More than I bargained for...

[kfore]

As a new diver who just started this fall, I have to say that I got more than I bargained for when I signed up for classes... I expected to learn skills and gain access to that underwater world I had previously only seen in PBS documentaries. I was not ready for the SCUBA culture I encountered on my first lake trip.

I had never seen so many people from so many walks of life thoroughly enjoying one another's company. Engineers, Firefighters, Computer Programmers, Bikers, Plumbers, Doctors, and Retirees - people who would not normally associate as a group 'in the real world' were all hanging around the campsite swapping stories, revelling in their shared experiences.


Nor had I ever been the recipient of such intense generosity and genuine helpfulness. The entire trip seemed to be an unending stream of advice, help and offers to share:

"Here let me help you adjust that - it will be more comfortable like this."

"Doing your deep dive today? Here, you'll want to borrow these gloves."

"Good dive? You're probably thirsty - there's water and soft drinks over in the cooler."

"Want some shrimp? I cooked way more than I can eat."

"I'm done for the day - no night dive for me. I'll sit here at the entry point with the light and help you with your gear when you are done."

I am still learning about SCUBA culture, but here's a collection of my observations so far:

• Talk to people - swap stories! Seems every diver has a story about something cool they saw when everyone else in their group drifted away. 'By the time I got their attention, it was gone' Kinda like 'the one that got away' stories from fishermen.
• Help each other. It's a lot more pleasant (and you get into the water quicker) when everyone helps one another move those mountains of gear over to the staging area and then helps each other to put everything on.
• Share stuff. I learned to bring 'extras' on every trip so I can contribute to other people having a good time. A little extra food and drink, spare 'C' batteries and lightsticks for the night dive, etc. I have been blessed by others and need to make sure that I pass it on.
• SCUBA is for regular people too. That first attempt to wear a wetsuit in public was quite humbling until I realized that all around me were real people of all shapes and sizes - not too many bikini models and bodybuilders around. This was no beauty contest - just regular people enjoying their sport and enjoying oneanother's company.
• Connect with other divers. It's amazing how many of my coworkers are certified but haven't been diving for years because they don't have any dive buddies in the area. I am working on fixing their problem and at the same time making sure I don't suffer the same fate! Already got one out to the lake, have two others set to go for spring trips.

I truly achieved all that I expected from the underwater experience, but I got a whole lot more than I bargained for above water!

[navyhmc]

That's the way we are. There are jerks in the diving community, but they are far outweighed by the good folks. Heck, one time when I got an ear infection while on a trip so I was done diving-durn it!-I loaned a lot of my gear to a newer diver who wanted to do a deep dive but didn't have a good wetsuit to do it.

[Daved]

Welcome--it only gets better. When you travel you may have language barriers--but not under water. Enjoy!

[WV Diver]

You have written this out very well. I think there are a lot of people that experience these same things you have discussed in your narrative. I know I have noticed a lot of these things over the years.

I have definately noticed the people from all walks of life enjoying each others company and sharing their experiences. I'm not sure that I have seen such a large example of this in other hobbies. I've had many hobbies over the years but none has had the mixing of personalities that diving has.

Welcome to the board and thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[gibson1525]

i think you nailed it with the sharing of experiences. everyone has a unique experience that they want to share. if you take the time to listen to people you'll find some really cool places to visit out there. i've booked several of my trips because of a random conversation on a surface interval.