How to Spot a Scuba Diver (out of the water)

There are some things we simply cannot hide that show us as divers, whether its that odd tan line or the fact we navigate all conversations to diving and marine life, here are some key ways to spot a diver from afar!

1. They own more dive gear than normal clothes

Sure, a wetsuit is needed for diving, but they also have a backup wetsuit, a long one, a short one, a thick one, a thin one, one with a hood… the list goes on!

They'll be on a first-name basis with the team at the local dive shop. Of course they need regular clothes, but the dive shop is where all their money goes, after all, you can never have too many dive accessories, right?

2. They always communicate with hand signals

In everyday conversations, they can't help but use the “OK” sign, “problem” sign, or even, “I have to pee,” sign.  They just can’t help it, talking without hand signals doesn’t seem right.

When they’re with their buddy on a dive, they can have an entire, perfectly understood conversation underwater, whilst everyone around simply stares with confusion and bewilderment!

3. They love a good dive related pun

Coming up from a MANTAstic dive having had a FINtanstic time. Time to get into the sun for some Vitamin SEA, and just for the HALIBUT, ask your buddy, “WATER you doing tomorrow?” “Diving?" "SHELL Yeah!"

Divers work best under pressure and know that it feels better when its deeper! We also know to keep your friends close and your ANEMONES closer because, after all, life’s a BEACH and we just want to have a SEALioulsy good time!

4. All their pets have dive-related nicknames

Yes, even their pets are forced to follow in the theme. They probably have a pet cat Nemo, dog named Manta, goldfish called Ocean, maybe even a ferret called Scuba Steve…they just can’t help but bring a little aquatic spirit into every aspect of their life.

5. They wear flip-flops, always

No matter the weather, they can't help but embrace the freedom of flip-flops every day. Sure, it might be freezing outside, but their toes need their space! Eventually, it feels odd to imprison your feet in socks and shoes.

6. They have strange tan lines

Forever in a wetsuit, they have very tanned hands and ankles (only) - unless they're a shorty wearer, in which case, its across their thigh and upper arm. They most definitely will have a large white patch on their wrist from the dive computer, and from the mask, they will have a beautiful stripe of suntan across their forehead :) These tan lines are worn with absolute pride!

7. They pee in the water

As a diver, they are so used to being able to let go whenever the urge takes them, they just can't help themselves (they probably pee in the shower too!).

As the saying goes "there are 2 types of divers; those who pee in their wetsuits... and those who LIE ;)

8. Ears are a constant problem

When you dive all the time, it’s the ears that take the toll!  Whether it’s that annoying bit of water in caught in there, struggling with seemingly constant infections or simply can’t hear so well anymore… They are always rinsing out their ears, applying drops and you see them trying equalise at even the slightest change in altitude!

9. They have sooo many dive stories

They may not be talking about their latest dive trip every single minute of the day (even if they wish they could), but if anyone brings up the ocean or marine life, oh boy! They have countless stories of amazing shark encounters, hair-raising currents, crazy buddies... – you just have to wait for the subject to be brought up, and then they’re off!

10. Every body of water is a potential dive

Whether it’s a pond, river, or just a puddle on the street, you see them squinting at the water, wondering what’s lurking beneath. They are always imagining what’s below, even if it's just a few feet of water, after all, it could be the perfect spot for a dive!

10. They are always planning for the next dive trip

Whether there is a planned vacation coming up or not, their Google history is filled with “best dive locations”, or “where’s the best place to dive this time of year”. Every time they meet a fellow diver/traveler, they navigate the conversation to try to get the lowdown on where’s good to dive and make mental notes of where’s next on their list.