Solo shore diving...

[redacted]

To add to my post.. I never sola dive deep waters (walls,++) and never places there are boat trafic.
Thats not smart!

Sendt fra Samsung Galaxy S2, via Tapatalk forum app.

Why do you loose your self-reliance under those conditions? Why is 20 meters any different than 40 meters? Do you have trouble controlling your buoyancy? are you unable to detect and avoid boats without help?

 

[tracydr]

It is really tempting, isn't it? But I am sure you can find others who will buddy with you and it will be both more enjoyable and safer. When you are new to diving, you don't know what you don't know and things can go south quickly, even if you are shallow, when you are alone.

I did a lot of solo shore diving when I was new, because my ex-husband didn't want to shore dive, lake dive or night dive. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't do it anymore. The risk is very high, especially as a new diver. Just the lack of navigational skills alone are cause for concern. Lack of situational awareness and all of the things that can kill you in shallow waters, its just not a good idea.
when you gain more experience, so that you understand what can and will go wrong. Then it's easier to make the right decisions.
As a new diver, its hard to think through emergencies like entanglements, entrapments, strange currents, medical issues that can all happen in shallow water. What will you do if you get tangled underwater and can't reach your knife? Or, if you get a terrible case of vertigo? How about a down current or rip current?
I was slammed by a wave while shore diving in CA last fall and the force of the wave was so strong it could have easily drowned me. I was trapped under about 2 feet of water. If I had lost the regulator from my mouth or didn't know to have it in my mouth while entering the surf that could have been a drowning.
I realize that the shores of Cozumel are much more benign as far as surf but they have their own dangers. Water is always dangerous and deserves respect.
After 18 years of diving and a lifetime of swimming, I have more respect for water than ever. I look back at some of the stupid things I did when I was younger and realize how lucky I am to be alive.
which is a testimony to how basically safe recreational scuba really is.

---------- Post added March 29th, 2013 at 03:00 PM ----------

Wonder if they will let me drag everything into the pool.....

I dive almost everyday all summer in my pool at home. But most hotels won't let you dive in their pools for some reason.
not that I haven't been known to sneak gear in for a quick bubble check, lol!

---------- Post added March 29th, 2013 at 03:02 PM ----------

Yes, Villa Blanca. Im not someone who needs a lot of coral and marine life to enjoy a dive. I love just being in the water, but I understand where you are coming from.

Looks like it will just be easier to go the afternoon one tanker.

These are the reasons I doubt I will do a night dive. Being in the total dark with little experience seems way riskier then being within a swim of shore during the day.

Night dives are some of the coolest dives ever and really not that risky if you follow the rules. I highly recommend doing some while you're there. Have you taken AOW?

 

[the_dragon_no1]

Why do you loose your self-reliance under those conditions? Why is 20 meters any different than 40 meters? Do you have trouble controlling your buoyancy? are you unable to detect and avoid boats without help?

Very "silly" reply i think, but ok

you say 20 to 40 ? Got nothing to do with what i said....
Anyways.
Lets say my dry suit flooded. I will have much better chance to get back to the shore side again. Iiif same thing happend at a 20m wall, not good!
And as facts is regardin deco sickness, you are Way safer 0-10, then down to 20. you know that.

And no, my boyancy is very good ! Love deep wall dives, WITH BUDDY.

Again no. I have no problems diving with boats around. Just dont do it while solo...

Anything else?
:beer:

Sendt fra Samsung Galaxy S2, via Tapatalk forum app.

 

[redacted]

Very "silly" reply i think, but ok

you say 20 to 40 ? Got nothing to do with what i said....
Anyways.
Lets say my dry suit flooded. I will have much better chance to get back to the shore side again. Iiif same thing happend at a 20m wall, not good!
And as facts is regardin deco sickness, you are Way safer 0-10, then down to 20. you know that.

And no, my boyancy is very good ! Love deep wall dives, WITH BUDDY.

Again no. I have no problems diving with boats around. Just dont do it while solo...

Anything else?
:beer:

Sendt fra Samsung Galaxy S2, via Tapatalk forum app.

I guess my confusion is because I don't do any dives that I would not do as a properly planned and equipped solo dive. But I am talking only recreational (no deco) diving.

 

[oldschoolto]

No one will answer the simple question ..... Is it to dangerous to snorkel in Cozumel by yourself ? Is it to dangerous to swim by yourself ? Is there anything that you feel changes the dynamics of snorkeling vs swimming vs scuba in 15 feet of water 50' from shore? And for that matter, How is it safe to dive in a 15'-20' pool by yourself ?

This diver came and asked for advice ... He stated that he has already got a day with a DM at the site.... He didn't say He was a first time diver... He called himself a " Novice " and whats to play it close to the vest and play in 15'-20' of water... Working on skills... Sounds like a GOOD SAFE PLAN....

Jim...

 

[the_dragon_no1]

I guess my confusion is because I don't do any dives that I would not do as a properly planned and equipped solo dive. But I am talking only recreational (no deco) diving.

Well i consider my solo dives good planed. I back up everyting. and i had some failures/problems underwater, as all will have at some point. For shure made me a better diver.

Yes im also talking rec diving/no deco. But remember that all dives Are a deco dive in real life

Sendt fra Samsung Galaxy S2, via Tapatalk forum app.

 

[VicScubaVentures]

I solo dive in Bonaire, Roatan, and as an instructor (practically speaking) every time I take divers-in-training out into the ocean (here in BC where it's "cold" and "dark"), and I'll probably shore dive solo in Coz when I get there in June.

I accept the risk, have the awareness to minimize the risk, and equip myself as necessary to manage the risk. Even if you dive "same ocean buddy" system you are for all practical intents diving solo since you'd likely be too far away from a buddy whose 1st priority during the dive was to maintain buddy contact at all times. We don't like to think that we dive "solo" as much as we really do. I tend to think of it as diving with / without someone who may be able to call in the search team when I don't surface with a group or within planned time allotment.

I don't understand the debate this topic always stirs up. It's not like I'm beating my wife, abusing my (or your kids), or committing a crime. I'm just making an informed decision.

Cheers.
C.

 

[oldschoolto]

:meeting:OK, No one has any facts as to why he should not solo dive..
Well then it's settled..... Nashwl will do a check-out dive the first day with a dive master, Then be more then capable to solo dive the same reef staying in 15 to 20 feet of water... He'll be able to work on the very skills that will make him a better diver and a better dive buddy...


Jim...

 

[halocline]

I don't know if it's "too" dangerous "to" dive with fewer than "two" people, but I wouldn't "lose" my self-reliance unless my tank got "loose" and fell out. Even then I might not be "sure" that I'd have a problem.

 

[DandyDon]

The thread is still alive...?!

​