Building a Dive Community

During my time as a dive professional I have had many experiences with all levels of SCUBA divers from newbie to Course director. The passions of the divers vary greatly over a broad spectrum of abilities and interests but we all have one thing in common, an interest and love for the the ocean.

This is why dive communities are so important. Without the community many divers don’t continue to dive because they don’t have a buddy or someone they can connect with about diving. These communities open up conversation about dive opportunities, new places to explore, new certifications, and most of all creating new friendships.

I personally experienced the benefits and need of a dive community when I visited St. Croix in 2012. The dive shop we dove with that week was full of passionate people that all loved the ocean and to dive! Even as tourists, we were invited to dinners, local shore dives, and other events throughout the week. I was immediately intrigued by this community of like-minded individuals that I just had to be a part of it. So, a year later I moved to St. Croix and although some of those individuals had moved the community was still the same. That is the most I have ever been diving because of the community in place. I know what you are thinking. It’s St. Croix after all. Of course there is a dive community there. Well I have been to many other Carribbean resorts and not many of them are as inclusive to tourists to their communities.

My dream is create a community similar to that here in Jacksonville: (1) Bringing divers together, not only for diving but also for other activities such as social events, beach cleanups, and dive travel. (2) Creating and cultivating friendships from the dive community since we have similar interests.

Ideas to grow dive community:

• Partner with conservation efforts

• Dive Clubs with purpose

• Beach Cleanups

• Dive against Debris

• Dive meetups

I would love to hear your ideas!