How's Business?

The Leisure Trends Group, which surveys the dive industry, reports that “retail sales in major equipment categories were absolutely abysmal this August. Dive customers are avoiding high-ticket dive equipment. Dive computers are down 36% in dollars; B.C’s, 28%; and regulators, 21% from August 2001. The ‘under $150’ categories did not get hit as hard. Sales of fins are down 18%; masks, 15%; and snorkels, 13% from last August. Are there any bright spots? Yes! Equipment needed for certification courses and dive instruction are both up.”