Every year right around this time, a lot of people set many goals for the year. Whether it be to “lose 20 pounds”, “get a new job”, “buy a house”, “get married”, and yet most of the time, we fall short. But us divers are different! Our goals tend to revolve around diving, and there is nothing wrong with that! I have been diving for a long time. Here are some resolutions for us divers that can help you become a better, more diverse diver, dive buddy, and ocean lover in 2018!
1. Get your gear serviced:
Don’t risk being on a boat, gearing up, and then realizing you have a leaky hose and have to cancel your dive. Especially if you have not used your gear in an extended period of time, bring it in to have it serviced. Remember, dive gear will last a long time as long as you take care of it, so if you do not want to replace it all right away, keep on a regular service schedule.
2. Check out a new local dive site:
No matter if you live in a landlocked state with a few lakes or rivers nearby, on the coast in Florida, or on a warm exotic island somewhere, a lot of divers can become bored of diving the same sites over and over. While I live in NYC, there are plenty of wrecks and dive sites in the area only Go check out somewhere new! Not sure of the new site? Contact your local dive shop for tips on different sites, or join a local dive club!
3. Buddy up with an excited new diver and show them the ropes:
Do you remember how excited you were right after you received your Open Water Certification? There are new divers certified every day, and a lot of them have no idea what to do next, and may not have a buddy. You were there once, so check out a local dive club and help reassure a new diver that they made a great decision. Show them what you know!
4. Buddy up with a more experienced diver and learn from them:
Even the all-time greats in every sport or activity can always learn something new. Reach out and find a diver who is more experienced than you, especially in your local area, and invite them on a dive. You won’t believe some of the stories and possibly some of the new knowledge and tips you can learn!
5. Take a new specialty:
Don’t limit what dives you can do because you don’t think you will ever be somewhere that it is necessary. You never know what opportunities will present themselves, and you don’t want to have to pass up a great dive trip just because you do not have the right credentials. Plus, this is also a great way for new divers to start working on their Master Scuba Diver or Dive Master Ratings.
6. Buy a new piece of dive gear, or upgrade something old:
The dive industry is constantly progressing, which means all sorts of dive gear manufacturers are always coming out with the latest and greatest technology updates to their previous products. Treat yourself to something new! Or if you are still renting some pieces of equipment, a tank, a BCD, etc., why not get your own? Go to your local dive shop and don't be afraid to ask questions and try something on.
7. Learn about a new local marine species:
Are you ever diving locally, and see something new, or maybe something you have seen before, and wonder what it is? Or wonder why you always see them in the same area, or why they are moving the way the do? Educate yourself and learn about a new species! Then you can really impress your dive buddies when you complete your dive and you impart them with all of your knowledge.
8. Take a dive trip somewhere new:
If you have the means to travel, by all means do it! Whether it is a quick 2 hour drive, a 2 hour flight, or even a 20 hour flight, check somewhere off of your bucket list! My last trip was down with Dive Provo in the Turks and Caicos Islands and I highly recommend them!
9. Do a beach clean up:
A lot of divers are also big ocean conservation enthusiasts. No one likes being in the middle of a beautiful dive, spotting something in the distance, then making your way over only to find out it is just a candy bar wrapper. Any coastal towns, or towns with beaches in general will usually have volunteer programs and scheduled events to help clean your local beach. Every little bit helps! Don't forget to check out PADI's Project Aware program!
10. Do better with air consumption:
Not only does this help you become a better diver and let you extend your dives, but it also helps your buddy as well so that they do not have to end their dive with 1,200 PSI left because you have already gone through your air. But how do you do this? Besides just diving more (ie practice), being more fit and having better overall health can certainly help you as you can better control your breathing rate.
This list is by no means, all the possible “dive resolutions” one could undertake, as there are probably hundreds more! But hopefully these gave you some good ideas to help make 2018 an even better diving year than 2017 for you!
Happy New Years and Happy Diving!
