"Why are SO many divers also smokers?"

[Hemlon]

One of the doctors I work with asked me this question last week. He is not a diver but his question really made me think. Quite honestly, I had never noticed a lot of divers smoking.

Is this really true? Are there a lot of divers out there who also smoke cigarettes?

 

[zen_man]

I have heard that out of the US, there are alot of smoking divers, but I truly do not know.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

I don't understand it either. Water and fire are like, opposites. It's really hard to catch yourself on fire underwater. About the only thing I've heard of smoking underwater are volcanoes.

 

[emcbride81]

Maybe some divers have to always have to be breathing down some form of an "alternate air supply". Glad I never started! One of the worst things to quit! I think it would be easier to give up diving!

 

[Hemlon]

I don't understand it either. Water and fire are like, opposites. It's really hard to catch yourself on fire underwater. About the only thing I've heard of smoking underwater are volcanoes.

I don't get it either. It seems counterproductive to diving. (And to life also!)

 

[mikerault]

I smoked a pipe as a kid (19-23) but stopped. Mostly I smoked out of boredom on watch (hey, at 400+ feet down in a lower level engine room of a nuclear sub, what else is there to do after taking your readings?) Haven't smoked since (29 years and counting)

Mike

 

[rhadamantus]

strangely enough, i never thought of this. but recalling from memory, ever since i started diving (which was just last year), i see that only my PADI instructor smokes. can't really remember seeing anybody else do so (off-water). or know any other diver who does...

but alcohol.... its a different story.

 

[cmufieldhockey8]

Lots of people smoke. I wonder how the percentage of smoking divers compares to that of the general population.

 

[tstormdiver]

I know several divers (including instructors) that smoke. I personally don't after seeing my grandmother very slowly die from asphyxiation over 3yrs. I can't think of a worse fate, but I will not condemn anyone for their personal choice. I will say,that I can't see where smoking & diving could be good for you.

 

[emcbride81]

but alcohol.... its a different story.

oh yes....that is true