Watching the Pretty Fishies...

[TheRedHead]

This might belong in whine and cheese, but why do some divers refer to those to prefer reef diving as less of a diver than those who dive wrecks or even quarries? There is even an assumption of incompetence about reef divers or that reef divers can never be deco divers. Haven't they heard of deep reefs?

I can't imagine wanting to dive any place but a coral reef. I can't imagine looking at fish and not thinking about the entire marine ecosystem and how that species might fit into it. Even when I dive a wreck, I'm really looking at the wreck ecosystem rather than the rusted metal bits.

I couldn't imagine diving without reefs.

 

[DavidPT40]

I think its because reef diving is usually done in warm, well lit, relatively shallow water.

Diving in a quarry is about the same as diving in a sewage pit. Wreck diving can be cold and deep.

You can have the quarries and wrecks, give me a shallow, warm reef anyday.

 

[Oceandvr]

Everything I want to see is typically in 100 feet or less on a natural or artificial reef. The springs/rivers have their appeal too, but I'd go reef diving any day!

I haven't a clue as to why some would say that's being less of a diver. Perhaps they're referring to more technical diving or something?

 

[adurso]

It is a macho thing I think. Deep dark cold dangerous=bad dude (dudette). My buddies now refer to me as a warm water wuss. Unlike in the old days when we were doing deep wrecks in 12 foot seas and peeing off the fantail...

 

[TheRedHead]

I don't know what they mean but they say it in a perjorative way. I've dived to 130 feet in order to observe rays on sand flats or see pelagics cruising deeper water. There are several reefs in Cozumel where the beauty really begins at 140 feet. Many reef dives occur on walls which are essentially bottomless and require diving skill.

It seems like the people who say this feel that wreck diving to recreational depths or diving in cold water requires more derring-do or something. Everyone else is a resort diver. Reef diving is often called "watching the pretty fishes" in a disparaging way towards vacation divers whose sole purpose is to dive reefs.

 

[theskull]

. . . I can't imagine wanting to dive any place but a coral reef. I can't imagine looking at fish and not thinking about the entire marine ecosystem and how that species might fit into it. . . .I couldn't imagine diving without reefs.

First, I am not down on reef divers. I dive reefs occasionally, too, and they're spectacular!

But the quotes I selected above from your question are the distinction many divers make. If you ONLY can enjoy diving if there is a reef and pretty fishies, then we believe you are missing a large part of the experience. And if the water has to be warm to be enjoyable, that is analogous to being a fair-weather sports fan.

Our sport was created around and is still driven by the divers who just want to spend some time with spectacularly colored fish and coral, and this is great and appropriate. However, you did ask why some of the (maybe) more dedicated divers make the comments they do, and I believe these are the main reasons. And, of course, to get your goat, to make themselves feel superior, and even sometimes to cover up their jealousy over your ability to afford more trips to the tropics.

theskull

 

[TheRedHead]

I suppose diving is the vehicle to enjoy the underwater world. The sensation of free floating feels wonderful, but that's not the entire reason anyone dives. I don't necessarily see a reef as pretty - pretty bizarre and aggressive. Extremely specialized feeding, opportunistic predators, symbiotic relationships, group hunting, sex changing, floating egg masses, stinging things, electric things, transparent creatures, silly looking fishes. When I look at a reef I see these things and the thought of it boggles my mind. There is nothing like it on land.

Looking at pretty fishes and coral sounds vacuous. Trying to wrap your mind around what is happening on the reef is one of most intellectually stimulating things I've ever done. I still don't see how diving shipwrecks makes you a more dedicated diver. I think people who don't see the reef as an extreme world of aggression and predation aren't really seeing it for what it is.

As far as trips to the tropics, I'm jealous of those who have diving available to them locally. I have to travel 300 miles to dive anywhere, so I might as well go to Florida.

 

[drbill]

"More dedicated divers" theskull? Really. I've done thousands of dives over my 44 years of diving and I greatly prefer reefs (whether they be rocky or coral) and kelp forests to wrecks. I started diving in quarries in the 60's and have no desire to go back to zero vis. Can't see the logic in prefering such a dive, but then whatever floats yer boat.

Actually, I wasn't aware that wreck and quarry divers look down on those who prefer reefs, kelp forests and deciphering ecosystems. I don't remember anyone ever suggesting that... at least not to me... at least not to my face. Go ahead, I dare ya!

Frankly I think some (but not all) wreck and quarry divers don't appreciate the subtlety of diving, and truly trying to decipher reef and other natural ecosystems. If I only dived wrecks or quarries, I'd have stopped diving decades ago. There is sooooo much more to entertain one's mind with while diving natural ecosystems. It takes greater mental sophistication (and usually far less expensive equipment).

For those who need the extra adrenaline rush of wreck or cave or quarry diving, go ahead and satisfy your biochemical imbalances. That's fine with me. I have no such need and if my dive never goes deeper than 30 ft, I'm still quite satisfied, thank you.

Tongue-in-cheek and with respect for those who take pleasure in any type of diving!

 

[DavidPT40]

For those who need the extra adrenaline rush of wreck or cave or quarry diving, go ahead and satisfy your biochemical imbalances.

Hahaha I really started laughing when I read that quote.

 

[dpbishop]

Some people dive to experience the ocean ecosystem in it's wonderful beauty & diversity. We can call them "reefers". Some people dive to dive, whether its cave or guarry. We can call them "rock heads"

The first behavior is an extension of the love of the ocean.

The second behavior is diagnostic. IMHO