Solo Diving when traveling

[Paul Desmarais]

I started solo diving because it was hard to find dive buddies for local diving. I really enjoy it, but as I've done more and more of it, I find I want to do it when traveling. The question I have is, what if any of your solo gear do you pack when you travel? Is it possible to rent solo gear (Pony bottle, stage bottle set up)?

 

[MB NZ]

It's highly variable depending on dive centre and local regulations. Do not expect to be able to solo dive everywhere, or even in most places. I usually rent a pony.

 

[happy-diver]

Also solo divers can leap tall buildings in a single bound and also follow the crowds bubbles from a distance

and gear that glimmers and fins that shimmer

 

[LFMarm]

I started solo diving because it was hard to find dive buddies for local diving. I really enjoy it, but as I've done more and more of it, I find I want to do it when traveling. The question I have is, what if any of your solo gear do you pack when you travel? Is it possible to rent solo gear (Pony bottle, stage bottle set up)?

I have been able to sidemount AL80s everywhere I tried. Only thing you need to bring are the tank harnesses and your wing; else you can get from any dive shop (or you can bring your own).

 

[grantmac]

Sidemount makes for very few logistical issues for solo diving. Some places even think you're renting tanks for two people

 

[happy-diver]

Someone decided to call Australia, Down Under mate not Backwards Under, of course you can solo in Australia

I have only been prevented from solo diving in Greece and Australia as per the law in those countries.

 

[MB NZ]

Aussie is top of my list for solo diving holidays. If heading to the Great Barrier Reef, both Mike Ball and Spirit of Freedom liveaboards facilitate solo diving for those that hold a certification.

 

[Kharon]

I always take my own pony (ponies) and everything else except weights and tanks. Many places you can rent a pony - but you most likely need a solo certification card. Someplaces forbid it but look the other way. Some places don't care. You need to check with several dive operations at the desatination.

 

[happy-diver]

lots frown on it others just don't like it, some don't want it on their boat, and may tell you it's a rule

and everyone is scared of it even solo divers

So I'm on the boat having cleared it with the shop staff, but the owner who's leading the diving asks
who I would like to be buddied (what a childish term) with and as I am telling Dan that I was cleared
by the staff and Dan says ok, a ten second conversation, there was also an ignorant cacophony from
other divers during the same ten seconds consisting of, "They won't let you solo on this boat mate!"

AWKWARD!

Must have read it here

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Except for whoever is better somewhere else but I'm not gong to hold my breath in Australia that is

 

[jadairiii]

I find I want to do it when traveling. The question I have is....

The first question should be, why, when going to a location you've never been to, you immediately want to plan to ditch the "group" and take off on our own?

I can only speak for myself, but when I travel to a new location, I always stick with the "group" for at least the first dive or 2, pick up the local knowledge, etc. Especially if you will be diving with the same dive operation. That also gives the operation a chance to judge your abilities too.

Couple of examples, I went to Jamaica, went out with the dive operation, for the first dive, took one look at the reef, put away my gear and snorkeled the rest of the time.

Went to Hawaii, first dives were off Oahu, it was ok, as I left the DM asked if I was coming back, I was honest and said, it was fun, but nothing different than S Florida, with that he took me aside and told me they were going to the North Shore later in the week, I should go. And I did, awesome diving and by the second dive they openly told me to take off on my own and see things they would not allow the group to see. By the second day that had me DM'ing one of the dives! It was great. Point is, had I just "taken off" on my own early on, I would have never had the later opportunities nor would I have built the trust with the operator.

As to your question, again, that goes back to location, will you even need any "solo" gear? Not if your diving a 30' reef for the whole week. And if it will be more advance, just call the operators you are considering and see what gear they offer. That is really the answer to your question.