ScubaSteve1962
Contributor
I'm noticing a pattern when giving advice to newbies, why do so many seem against guided dives? Did you forget that you were a newbie at one time? I've even seen some that say anyone should be able to go back to where they took their OW and be able to dive with just a buddy, I agree with that for those that took it in quarry or a lake, but for those of us that took them in the ocean that may be a little bit difficult. When on your first few dives, don't you have enough to worry about before the dive than hoping you hook up with someone to dive with. And on your first few ocean dives when you're working on buoyancy, air consumption, anxiety, and any other issues than to be making sure you watch in case your insta buddy isn't as good as they think they are? There are some of us who's only diving experience was in places where guides were required so we didn't know that when you booked with an op in Fla that you may have to hire your own. And when people are suggesting dive ops they don't mention that fact, just the size of the boat and the number of divers, and maybe something about the captain and dive master, but nothing about you may be dependent on an insta buddy!