What % of OW Divers Take Further Training...?

[matts1w]

When I was 20 I took a rappelling course. We did several decents including a monster drop in Tennessee. I truly think the class was great and I had an incredible time. It really was a great experience. Sixteen years later I have yet to step off another cliff. I’m not scared, worried, or broke. I would totally do it again. I guess it really has not come up since I took the class. Rappelling just didn’t speak to me like diving, boats, and fishing has.

I suspect something like that that happens with many people who learn to dive.

 

[ianw2]

well its like this alot of people get certafied and never pick up there card from the lds...
i bought the gear to force my self to do it not like im going to spend 3000 and not use it no way... im going to use it since i spent alot of money..

My "local LDS" is one of the west coast "big box" stores. They have a file box full of OW cards that have never been picked up. Sad…

Laura and I bought all of our gear, save tanks, before our first pool session in our OW class (we’ve started to add tanks recently). We purposely bought middle-of-the-road gear and relied on the advice of our LDS staff. Our gear works. There are a few pieces I will change soon, but the point is that by making the investment, we’ve kept diving. We’ve done 34 dives since our OW class last September. The irony is that, at $50/person/set-up/day to rent gear, we would not have done nearly as many dives and would likely have fallen into the "dive on tropical vacations only" group.

Rappelling just didn’t speak to me like diving, boats, and fishing has.
I suspect something like that that happens with many people who learn to dive.

I think you hit it on the head with this one. The posters here are VERY biased. They dive (or at least claim to). They LIKE being underwater. They do not understand why others wouldn’t like it , too. Diving "speaks" to the posters, here.

 

[Aussie_pro]

Well, in my household... we have the range of divers..

I, myself, love diving and have done many advance classes. Dive about once a week.

My son, loves diving, but hasn't dont any advance and dives with me when he can.

My wife, OW cert but ONLY dives if the water is above 80 degrees. Tropical vacation.

My daughter... hates sharks and wont go near the water.

I agree!
I love diving, I am nearly finished my DM course
My mom... loves the tops side and would snorkel for hourse... she just did a discover course... I think there is a phobia or some sort about being under the water.
I was like your daughter... wouldn't go near the water for the longest time because of a 'shar/big fish fear' ... I figured if they like me when I am snorkeling they'll like me when I'm diving and I can't change that.
Since taking up diving the only shark I've seen is the one that trails behind my surfboard but nothing at depth! Even then, since taking up diving and spending more time on/in the water than ever before a shark at this point ... I'd probably be chasing after it for a picture. Going diving with the whites in July with a friend and can't wait!

Im my OW class (in the Canadian Rockies - in May 32F water temp and snowing) there were only four of us (haha, wonder why?). One of the guys when on and did his advanced course a week later. THe other guy was really big on the knife/big fish part and would probably continue but his girlfriend I think was getting pulled along for the ride. Pretty good stats for our crew I'd say but with the people I have been assisting with as of late I can't say the same thing... being winter most of them are doing referals and I'd have to say I would be impressed if they all completed their OW course never mind made it to the AOW or higher. SOme of them just don't seem to care!

AP

 

[rookers]

Ahhh, a thread full of anecdotal apocrypha, now that's new!
My guess... few do more than a handful of dives, even fewer go on to advanced training.

 

[ArcticDiver]

I asked this question too. After looking everywhere I couldn't find any reliable information. So, like several of you, I did an informal survey.

Most of the people who dropped out said something like: "It's boring", or "I can't dive often enough to feel safe", or "I only did it to try it out, or "I don't like the way I'm treated by the dive boat people".

Of those who kept diving most only dive on their once a year vacation. Then only a couple days of charters; maybe 2-6 dives.

I don't have enough information to compare this to other high energy and price sports. Nor, do I have enough information to compare scuba to other sports that market themselves as "adventure sports".

My personal experience though is that those who are very active have four things in common. First, they are assertive, maybe even aggressive personalities. Second, they have a tendency to do things passionately. Third, they are individualists who have strong views on most things. In a crowd they stand out whether they want to or not. Fourth, they have enough money to afford their addiction.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Dan B.]

You people have to much time on your hands or you are all cyber divers who cares what % just get wet and enjoy it. Have a nice day!

 

[shadragon]

Fourth, they have enough money to afford their addiction.

This is NOT an addiction... I can quit anytime... I just don't want too... What!? A dive charter... A wall dive!!!! YEAH...!!! Yes, give me one sec. Let me get my bag... Oh boy, its been a while and I need a fix... Here I come... Oops, hey buddy you got $5 for a guy who needs an air fill? Will clean your windshield with some newspaper and Windex for it...

 

[The Kraken]

I'm hangin out with shadragon . . . . . .

the K-an Stop Anytime I Want To II