Why do so many lose interest in diving?

[lowviz]

PM me, one is already sold.

 

[Z Gear]

From a perspective of many years in and around the business:

Diving Dropout has always been around. (I'm looking at the 97% of US/Can divers being certified anywhere away from South Florida or good access to fair diving year round)

In the 1960's thru 1972, I didn't see it much happening. LDS parking lots were filled with Joe Six Pack vehicles, a lot of pick-up trucks with tools. A lot of lake diving, an occasional trip to some exotic place like Cayman with the local gang.

In about 1975 or so, I saw the arrival of the marketing that led couples to dive together for their big Honeymoon vacation. This was the beginning of the Diver Dropout trend as dive shops began to buy tables at bridal shows with travel agents.

One big "together" experience, all the shiny equipment, the excitement of conquering and cooperating. Done, now it's time to buy a house and concentrate on perpetuation of the species.

These two above situations are the majority root cause for the invention of Craig's List. (After E-Bay failed to deliver the insane asking prices for the out-of-hydro tanks and the snorkels with the ping-pong ball in the top)

The economic realities of the world have changed, insidiously, slowly, then in a flash. In the first 1970's period, at first there was very little competition for that "equipment intensive/carbon footprint" way to piss away our disposable income.

The biggest competition for your vacation dollar came from skiing, mostly on snow but to a growing measure: water sports toys, water skiing and PWC. The girls liked it better, it was less hassle, you could plan by weather forecast for "the next day", and the girls looked better​ in their bathing suits versus wetsuits. Plain sexist fact.

There was only Pabst Blue Ribbon, everything changed.

Tennis, Motorcycles, BMW Cars, Sporting Clays Shotguns, $1000 wristwatches, Import Beer, Designer Handbags, Outlet Malls, $550 baby carriages, Private Grade Schools, Apple everything, Viagra, Cable TV, Bandwidth, flavored f'ing Vodka. Don't ge me started on Golf.

DEMA went from an alliance, always very shaky in that regard, to an annual party. We, as end user consumers see the issues in SCUBA Marketing very very differently than the poor schlepps (that is the universal language of Manufacturer's Representatives that use this and other Yiddish words to self-describe themselves). The Manufacturer's Reps are looking for a revenue stream to make their roles viable, no less so than the "need" for manufacturer's to buy space at the (local consumer) Dive Show. When the LDS finally croak out, you'll see a door open on that retail dive-show "showroom" level for the manufacturers again.

Diver Dropout comes also from the fast dwindling numbers of Local Dive Shops. They long ago lost their appeal as hang-out spots, economics hit hard, a cadre of "dive club" members might have extended the gasping for air. And speaking of AIR, when the LDS closes down, where you going to take those LIME GREEN Luxfer 80's in the dusty closet to get them filled? Ahh, screw it, they might be 12 years out of hydro, but they'll go for a bundle on Craigs List...I'll throw in the spear gun and the booties, too.

Bashing Agencies? Really? I have had creds from 4 of them. They're all selling the same hamburgers. PADI is the easiest target. They own the hamburger stand market. If someone else wants to eek out a living from the leftovers, there only remains a coupe of ways to do it. Blaming any Agency for Diver Fallout is not seeing the bigger socio-economic picture of the much-sought-after leisure dollar. An Agency must provide the infrastructure for it to stay viable economically, and the same goes for it's instructor cadre- whatever level of financial success they want/hope/can achieve... If you can't/won't afford a McDonalds franchise, maybe buy the lot down the street, away from the corner, and start making gourmet burgers. Each and every Agency is in the Capitalistic Growth Model, whether the acolytes, their subservient priesthood is so motivated, or has lessened their goals, it is an individual decision. (Note to instructor- Step #2 is training for nitrox, EAN, whatever you call it and imbue the required use of same on every dive thereby boosting your profit margins on the service end)...but I, as usual, digress.

But, nevertheless, I can not resist . McDonalds Franchise costs me huge up-front, and I have to pay the toll for every burger sold, but I'm going to sell a lot of burgers. Burger King is a cheaper buy-in, I'll sell less burgers, but the corporation hits me for a lower percentage. Hmm. Now, tell me about What-A-Burger.

