Nothing wrong with recreational diving at all. One could even question the whole opposition "recreational" vs. "technical" diving. After all, all the tech divers I know or have met do it in their spare time and for fun, which to me equals recreation. When I ride my mountain bike along a trail that is considered "very technical," would that lead me to say "This morning, I'm going tech riding. Anyone joining me?" How ridiculous would that be?
Personally, I have ventured into tech diving a little bit (SDI Solo Diver Course, TDI Deco Procedures and Advanced Nitrox, currently assembling my first set of doubles) and I'm very intrigued by everything that goes along with it. However, it's not because I am bored with "recreational" diving. I can't even come up with a good explanation, because I couldn't care less about collecting china from some stupid ship that happens to be on the ocean floor. I think ocean liners are really boring, and if I really wanted to go see one, I would visit a harbor museum or something. As an underwater photographer, I have a hard time justifying my forays into "technical" diving. I think what appeals to me is the different mindset: You cut all the marketing crap and BS that is taught to "recreational" students. I'm sick of the crap that passes for "diving education" these days. You can be a clueless and careless monkey and get certified. I like the challenge of "technical" diving - if you make a mistake, you may be in serious danger. To me, this kind of challenge and succeeding is a big draw. It's more about challenging yourself and the enormous gratification of achieving something not because you were lucky, but because you were prepared and put skills and knowledge to use not everybody has. Perhaps climbers feel similarly about their sport - after all, what's there to see on top of a mountain except the ever same snow and rocks?
In technical diving, the proportion of "clueless and careless monkeys" is definitely smaller than in "recreational" diving. It kind of weeds out the folks who are not serious about it. You have to be REALLY into diving and interested in physiology, theory, physics and what not to make it work. I'm a scientist at heart and immersing myself in abstract concepts, learning about physiology and all that appeals to me.
Lastly, "technical" diving is surrounded by an aura of venturing beyond the limits visited by the crowds and i like that, too. Doing my solo diver certification was an eye-opener to me, and whenever I have the chance to dive by myself, it almost becomes a spiritual experience. Just me and the ocean and nobody else - I can count on one hand the moments in my life that I felt similarly happy and satisfied.
So, in summary, I'd say there is absolutely nothing wrong with "recreational" diving, only with the way it is taught and sometimes practiced these days.
