It isn't easy to find dive buddies. So some of the things that I do is:
Every time I go out (class, dive, club meeting or whatever) I get the other diver's contact information. If it is a dive, I write it in the logbook (for some reason people will tell you everything if it is for a logbook).
Follow up every dive with an e-mail thanks to the dive buddy; it keeps the conversation going--they will remember you.
Join a club that has regular dives & participate!
Offer to help instructors at their classes. (This does not necessarily mean in-water assistance, it can mean bringing snacks or taking pictures of the students when they are setting up their equipment.) Why? Because those students will be looking for buddies & you can get their contact information.
Work on making sure that your skills
at your level are solid. (I don't expect a new diver to have the skills of a seasoned pro, but I do expect the new diver to be improving). As an instructor, if someone is looking for a buddy, I won't feel guilty recommending you.
Ask instructors that know and trust you to pass on your email if someone is looking for a buddy. (This is why I have a gmail account just for this.)
Understand that it is a numbers game. You need to ask a lot of people to get a buddy. I just invited 60 people (most with less than 20 dives) to dive with me in a pristine park. 3 accepted--one was my divemaster. It isn't personal, they have lives beyond diving, but for the life of me, I can't imagine what it could be.
Does your LDS have a "buddy board" or a Facebook page to find a buddy? Would you be willing to set it up for them?
Best of luck. I know it isn't easy, but it is worthwhile.
