How do you guys go about meeting new dive buddies? I'm in the unfortunate position that most of my friends don't dive, or I can't get a time to go diving with them.

I'd like to meet some new dive buddies, but worried I'll end up with someone who'll kill me, haha. Any advice? What do you guys do?

I recommend joining a scuba dive club. You will find a lot of experienced divers there.

Here is the dive club I belong to. http://mudclub.scubaobsessed.com If you do a search on dive club and your state you will find some.

-Darrin

http://scubaobsessed.com
http://darrinjillson.wordpress.com
http://mudclub.scubaobsessed.com

I've seen a lot of websites offering services for divers to meet buddies, so basically matchmaking dives.

I was wondering if anyone has thoughts on this service? Although I kind of like the idea of meeting new randoms and diving, it seems like a bit of a recipe for disaster!

Yeah, I wouldn't like to just go diving with someone I don't know. You got to be able to trust your buddy. I think joining the local club is a good place to start. You could do some more training as you will get buddied up with someone and under instructor supervision, I've met loads of people this way at home and abroad.

What I have done before (if you are away somewhere) is to go to the dive shop, do the first day diving with the centre, It may be a bit more expensive, but you will get to know the area better. I find often on these days that you meet people while out.

After spending a day on a boat with someone I think you will get a better feel for them than through an online match-maker.

I too have few friends who dive and this is a problem. Although if you put the time into getting to know people then it can be rewarding and a nice way to share advice, information and experiences.