Why the hating on Tech?

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Aerosynth

Contributor
Messages
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Location
Midwest/Central U.S. is where I hang my hat. Where
# of dives
25 - 49
Just curiosity...

Somewhat new diver and already love the sport like crazy. Just got my EANx cert last night! Always looking to know and understand more about the fascinating world of diving. As I have learned more, I have become intrigued by tech diving. Staged decompression, trimix, advanced wreck and cave diving... they all seem like such awesome skillsets that could take SCUBA to a whole new level.

However... last night when I was asking an instructor about tech... he was less than flattering about the whole thing. This makes the 3rd or 4th person I've asked about tech diving that has offered less than rave reviews about it. I've heard so many different reasons. Last night's was something to the effect of: "What's so interesting about it? They dive to 330', stay a couple minutes, then spend hours ascending."

So far the other reasons I've heard from other people include:

** "Completely worthless unless you live on the coast and dive every day."
** "Certifications you will only use once."
** "Not many tech diving opportunities around to actually use your skills."
((and other inappropriate observations about the types of people that tech dive))

So my question... why the hating on technical diving? Is this a common feeling among mainstream divers, or maybe just with the groups I've dove with? Seems to me that tech would be a really awesome thing to get into once I am at a more advanced level. Is it really one of those paths that people regret taking once they do? Not trying to tick anyone off. As I said, tech sounds very fascinating to me based on what I know about it. I'm just wondering... because so far, I have literally NOT MET ONE PERSON that had anything good to say about it. :-/
 
Maybe the instructor feels inadequate when he sees divers with good trim and buoyancy?

Its not for everyone,but seeing something that has been seen by less people than have landed on the moon is pretty special to me.
 
I chalk it off to it's not their type of diving and they are just mouthing off. It's all a personal preference in how you want to spend your time underwater.

Ignore them, smile and remain true to the type of diving that brings you joy, and if that is tech, good luck with your pursuit!! Don't let the naysayers win this one.
 
@ianrr33 & @ScubaSam - Totally agree with both of you, and see where you are coming from. I just find it really weird... because I am a pretty normal guy, not a macho freak, not a gym rat, not a daredevil... and it just freaks me out that tech seems so interesting in my normal everyday mind, but others I've asked about it seem so down on the whole idea.

I was just wondering if there was a reason why the people I've met seem so opposed to it... you know, something I'm missing... like "86% chance of death each dive." LOL
 
Quite simply, its not for everyone. I tech dive because there is something I want to see thats either deep or a cave, often both. There is a high price to see it, both in time and money. To me, its worth it.

People that dive deep just for deep's sake are not going to find that very rewarding. Same thing if you think a cave is a pile of wet rocks or a deep wreck is a pile or rusty scrap metal. Its all about what you like.
 
I chalk it off to it's not their type of diving and they are just mouthing off. It's all a personal preference in how you want to spend your time underwater.

This is pretty accurate. Also, many tech divers get on their high horse, so to speak. It rubs some of the rec divers the wrong way. Bottom line is, pursue whatever type of diving you enjoy most. Why can't we all just get along? :wink:
 
@ianrr33 & @ScubaSam - Totally agree with both of you, and see where you are coming from. I just find it really weird... because I am a pretty normal guy, not a macho freak, not a gym rat, not a daredevil... and it just freaks me out that tech seems so interesting in my normal everyday mind, but others I've asked about it seem so down on the whole idea.

I was just wondering if there was a reason why the people I've met seem so opposed to it... you know, something I'm missing... like "86% chance of death each dive." LOL

I hear ya. I'm interested in cave diving and am *s l o w l y* working my way toward that and you cannot imagine the looks I get when others find out. You should know that the tech route is very expensive with the gear, training, gas etc. I may have to sell an organ to support my diving addiction. :shakehead:

Again, good luck with whichever path your diving passion takes you.
 
This is pretty accurate. Also, many tech divers get on their high horse, so to speak. It rubs some of the rec divers the wrong way. Bottom line is, pursue whatever type of diving you enjoy most. Why can't we all just get along? :wink:

Every group has their members who like to "get on their high horse" so when I come across it, I simply tell myself that they are showing their own self-perceived inadequacies/insecurities, nothing more and nothing less. I smile and move on cause we are all diving, rec or tech, we are all diving!

Let's remember, we're the lucky ones who get to dive!!
 
quite simply, its not for everyone. I tech dive because there is something i want to see thats either deep or a cave, often both. There is a high price to see it, both in time and money. To me, its worth it.

People that dive deep just for deep's sake are not going to find that very rewarding. Same thing if you think a cave is a pile of wet rocks or a deep wreck is a pile or rusty scrap metal. Its all about what you like.
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