Out Scuba’s “26 in 26 Challenge” Builds Skills, Community, and Pride Beneath the Surface
As the new year approaches, Out Scuba invites you to take your diving to the next level — and have a blast doing it — with our “26 in 26 Challenge.” This year-long initiative encourages LGBTQ+ divers and allies to complete 26 dives in 2026, building experience, gaining training, and strengthening our vibrant dive community along the way.
Whether you’re a newly certified diver or a seasoned pro, this challenge is designed to be flexible, fun, and deeply rewarding. It’s not a competition — it’s a personal journey, a community celebration, and a chance to make 2026 your most adventurous year yet.
Why 26 Dives in 2026?
The number 26 is symbolic — one dive for every two weeks of the year — but the real goal is consistency and connection. Diving regularly helps you:
- Build confidence and skill in a variety of conditions.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by going through a tank of air too fast, the answer is experience. Get it by doing it. - Explore new dive sites and environments.
Our area is full of new places to dive and you don’t have to venture far to find them. From Palm Beach to the Keys, there is something for everyone. - Stay active and engaged in your certification level or training path. Although the actual number varies between training agencies, almost all of them recognize making 20-25 dives in a year as a significant achievement and they make it part of their training curriculum.
- Connect with other divers through shared experiences.
Building your network of dive buddies is a great way to increase your circle of friends and expose yourself to lots of different kinds of diving. - Celebrate your identity in a welcoming, affirming space.
We are unabashedly pro LGBTQIA+ and build spaces where you can be yourself.
And let’s be honest — it’s also a great excuse to get in the water more often!
How It Works
The 26 in 26 Challenge is simple by design:
- Log 26 dives between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
- Track your dives using your preferred method — a dive computer, logbook, app, or spreadsheet.
- Include at least one training dive (e.g., a specialty course, rescue practice, or skill refresher).
- Present your log at our December 2026 Out Scuba Celebration, where we’ll recognize everyone who completed the challenge.
There’s no fee to participate, no rigid schedule, and no pressure. You can dive with Out Scuba, with your local dive shop, on vacation, or even solo (as long as it’s safe and logged). The goal is to keep diving — and keep growing.
Who Can Participate?
The challenge is open to all Out Scuba members who are certified divers (Open Water and above) If you’re not certified yet, 2026 is the perfect year to start! Your certification dives can count toward your 26, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Check out one of our instructor members and ask them about getting your training started.
Dive With Us
While you’re welcome to complete your dives however and wherever you like, Out Scuba will be offering monthly group dives, training opportunities, and travel experiences throughout the year to help you reach your goal.
We’re proud to offer inclusive, affirming dive experiences across South Florida and beyond. From local reef dives to weekend getaways and specialty courses, there will be plenty of chances to log dives with friends — and make new ones.
What Counts as a Dive?
We want this challenge to be inclusive and accessible, so we’ve kept the criteria simple:
✅ Recreational dives (shore, boat, drift, wreck, night, etc.)
✅ Training dives (specialty courses, refreshers, rescue scenarios)
✅ Travel dives (domestic or international)
✅ Dives with any certified buddy or group
✅ Dives with Out Scuba or other clubs
🚫 Pool sessions, snorkel trips, or unlogged dives don’t count — but they’re still great practice!
Recognition & Celebration
At the end of the year, we’ll host a special celebration in December 2026 to honor everyone who completed the challenge. You’ll have the chance to:
- Share your dive log and favorite stories.
- Receive a commemorative patch or certificate.
- Be recognized for milestones like most diverse dive sites, most training dives, or most improved diver.
- Celebrate with the community you’ve grown with all year long.
This isn’t about being the “best” diver — it’s about showing up, diving in, and making memories.
Why It Matters
For LGBTQ+ divers, visibility and community matter — both above and below the surface. The 26 in 26 Challenge is more than just a dive log; it’s a way to:
- Affirm your identity in a space that celebrates who you are.
- Build resilience and confidence through skill development.
- Foster friendships and mentorship within the dive community.
- Support inclusive dive operators and safe spaces for all.
We believe that diving should be for everyone — and that the ocean is better when we explore it together.
Ready to Join?
There’s no formal registration required — just start logging your dives in 2026 and plan to join us in December 2026 to celebrate your achievement. If you’d like to stay in the loop about Out Scuba dive events, training opportunities, or group trips, be sure to:
- Join the club which includes being added to our email list
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and/or BlueSky.
- Check out our events calendar at OutScuba.com
Let’s make 2026 a year of adventure, growth, and connection. Whether you’re diving into a new certification, exploring new depths, or just getting back in the water, the 26 in 26 Challenge is your invitation to dive deeper — into the ocean, into your community, and into yourself.