Choosing the Right
One Size Does Not Fit All
You're going to meet an extreme variety of divers throughout your time egaging in this hobby. Some will be vacation reef divers who go on one dive charter each summer, whereas others might find themselves exploring caves several times each week. You'll find professionals, enthusiasts, and casual divers at every corner, and need to understand that what works for them might not work for you.
Many divers never advance beyond their open water scuba diver certification, and there's nothing wrong with that if they plan on resort diving shallow reefs indefinitely. Others will never stop pursuing technical training opportunities and flying around the world to see places most people could never dream of.
The question of one's own path is a very personal one, and one that doesn't need to be answered with haste. Worth noting, is that you're more than likely to change your mind as time goes on. I, for one, always said I would never go into technical diving, then found myself obtaining and diving a rebreather with one of the most accomplished technical divers in Florida.
Keep an open mind, and be sure to ask about the different trainings available to you, keeping in mind your long-term goals.
Setting Goals
This sport has so much to offer that there's no way any one individual can do it all. That being said, there's plenty of options to consider when looking at potential goals for yourself. Here are a few ideas to consider:
The Reef Enthusiast - Intent on seeing (and capturing on video) every fish in the water, this diver focuses primarily on camera skills, buoyancy, and extended bottom times, with some considering a rebreather to avoid spooking the fish.
The Professional - Determined to share their expertise with newer divers, these individuals focus heavily on rescue techniques, dive theory, and diver/student management.
The Techie - Desiring nothing more than to break past the limits of recreational diving and make it back in one piece, these divers employ a wide range of equipment, gases, and trainings to join the most skillful divers on the planet.
The Altruist - Not everyone engages in this sport for the fun of it. Many scientific, restoration, and public safety divers have dedicated much of their lives towards delving beneath the water's surface to the benefit of their planet or fellow man.
Grabbing the Next Ladder Rung
If you have a rough idea of what your long term diving goals look like, it might be time to figure out what your next steps are. A rescue diver looking to explore ice caverns, for example, might need to look at dry suit and full face mask training before signing up for technical coursework.
As your instructor, it's my job to provide training upon request and asssist you in earning various certifications. As your mentor, on the other hand, I take it upon myself to ensure that you're pursuing the right trainings to support your long term goals. I find no joy in convincing students to take coursework they don't need, and am very frank when a particular specialty course wouldn't be of much value.
Whether you're already set on your goals, or simply curious about what's out there, please don't hesitate to reach out and explore your options with me. It would be an honor to contribute towards your future as a masterful diver, regardless of your path.
As with all content on this site, this article was typed out key-by-key by Cuda, who now needs a nap.