If you want to start a conversation among divers, ask someone what inspired them to start and keep diving. You’ll hear all kinds of answers – some will be very specific and heard repeatedly. For example, divers of my generation often cite being inspired by the 1950s television show Sea Hunt (as reruns in the 1960s and ’70s; today, episodes like this one are on YouTube) as getting them started. Similarly, somewhat younger generations mention The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau and movies like The Deep and The Abyss.
Other responses are more general. You’ll often hear about looking for adventure and excitement or being drawn to undersea natural beauty. Sometimes divers talk about having unique experiences, like feeling weightless and breathing underwater. Challenge comes up a lot – freedivers in particular say the physical challenge coupled with the peacefulness and meditation brought them in, and mermaid divers often mention events, cosplay and expressing themselves artistically underwater. As well, diving sometimes starts on a whim while on holiday, yet grows into a lifelong passion.
As their stories unfold, however, there’s one thing always in common: someone who tips interest into lasting action. All of us have someone who inspired us to start diving, mentored us as we grew as divers, or both. Think of your own story – there was someone (or more than one) who prodded you and/or took you under their wing. You know who it is because their face just popped into your head as you read this. That’s the someone who got you into the diving lifestyle and/or ensured diving wasn’t a been-there-done-that one-off.
Be that someone.
A lot of people you know are interested in diving, but haven’t done it because they’re intimidated. Or, they think they won’t have anyone to dive with. Or, they think they can’t because X, Y or Z – none of which are true. The list goes on, but you can translate their interest into actually getting into diving. Here’s how:
- Don’t hide that you’re a diver; share your adventures. I’m not saying every conversation should be about diving, but if it comes up naturally, share enough to be conversational. Post pics of your dive adventures on social media. The idea is that if a friend wants to know more about diving, naturally, you’re the one to ask.
- Invite someone to try diving (in a pool usually sounds less daunting to first timers) if they ask you about diving or show enthusiasm. Offer to introduce them to a great instructor – your favorite at your PADI Dive Center. Sit at the computer with them and show them how to sign up for PADI eLearning.
- Don’t tell them it’s easy – nor that it’s hard. Most people don’t want to hear – or won’t believe – that it’s easy. Most things worth doing have challenges and require effort. But you and I know it’s not insurmountably difficult. Instead, answer questions and dispel misinformation based on what you know and your experiences as openly and honestly as you can. Pay attention to what about diving interests them, and explain learning to dive with those interests in mind.
- Go with them to their Discover Scuba Diving experience or first PADI Open Water Diver course meeting, if you can, but at least take them in person to meet the dive shop staff. A personal connection with their dive pro is reassuring – whether they’re just a bit worried about looking stupid or have a true hesitance about trusting dive gear and breathing underwater. (Want to skip this step? Become a PADI Instructor and be the connection.)
- Stay with them, at least when they start. You’re more experienced, so suggest outings, dives and courses that you think line up with their interests and help them expand their circle of diver friends. Join them at your dive center’s events and encourage them to stay plugged into the store’s dive club and PADI Club – and of course, go diving with them. In short, grow as divers together.
It’s not a sales pitch and you’re not asking them to join a cult, so no big deal if they turn down your invitation. (Yeah, some will. I don’t understand it either.) But, leading someone into diving is a home run with the bases loaded. The new diver wins a life-transforming experience that heals and offers many forms of adventure and self-fulfillment. Whether they’re introverts or extroverts, it connects them to new social circles and forms a bridge to new cultures. It opens their eyes to Earth’s many underwater worlds – places that, even today, only a small minority of people have visited.
The ocean wins with a new diver who is a potential Ocean Torchbearer – a witness and an advocate to help turn the ocean’s future in a positive direction. Each new Ocean Torchbearer is someone supporting PADI AWARE, local and international conservation initiatives by influencing policies and contributing to citizen science – a force for good.
And, you win with another friend in diving – a dive buddy, someone who goes on dive trips with you, and so on. People who dive together often develop deep relationships (no pun intended) that last a lifetime and reach across oceans. Many people meet their husbands or wives through diving. I’d guess you’d agree that of all the treasures in the world, a close friend is the most valuable.
So, be that somebody. By sharing diving, you give and get wonderful, surprising gifts.
Seek adventure. Save the ocean.
Dr. Drew Richardson
PADI President & CEO
PS – Through the rest of 2025, through the PADI Refer-A-Friend Challenge, you can earn discounts and have a chance to win dive equipment when you sign someone up for the PADI Open Water Diver eLearning – and they get a discount, too. Click the link and learn how.
