Id like to share something that Ive observed and see if its only local trend or widespread. I have what Id say is a good relationship with two LDS in the area and have spent time and made purchases at several others. The situation seems the same with all of them. They all offer training and big trips but do little or nothing to encourage or support local diving.
While I understand there is no money to be made directly on sponsoring trips to the local quarry, it seems to me that it would indirectly generate revenue. Every trip would mean the divers have to pass through the store at least twice, once to pick up equipment or air fills and once to drop it back off. Perhaps its just me but I have a hard time getting through a dive store without buying something.
All too often I have seen people take the OW course and go on a big dive trip and then fade away. I think that there are several reasons for this. First its very difficult to find good buddies (or sometimes any buddy). Secondly, going to the quarry on your own (with a buddy of course) as a newly certified diver can be very stressful. What kind of exposure protection is appropriate, how do I get in, what paperwork do I need, what is parking etiquette, where can I get air, is there anywhere to buy lunch, are there bathrooms, etc., etc? The experience is much more enjoyable with a guide until you learn the ropes.
In my case, I actually signed up for AOW training just to get more dives in. It worked out well though because I met other divers that I ended up diving with on numerous occasions.
So why dont the local dive shops support local diving? What I would like to see at least during the summer, is a local excursion every weekend. Doesnt have to be a big deal, just meet in the parking lot and caravan to a local dive spot, maybe barbecue lunch, have a group to sit around with during the surface interval and tell diving stories. Maybe have an optional guided tour on the first dive to see the local sites.
So, what do you think?
While I understand there is no money to be made directly on sponsoring trips to the local quarry, it seems to me that it would indirectly generate revenue. Every trip would mean the divers have to pass through the store at least twice, once to pick up equipment or air fills and once to drop it back off. Perhaps its just me but I have a hard time getting through a dive store without buying something.
All too often I have seen people take the OW course and go on a big dive trip and then fade away. I think that there are several reasons for this. First its very difficult to find good buddies (or sometimes any buddy). Secondly, going to the quarry on your own (with a buddy of course) as a newly certified diver can be very stressful. What kind of exposure protection is appropriate, how do I get in, what paperwork do I need, what is parking etiquette, where can I get air, is there anywhere to buy lunch, are there bathrooms, etc., etc? The experience is much more enjoyable with a guide until you learn the ropes.
In my case, I actually signed up for AOW training just to get more dives in. It worked out well though because I met other divers that I ended up diving with on numerous occasions.
So why dont the local dive shops support local diving? What I would like to see at least during the summer, is a local excursion every weekend. Doesnt have to be a big deal, just meet in the parking lot and caravan to a local dive spot, maybe barbecue lunch, have a group to sit around with during the surface interval and tell diving stories. Maybe have an optional guided tour on the first dive to see the local sites.
So, what do you think?