The dive buddy system is one of the first things we learn about as divers – and it’s something we practice on every dive. Indeed, one of the golden rules of scuba diving is to never dive without a buddy (unless you are specifically trained to dive alone). Besides, buddy diving makes our underwater adventures safer and more enjoyable.
That said, if you’re flying solo or your friends and family don’t dive, what’s the best way to find a dive buddy to join you on your adventures? Here are eight ideas to get started.
1. Ask Your Friends to be Your Dive Buddy
It may sound really simple – and it is – but you might just be surprised to find that someone in your friendship group is a keen diver, too. If not, perhaps they’re interested in learning and have just been waiting for the right time to get into it. Consider gifting scuba lessons for your family or a refresher course for someone who feels a little rusty. You never know, your future dive buddy may have been right in front of you this whole time.
Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean. Together
Dive into adventure with your friends! Share the thrill of underwater exploration by inviting them to join the world of scuba diving. They’ll get 15% off the Open Water Diver eLearning, and as a thank you, you’ll receive a free 30-day PADI Club™ trial membership. Dive buddies make every adventure better.
2. Join a Local Dive Club
Your local scuba diving club is a great place to meet not just one, but a whole bunch of potential dive buddies for life. Dive clubs are full of people just like you – passionate about the ocean and looking to explore!
Joining a dive club has a few additional perks: groups often organize regular dives as well as other social activities, and they will often have great relationships with local PADI Dive Centers. Some dive clubs will even focus on particular PADI Specialties, such as Wreck Diving or Cavern Diving, so you’re sure to find a club you’ll really fit into.
3. Go on a Dive Trip with a PADI Dive Center
It’s highly likely that your local PADI Dive Center will offer dive trips you can join. PADI Travel® also offers recommendations for solo-friendly vacations. These trips range in length and number of dives; some will just be one day, others a weekend, and others longer still. Traveling solo on one of these trips allows you to explore new dive sites and meet new like-minded people, one of whom might just become your new scuba dive buddy.
4. Join Facebook Groups
Did you know there are groups on Facebook to help you connect with other divers? Ask questions, share experiences, and post photos in the Dive Travel, Divers Around the World, or Learn to Dive group (if you’re thinking about taking the Open Water Diver course). You can also use these groups to help find dive buddies when traveling! Remember to always use appropriate caution when meeting someone on the internet for the first time.
5. Find a Dive Buddy in Dive Forums
Scuba diving forums are an excellent way to meet people online, find scuba buddies, and get involved in group trips. Forums are also a great source of information about destinations, diving tips, scuba gear, and much more! Take a look at The Dive Forum, or another great option to try is ScubaBoard.
6. Volunteer and Meet a New Dive Buddy
Volunteering is another great way to meet new people. If you aren’t sure where to start, try contacting local charities and NGOs and ask how to get involved. Or, search for upcoming conservation activities in your area – opportunities could include debris clean-ups, coral restoration, or marine life surveys. Not only might you find a scuba buddy, but you’ll be making a positive impact as an Ocean Torchbearer™, too.
7. Get a Scuba Diving Job
Whether it’s a part-time side hustle in your local dive shop or a full-time career as a PADI Professional, spending your days surrounded by other scuba addicts is a surefire way to meet like-minded dive buddies. Head to the PADI Job Board to search for vacancies around the world, such as retail staff, equipment technicians, dive guides, and more.
8. Take Your Next Scuba Course
Completing additional scuba courses will enhance your knowledge, skills, and confidence – as well as your scuba social circle. PADI Specialty courses range from photography and fish identification to wreck exploration and deeper diving. These are a great option if you’re looking for a dive buddy who matches your underwater interests.
Find a Dive Buddy
Are you ready to take action to find a dive buddy? Get started by checking out local dive shops in your area today, or join PADI Club, the world’s largest community of ocean lovers. Club member benefits include exclusive trips and meet-ups, discounts, and a Scuba Diving Magazine subscription, and will keep you actively engaged with the dive community – even when you can’t get in the water.
