Why do you dive?

[scubaculture]

I have asked this question numerous times on many forums/blogs and always enjoy the responses.

So why do you dive?

For me diving is an escape. A brief moment to stop time from moving forward. My objective on most dives is to be invisible. I enjoy watching the animals whose world I have invaded carry on with their lives as if there was nobody blowing bubbles in their direction. The diversity of life abounds on the healthier reefs at sites such as my favorite, Aliwal Shoal or 7 mile at Sodwana. Fish, crabs, nudis, filter feeders and octopus can be found for those willing to take the time to slow down and take it all in.

When conditions are optimal, the only thing that brings me down is that I can't get ten hours out of a tank. When the vis is low, I seek out the macro and the micro. There is always something to see underwater.

[RoadRacer1978]

I dive to see things most people never have the chance to see and to see it in its natural enviroment. I have always loved fish and underwater life. It is an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy topside life and a way to relax.

[BouzoukiJoe]

I dive to meet people, go places, and do things... er at least that's what I was told in OW class ;-)

Seriously, I've always been drawn to the water. Now that I dive, I am completely hooked. It's like a whole new world has been made available to me and it needs to be explored.

[CaribbeanDiver]

The colors, strange creatures and overall beauty. Plus I really enjoy traveling to different dive locations. And now that my son is certified and will go on 2 or 3 trips a year with me makes the adventure a million times better.

[gibson1525]

i guess it's a combination of a fascination of everything that lives underwater, experiencing unique things above and below water, and it's a great way to relax.

[TX1Chica]

I think I like it for so many reasons. Its relaxing, amazingly beautiful, peacful also a little daring and scary. I think its one of the few risky things that I do. And I like that not everyone dose it. Its one of the things that makes me unique (among most people I know).

[lovesmexico615]

I started diving as an escape. I'm going through a tough transition time right now, and I had always wanted to learn. I decided to just do it. Now it's still an escape for me, but I love seeing the stuff most people don't even know (or care) exists.

I guess some people get really nervous about learning to breathe underwater. Not me, once I got in there I just felt at home (does that make sense?)

I grew up on the water, and now I can't get enough of what's down there! At this point I'll jump in anywhere just to feel home.

[TRACI]

I enjoy diving because it is such a entirely different world under the water, you never see the same thing twice. I also never get bored when I am diving, there is always something exciting to see.

I have went on several trips to Cozumel before I was certified to dive and I feel like I wasted alot of trips just snorkeling, so I am glad I finally got certified to dive last year, now instead of doing the usual boring, tourist stuff on vacation I get to DIVE!

[quasimoto]

I like seeing what most others don't get to see. Also knowing that you never know what you are going to see adds a bit of excitement to it.

[dallasdivergirl]

I have always loved the water and I am just so happy & peaceful underwater. The silence, the beauty, the complete loss of time & stress & all that goes on above the water.