A post on another board really brought home the high cost of diving, and how its just gone up and up in the past few years. My first wreck dive off NJ cost me $65.00, which was the Mohawk off the Seeker dive boat. Now trips are costing $90.00 or so. Add the skyrocketing price of gas, tank fills, tolls, and food, and a dive off shore is costing at least $150.00 or more.

How the hell are us middle-class divers doing this without sacrificing family obligations, like paying for the kids school lunches, or sports gear, or....well, you get the idea.

I've already had to pass up on some offshore trips, and as of today, arranged for a second job to help pay for my hobby. I just can't seem to be able to justifiy the high cost of diving with my single salary, even though I make what many would think is a good amount of cash. Four kids quickly reduces this amount to squat. There is a saying that a father is someone who puts pictures of his kids in his wallet where his money used to be.

Ok, I ranted enough. Sorry, but I've been so frustrated lately with my lack of diving due to the cost. Maybe I'll just be spending more time in Dutch this year (not that this is a bad thing. I like Dutch).