If we think of women divers in the media we think of the Bond girls or Jessica Alba from ‘Into the Blue’ but this is not the reality – especially here in Wellington.
I started diving in 1997 and never saw another woman dive – it was very much an all male affair. When I asked my instructors they said there were women in the club but when I asked where they were I was told “They don’t dive in winter!” or even “They don’t dive in NZ!”
Although the male attitude to diving nearly made me quit being underwater was a lot of fun and I stuck with it diving every other weekend. However when I asked to consider the instructor course later that year my first response was “I can’t – I am a girl” to which the response was “That is exactly why we need you as an instructor.”
Times have changed but here in New Zealand diving is still often considered a male activity – with heavy gear, cold water and the hunter-gatherer culture pervading. Statistics show that males do still dominate with only 30% of PADI Certifications worldwide being female from Open Water Divers right through to Instructor ratings.
Our statistics back this up with 26% of our Open Water students being female, increasing to 30% if we include all our certifications. However if you come club diving you will see a larger proportion of females on our dives. There are several possible explanations for this of course: it could be that our staff are lovely, that females like the social aspects of club dives or that males once certified are happier to go off diving with mates. The reasons don’t matter BUT if you are a female diver in Wellington it means that you are more than likely to find another girl on the trip and less likely to be overwhelmed by testosterone like I was when I first started diving.
As females we can discuss the trials and tribulations of finding the right suit to wear, how to get a comb through our hair after a dive, chipping nail polish or how best to pee off the back of a boat! (I am definitely interested in trying out my Shewee from a moving platform – it works well at the beach)
As a female instructor I get asked a lot of interesting questions – usually from divers concerned that having their period increases their risk of either DCS or shark attack – don’t worry there is no evidence to show either of these possibilities are more likely. However the most interesting question came while I was working in Vanuatu. A girl came up to me after a dive and pulled me aside to ask a personal question – “Where do you buy condoms here?” I don’t think she believed me when I told her to go to the chemist and ask for a ‘rubber blong fuk fuk’ the local language is quite literal!
Who says life is not interesting?
Each year we run a ‘Ladie’s Night’ to encourage more ladies to get involved in diving. This year we are meeting at Huia Pool on Wednesday 24th of October at 7pm and will start with drinks (non-alcholic of course) & nibbles before jumping in the pool. Maybe you haven’t dived since your course, have never dived in New Zealand or perhaps you have friends and family who want to experience scuba diving – this is the night to get diving! You will need to book so contact Claire on 568 5028. We will follow this up with a Ladies dive & picnic (bring a plate) on Sunday 28th October.
Wellington diving is not a fashion statement or a case of one upmanship but about making the most of the opportunities available, diving with someone who shares your interests and then sharing your experiences with your dive buddy and the club.
Male or female we are all divers!