I got certified in 76 and actively dove locally until 2000. I loved it. During the summer we went every weekend and usually once a month in the winter. Also did some cave diving during the winter months. Main reason I quit was my kids. We always go out in the boat on weekends,so , leaving my wife topside or on the beach to watch kids by herself was not a good option. That s when i started surf or wade fishing.
Also, being located in one of the top dive destinations helps a lot and my first roommate out of college was a dive instructor and good friend who owned a dive shop helped also.
Most of our good diving is in 80 feet or more, so your bottom time is limited, but nitrox has added some benefits to that.
After my daughter got certified, we mostly dove in the keys, usually 60 ft or less.
I gave it up in 2007, but i still miss it. It s a beautiful world under there