If you’re here because diving looks amazing but you’re not sure how people actually get started, you’re in the right place. 50dives is built around one simple idea: diving is easier (and way more fun) when you can see it up close, meet real divers, and connect with the local shop or instructor who can train you well.
We create community-powered moments—meetups, conversations, and “here’s how this really works” introductions—so you can go from I’ve been thinking about it to I know my next step.
This page explains how to participate, how to host or support a stop, and how we help you connect with dive shops and instructors—because those relationships are where your diving journey truly begins.
Participate: show up, ask questions, meet your people
You don’t need to be an expert to be part of 50dives. If you’re interested in learning to dive, we want you in the room.
A 50dives stop is designed to be approachable. Expect a friendly, low-pressure vibe where you can:
- Meet divers and ask the questions you’ve been Googling at 1 a.m. What training is like. What gear matters. What it costs in real life. What people wish they knew earlier.
- Get clarity on the path from “never tried” to certified diver. We’ll help you understand the typical steps and what to do first.
- Connect with a local dive shop or instructor. Not as a sales pitch—more like matchmaking for your next step.
If you’re already certified, you’re still welcome. New divers learn faster when they can talk to people who’ve been exactly where they are.
How to join a stop: When you see a 50dives event near you, reach out and we’ll tell you what’s happening, where to go, and what to expect. If there isn’t a stop near you yet, you can help change that (keep reading).
Host a stop: help us bring 50dives to your area
Want 50dives to come through your town, your lake, your coastline, or your community? Hosting doesn’t mean you need a big venue or a complicated plan. Most of the time, what we need is a local anchor—someone who knows the area, knows the community, and wants more people to experience diving.
You can support a stop in a few different ways:
- Be the connector. Introduce us to a local dive shop, instructor, club, or community group.
- Help us find a great gathering spot. Think: a shop classroom, a community room, a laid-back place to meet where people can talk.
- Bring the energy. Invite your friends, your local community, and the people who keep saying “one day I’ll try diving.”
You don’t have to do this alone. We’ll work with you to shape something that fits your area and your local dive culture.
How to request a stop: Send us a message with your location and what you have in mind. If you already know a dive shop or instructor who might want to collaborate, include their info—introductions go a long way.
Connecting with dive shops & instructors: your best next step (for real)
If your goal is to actually learn to dive—not just watch videos and dream about it—your local dive shop and instructors are the key. They’re the ones who:
- teach the skills properly and safely
- help you find training that fits your pace
- guide you on gear without overwhelm
- plug you into local diving so you’re not doing it alone
We’re big believers in local knowledge. Conditions, access, seasonality, and training options vary a lot by region. A good local shop or instructor can translate the whole sport into something that feels doable.
When we plan a stop, we aim to make it easier for you to have that first conversation. If you’ve ever felt awkward reaching out—like you need the “right” question or the “right” level of seriousness—this is your permission slip:
You can simply start with:
> “I’m curious about learning to dive. What would you recommend as a first step around here?”
That’s enough. A great instructor will take it from there.
What you’ll walk away with
Diving can feel like a closed world when you’re on the outside. We built 50dives to open the door.
After connecting with us (and your local pros), you should feel:
- Clear on what learning to dive actually involves—and what it doesn’t
- More confident asking questions (even the basic ones)
- Connected to people nearby who can help you take the next step
- Excited—without being pressured
Our goal isn’t to rush you. It’s to help you move forward with confidence.
A quick note on safety, training, and expectations
We love introducing people to the sport—but training and in-water instruction belong with qualified professionals. That’s why we emphasize connection with local shops and instructors.
If you’re wondering whether you “need” anything before you participate in a 50dives stop: usually, you just need curiosity. If a particular event has special requirements (location rules, capacity limits, or anything else), we’ll tell you up front.
Ready to get involved?
If you want to join a stop, reach out and we’ll help you find the best way to plug in.
If you want to host a stop, tell us where you are and what kind of local support you have (or want to build).
If you’re not sure what you need, message us anyway. Tell us your location and your goal—try diving once, get certified, find a community, get back into it—and we’ll point you toward a smart next step.