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FORGOTTEN DIVERS
Actually, remembered divers might be more accurate. Defined as divers who
gave up diving for a long or semi-long time, then began diving again. I
am among this group. I'd like to hear about the experiences of others in
the same boat. My interest is not strictly idle; I'm researching an article
that I hope to see published, but in any event, I'll collate the results
and post them to the appropriate newsgroups. You can post responses, or
E-mail me directly. Be as detailed as you wish to be. Some topic sugg-
estions:
When did you begin diving? How old were you?
How long did you dive before the "long surface interval"? How
often? What type(s) of diving did you do? What level of certification did
you obtain? What did you most like about/get from diving? In general,
how "into it" were you?
Why did you stop? Was there a single, big reason or a lot of little
factors that added up?
Did you sell off your gear, or hang on to it?
While inactive, did you follow the sport in magazines, etc?
WHile inactive, did you think about diving: A lot, sometimes, never/hardly
ever (apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan).
While inactive, did you consider yourself a diver, or an ex-diver?
While inactive, did you intend to resume at some future time?
Why did you finally resume diving? What was the impetus? Did it come solely
from within, or did someone else encourage you?
What changes, if any, did you notice:
* Physically, in yourself. Was the layoff long enough for age to be
a factor? Were you in better or worse physical shape than during
your first diving incarnation?
* Mentally, in yourself. Do you view the sport differently now? Is
what you seek from it different? Have your views on risk and safety
changed?
* To what extent had your skills eroded? How long did/has it taken
to get back to your former level of comfort (if you have...).
Did you have a plan for getting them back? Did you re-certify?
* What changes, if any, did you notice in the sport, the equipment,
and the attitudes of divers now that you're back?
Finally (stop cheering!), what are your plans for the future? Is diving as
much fun as you remembered? Do you plan to dive at a difficulty level that
is more conservative than previously, about as difficult, or more so? Do
you plan to remain active?
Demographic info that you can include if you wish, but that is somewhat per-
sonal and utterly optional, include age, marital status, occupation, education,
gender, # and age of children. CHANGES in these parameters, and how the changes
related to the layoff and return, are especially interesting.
Many thanks up front to all who participate,
Dave Ventre "You call THIS an economic recovery?"
Quincy, MA
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