March 10, 2023
Bill Lambert, 98 years old (2019). The oldest diver in the world.
SCUBA Diving can be a lifetime activity for some. I have met divers who are in their 60s, 70s and even 80s.
As long as you are healthy and reasonably fit, you can dive for as long as your body can take it. But how do those divers keep on diving? Aren't they bored of diving?
In my opinion, there are too many dive sites in the world and I think it is almost impossible for a normal salary man to dive it all.
Well unless you inherited millions/billions and you do not have to work a single day. Even if you have the money, will you not get bored of diving?
Here are how some people managed to keep on diving :-
1. Upgrading your level/credential
What's next after Open Water Diver? What's next after Advance Open Water Diver? This is a good way to keep on diving for many. Not only you get to learn something new but makes you proud too. I have met divers who took up higher level of certification (pro level) just to feel like an elite diver.
2. Underwater photography / videography
This is probably one of the main reasons some divers never stop diving. The learning curve in underwater photography is so huge that the challenges keep divers to dive non-stop.
3. Conservation works
A very good way to keep on diving is by joining dive conservation activities such as "PROJECT AWARE" dive trips, dive site
cleaning, etc.
4. Bucket list
With thousands of dive sites around the world, the list can be endless. Creating your own bucket list will give you some sort of
motivation to keep on diving. For example, you may reward yourself to a very exotic dive destination after you have been promoted in your work place or after you sucesssfully meet the sales target of your company.
5. Keeping up with the Joneses
"Me too,I had dive there". To post in IG/FB/Tiktok to show the world or to your crush that you have dived at many locations around the world.
6. Becoming a dive professional and work as one.
When you are working in the industry as a dive pro, you will definitely dive a lot. Sometimes maybe too much. If you are thinking of working as a dive professional, please think carefully. It is not as glamourous as it seemed to be. You may read my earlier blog about being a dive pro / dive instructor.
7. Lovin it.
Many divers simply love the feeling of being underwater, breathing compressed air. It is hard to explain. To some, it maybe the feeling of "therapeutic" that makes them long for more. It maybe the feeling of an adventure in a totally different world. It maybe the feeling of "like flying". Perhaps, the absence of mundane noises. Why do you love diving?
Keep on diving? It is a choice.