admikar
Contributor
I don't think diving is not popular. I know for certain that a lot more people are getting dive certs than pilot certs. One of the reasons is definitelly cost.
While scuba can be costly, one 7 day dive trip with my club, transport, accomodation, meals included would give me about 3 hours of flight time. With side benefit of being on vacation. Worst case scenario would give me about 5 hours.
Second is location. While I know this is not common, I have river right bellow my bedroom window to scratch that itch and another river 10 minutes away. Sea is 3 hours drive. And unlimited access to 3 compressors, 2 of which are completely free and one for 1/6th of servicing costs.
Initial cost can be a lot, but while some people are going second-hand route, I know that I didn't do it because I was not comfortable enough with my knowledge to be able to decide what is a good buy and what is not. With that in mind, I bought everything new and when you figure in the fact that all of my original purchases are still going strong after 6 years, even that initial cost isn't too much of a deal. Now, with more experience and with me self servicing my equipment, I guess that cost, when the time comes, will be even lower.
Fills, setting and dissmantling equipment is a hassle, but I know of no equipment involved hobby that doesn't have the same.
While scuba can be costly, one 7 day dive trip with my club, transport, accomodation, meals included would give me about 3 hours of flight time. With side benefit of being on vacation. Worst case scenario would give me about 5 hours.
Second is location. While I know this is not common, I have river right bellow my bedroom window to scratch that itch and another river 10 minutes away. Sea is 3 hours drive. And unlimited access to 3 compressors, 2 of which are completely free and one for 1/6th of servicing costs.
Initial cost can be a lot, but while some people are going second-hand route, I know that I didn't do it because I was not comfortable enough with my knowledge to be able to decide what is a good buy and what is not. With that in mind, I bought everything new and when you figure in the fact that all of my original purchases are still going strong after 6 years, even that initial cost isn't too much of a deal. Now, with more experience and with me self servicing my equipment, I guess that cost, when the time comes, will be even lower.
Fills, setting and dissmantling equipment is a hassle, but I know of no equipment involved hobby that doesn't have the same.