Finding a Dive Buddy
Finding a dive buddy can be challenging, especially if none of your family or friends dive. When I started, I walked into a dive shop alone on a random Friday after work (in the winter, no less) and signed up for a class. If youâre in the same boat, I understand the struggle.
Over time, Iâve explored different ways to connect with other divers. Some methods work well, while others have mixed results. Below are the best ways to find a reliable dive buddy and expand your network.
Best Ways to Find a Dive Buddy
1. Join Local Shop Dives
This is, hands down, the best way to meet potential dive buddies. Sign up for local fun dives, even if they cost a little extraâitâs worth it. Get on every shopâs email list.
If you are in Chicagoland checkout the curated list of Chicagoland Dive Shops
Tip: If you see a diver standing off to the side looking nervous, say hi and offer to buddy with them. It takes guts to âjust show upâ alone. Iâve been there. It sucks. A simple âHey, need a buddy?â can make someoneâs day.
2. Check Out Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are hit or miss. Theyâre great for networking, but unreliable for actually scheduling dives.
If you are in Chicagoland checkout the curated Chicagoland Community Engagement options.
3. Just Show Up
Yes, it works... but it's awkward. If youâre not the type to introduce yourself to strangers, this might not be for you. That said, Iâve shown up at a populer dive site on a random Saturday and managed to tag along with pre-existing buddy groups. Success rate? 100%. Comfort level? Awkward.
4. Try the Dive With Buddy App
This has potential, but itâs not widely adopted yet. The main issue? It needs an automatic dive log sync feature. Right now, manually logging dives is a pain. Iâm over there if you want to check it out. You can find it here: Dive With Buddy App.
5. Use ScubaBoard... Cautiously
While registering is fine, be careful when postingâsome members are great, others are, well... not. And remember: donât argue with jerks on the internet. Theyâll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
That said, Iâve found ScubaBoard useful for researching dive trips. Just take most advice with a grain of saltâonly about 10% of what 90% of the people say on ScubaBoard is worth trusting.
6. Join a Dive Club
Many dive shops and independent groups have local dive clubs that organize regular dives, training events, and social meetups. These clubs are a great way to meet like-minded divers and build long-term buddy relationships.
If you are in Chicagoland checkout the curated Chicagoland Community Engagement options.
7. Take a Continuing Education Class
Enrolling in courses like Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or specialty courses (Nitrox, Drysuit, Deep Diving) is a great way to meet other divers who are serious about improving their skills. Training alongside someone often builds a natural dive partnership.