Further clouding the waters of the Agency responsibility in Diver Dropout springs from the prior paragraph, but how the process appears to the adherents, students and instructors alike. Once you get past The Big 4 (NAUI, SSI, and SDI are no different than PADI) the divers and instructors that are attracted then (after and following) to more Scientology based groups? They're not leaving. Masters of DIVER RETENTION. Feel free, as most do, to fill in the blanks as to why. It is the difference between buying a Formula Race Car and adjusting it over time for competition, versus buying a Dodge Hellcat and trying to figure out how to drive it. Either automotive analogy can be applied to either group of Agencies... depends on how you squint your eyes.

The party, at least the one we knew it to be, is over.

Yet, manufacturers of dive gear still crank-out this new year's model of the Titanium shiny object. You can still buy a Remington 870 Shotgun for $239 (by industry comparison, a paltry sum), but the dive industry hardware people can't quite figure it out.

Enjoyed reading this analogy. Especially the reference to your Pabst Blue ribbon list, this cracked me up! It was interesting to follow your time flash backs and see your view on how it has been evolving in this area and unfortunately also progressively leading to a drop out trend.

---------- Post added September 22nd, 2015 at 10:44 PM ----------

[OPINION]

In my personal experience, the agencies desperately try to keep the new diver totally dependent on them, rather than developing independent, thinking, capable divers. FUD. Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt. I have a lot of skills that need to be developed, but I also know the extent of my slowing expanding "range".

It gets old and tired, dragging an agency and instructor along with you for every GD "mommy may I" dive you wish to do. I almost gave up too.

Tell the agency police to look for me at any lunar high tide in the Belmar Basin, or the inlets. Wee hours of the morning, two'ish. Alone. I don't log dives anymore either. I dive for me.

I still dive because it is the one thing in my life that keeps me sane. The agencies are a double edged sword, you can learn wonderful things from them or continue on to be subjugated by them.

[/OPINION]

I hear what you saying but don't you think this is a valuable resource for other people to have if they "CHOOSE" to get more training. It is ultimately your decision on what you want to learn and pursue. I believe it is a good and we are fortunate that there is adequate training available to those who are interested and while you might think this is unnecessary it is very much appreciated by others.

---------- Post added September 22nd, 2015 at 10:57 PM ----------

Scuba is no different than any other recreational hobby. Look on eBay or Craigslist and you'll find plenty of gently used golf clubs, pool tables, etc.

I would have to say except for the "Holiday certified diver" I tend to think the scuba diver is a bit more focused and committed. First of all you have to be formally trained to be certified and then officially become "certified diver".As some one else said on another post one simple mistake while Scuba diving could kill you, this is something that would not be nearly as dangerous when doing other recreational hobbies(not extreme). This is what makes the way we approach this activity different than the other hobbies. IMO

---------- Post added September 22nd, 2015 at 11:16 PM ----------

Get up at o-dark thirty, having packed the night before, and drive 1.5 hours to charter dock. Lug a bunch of heavy gear onto a boat after shelling out $$ for the charter. 45 min - 1 hour run, suit up, splash, and have a 20 - 50 minute dive (the high end only being 20 min of bottom time, and half of it in deco on an anchor line over deep water), get out, and repeat after an hour SI. Head back, unload the boat into vehicle. Travel home, unpack, dry everything, and put away.... 10+ hours for < 40 minutes of bottom time...... and 4-5 months out of the year?????

Too many alternatives give folks more "bang for their buck or time"......

Though I still love it.......

Boy its a lot of work for 40 minutes of fun! But me and my wife still love it.
I guess we don't grow tired of all the work we have to put in because we really love to dive.

---------- Post added September 22nd, 2015 at 11:46 PM ----------

All divers give it up eventually.

I am realizing I am approaching the point of giving it up. At my peak, I was doing 100+ dives a year. Local, more distant drive to destinations, and fly to dive vacations. I have stopped local diving. It has just turned into more of an effort than it is worth. Policy changes with some of the dive ops I used to enjoy 2 or three times a year have made those trip more expensive and less enjoyable than they used to be. So now, I am just making a few trips each year to some Caribbean destinations. And I am seeing my interest in those waning.

