Fitness Insights Pt 2: Transforming Observation into a Profit Center by Gretchen M. Ashton

Pt 2 of a 3 Part Series on Helping Your Customers to Get Healthier

by Gretchen M. Ashton, CFT, SFT, SFN, SSC, NBFE, Founder of ScubaFit®

BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS and client loyalty in the diving industry relies on more than just sharing information – it’s about keen observation. By combining knowledge with attentive observation, dive professionals can foster longevity and retention among clients, ultimately creating new opportunities for business growth.

Perhaps one of the most informative conversations around preparedness for diving is not a personal question, but an open discussion about general fitness, comfort in the water, and readiness for physical activity. It is understandable to ask how this relates to teaching someone to dive safely. After all, physical fitness is not a formal area of teaching responsibility or medical expertise required of dive professionals. Yet increased motivation for divers to adopt a fitness-for-diving lifestyle can begin simply with access to better information. Understanding what happens to the body when diving, the health profile of the diving community, and the benefits of exercise for diving bring insights into how physical fitness helps maintain medical fitness and improves safety, the enjoyment of, and longevity of diving.

The Value of Observation: Every interaction with a client – from gear fitting to skill assessment and actual dives – offers a chance to observe their physical fitness and health. Observation isn’t limited to first impressions; it involves noticing how divers manage equipment, move in the water, and perform essential tasks. For example, can a diver handle their gear independently and swim confidently? These are starting points for encouraging ongoing improvement and long-term engagement in diving.

Paid Advertisement

Gear Fitting as a Fitness Assessment

Gear fitting is more than matching sizes; it’s an opportunity to assess flexibility, mobility, and comfort. Subtle difficulties, such as trouble putting on fins or a wetsuit, may indicate physical limitations like joint injuries or muscle imbalances. These observations can spark conversations about fitness and introduce clients to exercise programs or specialty courses that enhance diving performance.

ScubaFit® Diver Course – A Pathway to Performance and Profit: The ScubaFit® Diver Course, designed for the diving community, supports ongoing performance and offers dive shops a way to establish a fitness profit center.

• Dive professionals can complete the course online. PADI shops require instructor-level certification to teach this specialty. ScubaFit® suggests divemaster and above and encourages every diver to take the course.
• After course completion, instructors receive teaching materials and personalized support from ScubaFit® to tailor the program for their dive center.
• Courses can be scheduled for groups, with a recommended minimum of eight participants per instructor. The program is also valuable for staff development, allowing teams to assist with larger classes.
• Dive centers set their own pricing, and ScubaFit® recommends a minimum fee. The course can be bundled with other certifications for added value, especially during open water, advanced, rescue, and divemaster training.
• Teaching is classroom-based, with minimal overhead, and typically takes seven to ten hours, divided into three-hour segments. The first two sessions can follow morning dives with a healthy lunch, while the third session – featuring exercise demonstrations – must be scheduled at least 24 hours after diving activities.
• Fitness professionals can earn continuing education units, and dive centers are encouraged to form teams of fitness and diving professionals to deliver the course. ScubaFit® was developed by experts from both fields to bring comprehensive fitness solutions to divers. Shops interested in promoting ScubaFit® apparel can arrange a simple licensing agreement.

Observing During Diving Activities: Dive professionals gain the best insights by observing clients on land, at the surface, and underwater. Avoid making assumptions based on appearance, as this can damage relationships and compromise safety. Instead, focus on practical fitness indicators and adapt support to each diver’s needs.

Experience and Adaptation: Fitness is key for divers who have overcome illness, injury, or physical challenges. These divers often become more cautious and skilled, adapting their approach to suit their abilities, respecting safety limits, and demonstrating strong self-awareness, contributing to their longevity in the sport. Instructors, too, adapt their practices over time.

Conclusion: Combining information and observation about fitness for diving is crucial for building client relationships and ensuring a long-lasting diving lifestyle.

Paid Advertisement

Click here to read the full article on our Flippingbook platform!

Watch the Interview on Level Up for this issue:

Watch the Marketing Minutes Interview: