Posted by Bill Johnson on August 22, 2001 at 20:01:57:
In Reply to: Actually, PADI seems to care quite a bit about equipment sales posted by msblucow on August 22, 2001 at 10:50:24:
If PADI shops seem to care about equipment sales so much, why do so many PADI shops promote rental diving?
One of the reasons people only take Open Water Diver and then stop their education or drop out of diving altogether is because they have no commitment to the sport. In order to go diving, they have to go down to the shop and fork out an additional $40 for crap gear that is different everytime. I think every shop that sells a new diver a full set of gear is doing that diver a great service. That student will now most likely become a diver instead of just certified. I have seen many PADI shops with the philosophy that it is OK to be a rental diver. It is not OK. Rental divers are a disservice to themselves and the industry.
Regards,
Bill