I am getting old and I'm sure that is some of it. I do still enjoy the dives but just not as much. But the overhead (not the cost but the nut-roll and disappointments) is starting to take its toll. I passed up a trip to Bonaire last month. Wife/buddy was OK with going but we just decided we were OK without it. We are getting ready for a trip to Cayman next months. I don't believe that will be my last trip, but I do realize it could be.

This post interest me very much. I wanted to ask you a few questions if you don't mind. I wanted to ask if your main reason for leaning toward giving up diving is age/health or do you think it is just not as interesting to you any more?

The reason I wanted to ask this is because I in vision myself doing this, as well as surfing for many years, hopefully until its my time to go. I guess since I feel fortunate enough to have discovered Scuba I can not forget how lucky I really am, and I can't help but be amazed when I visit my under water friends.

One thing that I need to say is that while scuba is still very fun for me, I find that the lasting impression I receive is that of peace and serenity. I am really glad I have this place to go to, its more than just an activity for me.

Frank G
Z GEAR - Z Gear

---------- Post added September 23rd, 2015 at 12:09 AM ----------

#2 is why I'm currently on the fence now. I'm new, goes through lots of air hence short dive times and trying to find someone to dive with at a similar level because I'm always the first to go through my air. Wife not interested in learning. :depressed: Friends that took classes with me decided it is too cold in the NE an only want to warm water vacation dive.

That must be frustrating. But at least You want to still dive correct? Have you tried joining a dive club or meet up in your area? Don't dry out to long, perhaps its worth a try and see how you like it.

 

[chillyinCanada]

As a new diver who really has a lot of fun when I'm in the water but who hates the prep time and the gear hauling, I agree with the "it's a lot of work" opinion. The idea of hauling all the gear and getting suited up for a shore dive is not appealing, and then the rest of the day after the dive we're exhausted and just want to nap and lay around. It really takes a half-day away from you, sometimes more. Of course once you're in the water it all seems worth it, so that's what keeps us coming back for more. I imagine if someone is uncomfortable in the water or just isn't the adventurous type who enjoys never knowing what you'll see next, it would be the nail in the coffin.

On a side note, we're going to Grand Cayman in December and my husband found a valet diving shop that basically handles everything for you. When he told me that I was a thousand times more excited to dive on vacation, lol. Someone else hauling around those heavy tanks for me and I just have to show up, check it out, strap in, and go? Yes, please! :biggrin:

Next stop: liveaboard!!

 

[RJP]

On a side note, we're going to Grand Cayman in December and my husband found a valet diving shop that basically handles everything for you. When he told me that I was a thousand times more excited to dive on vacation, lol. Someone else hauling around those heavy tanks for me and I just have to show up, check it out, strap in, and go? Yes, please! :biggrin:

Sounds like you need to go on a liveaboard trip!

 

[chillyinCanada]

When I saw the thread topic (started like 5 HOURS ago) I'm not surprised mine is post #48. I took OW course 10 years ago because I moved from Manitoba to Nova Scotia and am a life long shell collector. Species up North are limited, but not so down South and in the tropics. Then I took more advanced courses and eventually DM. As a former teacher this played into my wheel house. My personal diving here in NS can be boring at times, but it's just a thing I do--and occasionally a nice shell appears. Some people have a huge passion for diving. I've played clarinet since 1964 and still do professionally and practise daily. Do I "love it"? I dunno. You have to have a good reason to continue diving, or at least it has to be something that defines you--at the very least it's just something you just do. If not, you quit.

It defines me!

I fear when I'm no longer able and that's rushing at me like a freight train. I've been told by the specialist that there will come a time that I'll need the lower back surgery and the Dupytren's Contractor looks like it's going to keep giving me lots of trouble and then there's the money. I'm a professional consultant in the oil and gas business in Alberta. My semi-retirement appears as though it may have become permanent retirement. Grumble grumble grumble

But in the near time I'm on my way to Turks and Caicos for a liveaboard trip to be followed a couple weeks later by a land based dive trip in Grenada and that soon followed by three months in SE Asia, with a liveaboard in Maldives and fingers crossed but not likely but really hoping for a return to Raja Ampat. Regardless with that much time in SE Asia, there'll be some more good diving before I haul what's left of this impertinent body home to Canada. Where I hope to get some contracts but if not then it's Turkey and the Red Sea for me!

I'm going down fighting!!

