Can You 'Really' Dive?

[rockjock3]

As the OP said, you can always PAY a DM/guide. I did this for my first dive out of NC. Turned out I didn't need a guide, but wanted to make sure I had someone experienced with local conditions. I also have insta-buddy-phobia. On that first dive I met another diver I was comfortable with and we dove the second dive that day and a second day. You can always find someone to guide you if you are willing to pay.

Most people do this either through paying for the charter or tipping, even if they are just getting the free charters they are getting paid by the customer in some way.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

I would do almost anything for my buddy.
.
.
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:kiss2: Joyce, I'd dive and carry your gear anytime!

How did I miss this one yesterday?

Can I watch?

 

[Cave Diver]

Nah. I absolutely 100% disagree with the OP simply because she has lumped every single diver out there into the same pool. Without distinction I am firmly planted on the AGAINST side of the fence.

Totally agree. As Deepstops mentioned some people take things literally, and I'm one of those people.

I'm a "vacation diver" because all of my diving is done on vacation/holidays as there is no place really conducive to diving in my local area. I can drive to Pensacola in about the same time and effort as it takes for us to get far enough offshore in my area of Texas for a decent dive.

Just because I don't have the opportunity to dive every weekend like some people doesn't mean I'm lacking in skills, training or dedication, inferior in any way.

I realize the OP was venting and I didn't take it personally, but the choice of wording could have been better.

OTOH, I've started more than one thread that got taken out of context myself...

 

[joystershell]

How did I miss this one yesterday?

Can I watch?

As long as you get my stuff next time, FRIEND! :kiss2:

 

[ScubaSteve]

....I did not take it personally because I do not care if the OP likes me as a diver. I will likely never dive with them. I may not be as perfect as they would like everybody to be, but I am a competent and safe diver. That is good enough for me.

Totally agree. As Deepstops mentioned some people take things literally, and I'm one of those people.

I'm a "vacation diver" because all of my diving is done on vacation/holidays as there is no place really conducive to diving in my local area. I can drive to Pensacola in about the same time and effort as it takes for us to get far enough offshore in my area of Texas for a decent dive.

Just because I don't have the opportunity to dive every weekend like some people doesn't mean I'm lacking in skills, training or dedication, inferior in any way.

I realize the OP was venting and I didn't take it personally, but the choice of wording could have been better.

OTOH, I've started more than one thread that got taken out of context myself...

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

As long as you get my stuff next time, FRIEND! :kiss2:

Well then, that's just horrific

 

[KBeck]

Well then, that's just horrific

Yeah, Joyce; he's busy carrying my gear for me!

 

[joystershell]

Yeah, Joyce; he's busy carrying my gear for me!

Now that's what FRIENDS are for!

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

Yeah, Joyce; he's busy carrying my gear for me!

Oh, Snap!

 

[OnceLoyal]

Hello everyone! The few that know me know I'm a lurker here. I also have a butt load of dives (and I'm an instructor) so occasionally I feel strong enough about a subject where I have a "NEED" to post.

That being said...

Are you a vacation diver? Do you 'expect' someone to carry all of your gear...babysit you underwater (not just be a buddy), are you just not sure of normal boat ettiqutte, does your car/suv/truck smell like anything other than moldy scuba gear?

Ok....IF you answered YES to any of the above...you have no business putting yourself on a boat 'assuming' someone will take care of you. Unless you have paid (dearly) to a licensed DM for personal assistance DO NOT go on a charter assuming your buddy will do all of this for you. Sure, I've done it...and will do it on occasion for a regular dive buddy, who I know does not expect it from me or anyone else, just being nice.

IF you are not experienced enough(be honest with yourself..or ask me..I'm not shy..I'll tell you straight up), have ongoing health issues, or are for whatever reason you feel 'dependent' on others for you to have a good dive...the best possible solution would be for you to ONLY dive on larger boats, and hire a DM for your personal assistance. Your friends DO NOT want to carry your gear (yes ladies that means you too) They are there to enjoy diving..not spend their day worried about if YOU can finish the dive...or the day.

So...before you go diving...
After your gear check...
ask yourself...

-Can I haul my gear ALONE to the charter(tanks included)? Back to your car after the dive?
-Can I haul my butt out of the water alone if the conditions get ugly (or even if they are mild)?
-Could I rescue myself?
-Will my buddy feel safe with me as their buddy?
-Would you feel good about yourself putting someone elses life at risk just because you are too dependent?

If you could not answer ALL of the questions with YES, then you need to rethink any diving without being under the direct supervision of a paid DM or INSTRUCTOR. (no solicitation implied)

Your friends and associates are not there to hold your hand. They had to do it themselves...so should you.

You could very possibly be ruining someones fun insuring your own.

WOW!!! Being the whine section this is freekin awesome!!!!!!!!! Darn good read!!!