They say your dive gear is like a window into your soul. It reveals more about you, and the way you dive, than you might realize. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just something that happens as we gain experience and develop personal preferences and habits.
The fun part is when you start noticing these details, you start seeing the same patterns over and over again. You can often tell who does what, and what kind of diving they enjoy, just by looking at their gear. Sometimes it’s the way they arrange their gear, sometimes it’s the gear itself.
Let’s explore what your gear might be saying about you.
The Minimalist
You have just the right amount of gear for the situation. Sometimes it’s because you travel to the far-flung reaches of the globe, but more often it’s because you know what works for you and you don’t need anything else. Best of all, the less you carry, the more streamlined you are in the water.
The Boy Scout
On the other end of the spectrum, you’re prepared for just about anything that might come up. You can easily flip between deep dives and a shallow reef. More than that, you carry extra straps, O-rings, hoses and anything else that you might need a spare of. This mindset comes from experience. You’ve either had a dive ruined because you had a strap break or you know someone who has. Rather than take any risks, you’re always prepared.
The Instructor
Your dive gear looks amazing but has clearly seen some action. Your BCD pockets are worn from carrying extra weight and spare odds and ends, because a lot of your dive is spent fine-tuning students’ buoyancy. There’s usually a slate, an ID plate or some other item tucked away for a student. You’re also the last one ready, not because you’re slow, but because you help others get their gear sorted out first.
The Shop Rat
All your gear is top-of-the-line, but none of it matches. It’s not a bad thing by any means. You like to explore the latest fins, masks, computers and other accessories as they become available, helping you figure out what works best and what doesn’t.
The Weekend Warrior
Some of your gear looks brand new, while other pieces are at least a decade old. This is caused by a combination of taking good care of your gear and replacing items only when it’s truly needed. The reality is, though, you probably only get out diving a handful of weekends each year, making each trip feel extra special.
The Coldwater Diver
You show up to a tropical location in the off season with nothing more than a shorty, because it’s still warmer than your usual dive spots. Cold water divers are a unique breed. They’re used to either freshwater, where they deal with thermoclines, or northern climates, where the diving is amazing but, well, cold.
The Tec Diver
Not a single piece of gear hangs loose. Everything is strapped down and tight to your body, and you can find every piece of gear you need with your eyes closed. This pinpoint accuracy comes from navigating wrecks, caves and other overhead environments, where minimizing the risk of gear getting caught is crucial. These habits carry over to open water reef dives, too.
Ready To Dive In?
So, what’s your dive gear personality? Now that you know what to look for, keep an eye out for these different types of divers on your upcoming trip. There’s no better time than now to plan your next adventure. Click below to discover all the incredible dive destinations waiting for you.
