured, you aren't the first soul he has done this to and probably aren't the last! As an instructor myself, I refuse to tolorate any assistant (whatever his cert level) around me who touches someone inappropriately! Diving is frightning enough for students without some BOZO making you think of other things.

Just my 2 cents worth!

Hoya97