25 New Year's Resolutions Only Scuba Divers Make

It's that time of the year again, folks. The time where we all vow to improve ourselves — one way or another — and get a fresh start with the onset of a new year! You've heard the repeat offenders (and probably made them yourself, be honest): lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthier, save money, drink less... the list goes on. So here at Scuba Diving magazine, we decided to come up with a list of our own! You know you're a diver when...

Resolution #1: I will stop calling freedivers "snorkelers" behind their back.

Resolution #2: I will finally start saving for my dream dive destination.

So I stop feeling like this guy...

Resolution #3: I will learn a new skill. Maybe underwater photography....

Resolution #4: I'll stop referring to the beginners as "chum."

Resolution #5: I will practice my emergency skills at least twice this year.

Resolution #6: I will not laugh every time somebody on a dive boat uses the words "safety sausage" or "offgas".

Resolution #7: I will not have any drinks the night before a dive.

Disclaimer: Diving hungover is one of the leading causes of DCI. Drink AFTER the dive, not before.

Resolution #8: I will stop peeing in my wetsuit when my buddy is swimming under me.

Resolution #9: I will take part in a Dive Against Debris.

Resolution #10: I will come back in the same dive boat I left in.

Resolution #11: I will encourage my family to dive.

Resolution #12: I will stop taking so many underwater selfies.

But first let me take a selfie...

Resolution #13: I will dive more often to help manage stress.

Resolution #14: I will stop tugging on sharks' fins with my one good hand.

Disclaimer: Really, don't tug on sharks' fins...

Resolution #15: I will join a local diving club.

Resolution #16: I will finally edit all of my underwater video footage.

Resolution #17: I will update my equipment.

Resolution #18: I will find a new dive buddy — but forever love my old one.

Resolution #19: I will subscribe to Scuba Diving magazine. ;)

Resolution #20: I will attend a diving-related function.

Resolution #21: I will ACTUALLY take that refresher course this year.

And also retire my ’80s dive gear...

A Diver's List of New Year's Resolutions

1. I will stop taking so many underwater selfies.
2. I will stop calling freedivers "snorkelers" behind their back.
3. I will visit a new local dive site.
4. I will dive more often to help manage stress.
5. I will stop exaggerating the size of that whale shark I saw that one time (EVEN THOUGH IT WAS HUGE).
6. I'll stop referring to the beginners on the boat as "chum."
7. I will find a new dive buddy — but forever love my old one.
8. I will not have any drinks the night before a dive.
9. I will get another certification: Advanced, Nitrox, Cave Diving, Wreck Diving....
10. I will ACTUALLY take that refresher course this year.
11. I will finally edit all of my underwater video footage.
12. I will learn a new skill. Maybe underwater photography....
13. I'll exchange my mother-in-law's gift certificate for a shark-feeder program.
14. I will take part in a Dive Against Debris.
15. I will stop peeing in my wetsuit when my buddy is swimming under me.
16. I will not laugh every time somebody on a dive boat uses the words "safety sausage" or "offgas".
17. I will finally start saving for my dream dive destination.
18. I will subscribe to Scuba Diving magazine. ;)
19. I will attend a diving-related function.
20. I will stop tugging on sharks' fins with my one good hand.
21. I will join a local diving club.
22. I will update my equipment.
23. I will encourage my family to dive.
24. I will come back in the same dive boat I left in.
25. I will practice my emergency skills at least twice this year.