I realize this is an old thread, but I am quickly becoming an old man, so if I may, as a veteran of 1 1/2 trips (damn hurricanes), allow me to answer a few questions...
are we safe? I thought safety was a constant topic and concern during my experiences. Some of the better safety related conversations I have had actually. But in reality, it doesn't matter how safe SD is or isn't, your personal safety is your personal responsibility. There are experienced divers and even professionals that will look out for new divers, but it is also important that individuals know their limits and training and make sure the diving of a given trip is for them before booking.
are we wild crazy partiers? Well if you are looking for Girls Gone Wild partying, you won't find that. If you want some fun and silliness, this is a great place to be, but SD is a dive centered organization, so expect the partying to be rather minimal until the diving is done. After all, you can get drunk anytime at home, but you can't dive in these locations every day, so why not keep the blackouts and hangovers at home? That being said, NEVER A DULL MOMENT. And as a member, Zack I believe said on one trip, "I bring my own good time with me". Words to live by, learned right here
are we a bunch of eccentric dorks? I think so, but I see nothing wrong with that either. Diving for some people is an activity, for others it is a lifestyle. If you are the latter, or want to see what that is all about, join a trip. On the other hand if you don't like diving, divers, talking about diving, well, what are you reading this for? Admit you are an eccentric dork and have some fun.
are we all super incredible snobish divers who don't want to dive with newbies? The trips I was on were incredibly appropriate for new divers. Plenty of options so that both advanced divers as well as new divers had good dives, and with plenty of friendly experienced and knowledgeable divers, if you just got a C-card, well, can you afford NOT to go on one of these trips?
are we ignorant divers who don't dive safe? This goes back to my original point. Safety is everyone's concern, I thought the group was safe, I also think that I do not care, because I am in charge of myself.
are we accepting of new people into the group? I never felt like "new people" so I can't answer this one. Then again, perhaps I just did.
will I feel left out? Only if you want to be, and then you may get annoyed as people keep trying to include you.
how will I find my ride at the airport? The ride found me, and everyone looks like their pictures so I didn't feel as though introductions were even necessary.
what kind of a roommate will I get? Well if it is me, it will be a room mate who thinks farts are funny. If it is not me, then I don't know, ask SD...
what if I'm not single? Whether you are or are not, it doesn't matter, everyone has to participate in the introductory org....nah, not really. If you want a date you should try and figure that out before you go, otherwise, this is a dive trip, so single, attached, married, do you know how to have fun? Thats all that matters...
See you around!
Drew, Well said.I'll 2nd this..
Sharon and 
!!!! Of course SD could also stand for simply delightful as you get to know the site and people. Just got back from the Maldives live aboard, another one of Kamala and crew's fabulous trips!!! Hope you check us out and come play with us soon 
