Mentors?

[TMHeimer]

I've taken quite a few courses, but due to location have never really had a mentor. I notice that many SBers, pro or not, recommend a mentor at times in lieu of (spending money on) another course. We all know that a DM is not permitted to teach uncertified divers, nor to teach certified ones new stuff. Yet dive pros recommend at times to get a mentor. They don't specifically say that the mentor need be a pro- an instructor or even a DM. Would pros recommending this be in breach of agency standards? What do you think? We also read of people learning stuff along the way and getting into bad habits.

 

[USdiver1]

Perhaps I'm a bit throw by the use of the word mentor. To me a mentor is a more experienced individual in my profession who is willing to show me the way to avoid pitfalls and climb the ladder of success. I think that unless you are specifically engaged or wanting to join the ranks of diving professionals (and I mean by this those who derive a good portion of their income through diving related activities rather than as a way to subsidize their hobby - which I freely admit that I'm guilty of) I think that what you may be looking for a more experienced dive buddy / fellow enthusiast who dives the way you also dive, or desire to dive. An example would be technical diving (cave, deco, mixed gases, etc.) or vintage equipment diving, or any one of several specialties (spear fishing, u/w photography, warm water dive trip divas) and for those kinds of buddies I would look for the following: 1) local dive club; 2) specific affinity online community (to make/keep in contact) but whose members regularly meet to dive; and 3) LDS as all kinds walk through the door of your local shop, and the manager will undoubtably have the names and contact numbers of several individuals who probably practice the kind of diving that you want to. Once contact is made (be out going, active divers are one of the few groups whom I can feel comfortable with in an instant - we are all of one tribe) be observant and helpful and you will be able to dive with those folks (some additional training may be needed). I have not met a diver yet who doesn't enjoy sharing his or her passion for the sport with other like minded individuals. Be patient, and you will have the mentor/buddy that you need. Also once you are in with a group of soul mates, all of your diving (wether it be actually getting wet or not) will be more enjoyable. We come together because of our passion for scuba, but we stay together because of the camaraderie of our group.

 

[rhwestfall]

In the distant past, my dive buddy happened to also be a DM (though not his primary occupation). We did a bunch of diving, and he was a great buddy. There was no exchange of funds for the knowlege or skills he helped me attain, nor was there any "certification" earned....

Friends work with friends....

 

[spectrum]

I don't see a conflict in mentoring relationships. I'd like to think that a few divers have considered me to be something of a mentor over the years. I don't think I have ever taken them beyond their training but it often means filling gaps that they misssed or were ommitted. Most of it is just being there to dive with and lead by example. It's rewarding when the time comes to have them lead the dive and they get you home as planned. We do sometimes talk technical details that get glossed over in today's classes but it's in the context of understanding present dives, not a bootleg deco class. It really depends on the interest of the new diver, some want to know how, other why and others everthing. Others can't be bothered and just do it all the hard way.

There are a lot of details that just never make the sylabus and absorbtion rates vary.

 

[lsorenson]

What would keep me from practicing with another diver certified of any level...? What would keep me from helping someone who was looking for some help with skills?

lee

I've taken quite a few courses, but due to location have never really had a mentor. I notice that many SBers, pro or not, recommend a mentor at times in lieu of (spending money on) another course. We all know that a DM is not permitted to teach uncertified divers, nor to teach certified ones new stuff. Yet dive pros recommend at times to get a mentor. They don't specifically say that the mentor need be a pro- an instructor or even a DM. Would pros recommending this be in breach of agency standards? What do you think? We also read of people learning stuff along the way and getting into bad habits.

 

[TSandM]

Does it really take a professional to tell someone they need to do a weight check, because they look like they're badly overweighted? Does it take a pro to suggest that part of the reason they're having trouble descending is that they're kicking themselves back up? Does it take a pro to tell someone who is practicing air-sharing drills that they varied 5' in depth and 30 degrees of trim while doing the drill?

I don't see a mentor as someone who introduces a lot of NEW stuff. I see a mentor as someone who can dive with someone who has had some instruction, and who can help with small tips and with feedback. I've had the benefit of a whole bunch of mentoring in my dive career, and that's what it's been, and that's what I do for others. I don't think you need a pro for that, and I don't think a pro who suggested, for example, to an OW student, that that person should find an experienced buddy to do some dives with and get some tips from would be at all out of line doing that.

 

[Akimbo]

I have had a number of people that I considered mentors, though I doubt that they intended it. Mentors seem to “just happen” rather than sought out or planned. It has as much to do with meshing personalities as knowledge differential. Keep asking questions and you are likely to find one… and become one.

---------- Post Merged at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 02:22 PM ----------

…I don't see a mentor as someone who introduces a lot of NEW stuff. I see a mentor as someone who can dive with someone who has had some instruction, and who can help with small tips and with feedback...

Interesting. In hind sight, the people (not just divers) I now value as mentors are the ones that provided a missing piece of the puzzle or different viewpoint that resulted in countless hours of reflection. Maybe it is just how I am wired… or cross-wired

 

[fnfalman]

I'd like to think that I offer friendly and useful advices to newbies. It's up to them whether or not they'd take my advices or preferring the advices of the professional.

 

[CamG]

Metal sharpens metal!
I always am seeking to learn more to be a better diver and understand other configurations / methods to help me achieve my dive goals.
This mind set has earned me more than several divers "Professionals" whom I consider to be my mentors.
These men and women are serious and love the water and encourage others to do the same.
If I can emulate even half of the positive things they are achieving for the dive community then I will be pleased!

Have I trained with some of these? Sure I have but I have learned far more than the piece of plastic says I learned.
These have become my friends and a part of my dive family of whom I love and respect.
My dive history has been greatly impacted by mentors both professionals and non-pro's.
I try to pass on the skills and mindsets that have been taught to me and care not to do it professionally.

Just my personal choice but I could change my mind in the future but right now I am happy helping others and training myself often focusing on skills that others might not always wish to master.
I love to attack struggles tear them apart and watch divers conquer the struggle and gain mastery!
It was what was done for me and it is what I pass along!
What it has gotten me is a handful of dive buddies I would dive with anytime anywhere!

Train often never accept just "good" but demand mastery!

CamG Keep Diving....Keep Training....Keep Learning!

 

[spectrum]

I have had a number of people that I considered mentors, though I doubt that they intended it. Mentors seam to “just happen” rather than sought out or planned. It has as much to do with meshing personalities as knowledge differential. Keep asking questions and you are likely to find one… and become one.

---------- Post Merged at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 02:22 PM ----------



Interesting. In hind sight, the people (not just divers) I now value as mentors are the ones that provided a missing piece of the puzzle or different viewpoint that resulted in countless hours of reflection. Maybe it is just how I am wired… or cross-wired

I agree there is a big chemistry piece to falling into a mentoring situation. However there are some that actively seek to work with new divers and I would think they see more activity.

The missing piece of the puzzle can fall into either the pro or mentor court and is often that 'stuff they didn't teach you in dive class". It probably does not enable the recipient to do something beyond their certification but it could very well lead to them doing what they do better. Sort of like those old BASF commercials.

All of that being said many divers have crossed the 60 foot mark, gotten into a drysuit or began night diving of their own accord with the guidance of a mentor.

Pete