 

[archer1960]

So it's possible to make some tradeoff between effort and expense. You can do all the work yourself on a Saturday at minimal cost, and get in an hour of local bottom time for all that effort. Or you can use up a week of hard-earned vacation time, spend a lot of money, and let others do much of the work for you. Neither of these extremes is palatable to many divers, and I guess those are the ones who drop out. It seems to me there is a sweet spot between these extremes for the lucky few who are able to achieve a balance of effort and expense by living conveniently close to great diving and getting a little help with the less fun parts.

Since I finished buying my gear, I can now load up the car, drive to a dive site, get 45 min under water, and drive back home in 2 to 2.5 hrs.

 

[george_austin]

I have a friend who moved to Belize a number of years ago and though she was certified shortly after her move, she no longer dives. Despite my jaw hanging open as she shared that information with me, she reported it was dead boring to her. The truth started to come out later. Apparently, some idiots she was diving with thought it would be fun to tske her on a 170' dive. My friend won't tell me who they were. She quit immediately after that dive. So combine new diver syndrome of not really seeing much at first with idiot buddies trying to give her a dive "thrill" and what you get is someone who quits diving despite living feet from shore on Ambergris Caye. Smh

I have much younger friends that became vacation divers. They were couples that broke up or got pregnant or equally like skiing and other expensive social activities, all of which are much easier to get to in Canada than warm water diving.
I believe some of them may come back to diving in the fullness of time.

Life and money, you know.

No one held a gun to her head and forced her to do a dive in 170 water - maybe it is boring in clear water with nothing but little tropical fish swimming around - it certainly would be to me as well

---------- Post added September 23rd, 2015 at 08:37 AM ----------

If you are implying a causal relationship, you probably have it backwards.

Owning gear, taking classes, and diving regularly doesn't cause people to stick with diving. Sticking with diving causes people to buy gear, take classes, and dive regularly.

I suppose it's a little of both I dive several times a week and haven't bought anything new in several years except for a mask that had to be replaced when I left it on a boat.

 

[boulderjohn]

I have mentioned this before in threads like this. I read a history of NAUI, co-written by Al Tillman, who was a founder of both NAUI and the original certification agency, the Los Angeles County program. According to that history, the dropout problem was there from the very beginning. If you want to blame the faster classes of today, you will have to explain why it was a problem in the early 1960s, back in the days of long, intense classes. In an attempt to combat the problem, Los Angeles County invented the Advanced Open Water Diver certification, and NAUI followed suit shortly after for the same reason. They hoped that by introducing divers to different aspects of diving through the different kinds of required dives, they could keep them interested.

We live in an interesting era in terms of participation in active sports. Google "decline in participation for [fill in a sport]," and you will see the problem is widespread. The drop in participation in both tennis and golf is staggering. Golf courses are closing at a rapid rate. Where you used to have to wait in line for an open tennis court in my area, you can now go and play whenever you feel like it, and you will be surprised if there is no open court. From the numbers I have seen, scuba may actually be doing pretty well compared to some of those other activities.

 

[archer1960]

No one held a gun to her head and forced her to do a dive in 170 water - maybe it is boring in clear water with nothing but little tropical fish swimming around - it certainly would be to me as well

---------- Post added September 23rd, 2015 at 08:37 AM ----------

True, but this is a case of the "unknown unknowns". She had no reference points to decide whether the dive was a good choice for her or not. When I did my trip to Cozumel last year after only my OW certification dives, I realize now that I went into them with far too much confidence. They were all within my capabilities and comfort level (except the Devil's Throat, which I skipped anyway), but if I had known then what I know now, I would have approached them with a different attitude, and would have replayed potential problem scenarios in my head much more carefully than I did.

 

[KevinNM]

We live in an interesting era in terms of participation in active sports. Google "decline in participation for [fill in a sport]," and you will see the problem is widespread. The drop in participation in both tennis and golf is staggering. Golf courses are closing at a rapid rate. Where you used to have to wait in line for an open tennis court in my area, you can now go and play whenever you feel like it, and you will be surprised if there is no open court. From the numbers I have seen, scuba may actually be doing pretty well compared to some of those other activities.

According to a study I found on the Internet, scuba and surfing have comparable number of participants every year and comparable really large percentage of first year participants every year. So the attrition rate for both sports is quite high.