Another opinion: To buddy or not to buddy

[tplyons]

I can understand the hesitancy to accept the Airsource instead of a traditional octo, but if you understand that you're donating your primary and breathing off your Airsource, and he understands this too, it should be no different to him. Have you discussed proper air sharing procedures with him to help him understand this?

I can understand the hesitancy to accept a drysuit on a new diver... I've seen people with three times as many dives as you struggle with a drysuit. But if you're properly trained and have experience, this should be no different to him. Are you experienced with a drysuit? Are you properly trained to get out of a foot first ascent?

I can understand the hesitancy to accept an air integrated wrist-mount computer over a console. Unless you have a separate SPG, you don't know how much air you have left if the transmitter decides to stop working (I've seen this happen too). If you're diving with an SPG in addition to your computer, this should be no different to him. Do you have a backup SPG?

But I absolutely can't understand why anyone would think aluminum is superior to steel. This one, I'm just curious, why does he feel aluminum is superior?

 

[crosshairs]

Personally, I would find another person to dive with....I dont mind suggestions about my gear, but ultimately,its my gear and unless its unsafe, no one should be telling me I cant use it if I want to dive with them

 

[uncfnp]

I would be very hesitant to start a diving relationship with someone that seems as inflexible and intolerant as this potential dive buddy. As others have noted, some of his "advice" may be worth considering but in no way should he be insisting you alter your personal dive choices if they do not impact his safety and nothing you listed would. As a good dive buddy, he should familiarize himself with your configuration and you with his. If he feels he does not have the dive skills to dive with you, ie dry suit, then if he intends to be a good buddy, he needs to extend his knowledge base rather then requiring you to adapt your gear to his needs. The aluminum tank is just nonsense. I'm all for streamlining and simplicity but I'm not sure how that fits with most of his suggestions. Sounds like his suggestions are for him and not to help you be a better diver.

I would have to really want him as a dive buddy to put up with any of this...

 

[boulderjohn]

I fixed that...

It's not Hogarthian, either. If it were Hogarthian, he would be insisting on a BP/W with a long hose and bungeed alternate.

 

[sailordiver11]

I can understand the hesitancy to accept the Airsource instead of a traditional octo, but if you understand that you're donating your primary and breathing off your Airsource, and he understands this too, it should be no different to him. Have you discussed proper air sharing procedures with him to help him understand this?

I can understand the hesitancy to accept a drysuit on a new diver... I've seen people with three times as many dives as you struggle with a drysuit. But if you're properly trained and have experience, this should be no different to him. Are you experienced with a drysuit? Are you properly trained to get out of a foot first ascent?

I can understand the hesitancy to accept an air integrated wrist-mount computer over a console. Unless you have a separate SPG, you don't know how much air you have left if the transmitter decides to stop working (I've seen this happen too). If you're diving with an SPG in addition to your computer, this should be no different to him. Do you have a backup SPG?

But I absolutely can't understand why anyone would think aluminum is superior to steel. This one, I'm just curious, why does he feel aluminum is superior?

This will be our first dive together...
so we should discuss proper air sharing techniques.
I am dry suit certified, so I have practiced a foot first ascent recovery.
I do not have a backup SPG yet. On my list.
As far as aluminum over steel...its not that he feels that one is superior over the other, its that he dives abroad on vacation a lot and he says most outfits have aluminum tanks and more than likely I would be using those. So I should get use to them.

 

[crosshairs]

As far as aluminum over steel...its not that he feels that one is superior over the other, its that he dives abroad on vacation a lot and he says most outfits have aluminum tanks and more than likely I would be using those. So I should get use to them.

There is nothing to get used to other than different weighting requirements...you will probably need a few more pounds with an aluminum tank.....I dive steel at home and aluminum when I'm vacationing because yes, most ops have aluminum tanks.........but its really nothing to even think about

 

[sailordiver11]

Personally, I would find another person to dive with....I dont mind suggestions about my gear, but ultimately,its my gear and unless its unsafe, no one should be telling me I cant use it if I want to dive with them

If he see this thread, my problem might get solved. I need to change my Username!

 

[Skittl1321]

I can understand the hesitancy to accept an air integrated wrist-mount computer over a console. Unless you have a separate SPG, you don't know how much air you have left if the transmitter decides to stop working (I've seen this happen too). If you're diving with an SPG in addition to your computer, this should be no different to him. Do you have a backup SPG?

I see why a backup is an excellent idea- but as an Open Water diver, isn't the easy solution for failure to just surface? That's why new divers aren't supposed to be in overhead environments, and new OW divers aren't supposed to be that deep, a wonderful source of unlimited air is always available right above you.

And as much as people seem to worry about failure, those who use them don't seem to report it happening that often.

 

[diversteve]

It's not Hogarthian, either. If it were Hogarthian, he would be insisting on a BP/W with a long hose and bungeed alternate.

I don't really want to go down this path with you yet again so I'll just say not always. I have an acquaintance who applies most Hogarthian principles but dives a conventional 2nd/octo.

---------- Post added August 2nd, 2013 at 07:40 AM ----------

If he see this thread, my problem might get solved. I need to change my Username!

We can do that. Contact a Mod.

 

[tplyons]

This will be our first dive together...
so we should discuss proper air sharing techniques.
I am dry suit certified, so I have practiced a foot first ascent recovery.
I do not have a backup SPG yet. On my list.
As far as aluminum over steel...its not that he feels that one is superior over the other, its that he dives abroad on vacation a lot and he says most outfits have aluminum tanks and more than likely I would be using those. So I should get use to them.

Good to hear. I think with some discussion, and explanation of your experience and reasoning, and proper air sharing techniques, he should either accept them, or you should find a new buddy. Sounds like you've done all the right things.

But, I'd get that backup SPG. I look at mine at the beginning of dives to ensure that my SPG and computer read the same. But if I ever need it, I'll be more than glad I have it.

The aluminum vs. steel issue is moot. I dive steel at home and aluminum on the road. I've never had to "get used to" anything, except a few more pounds on my weight belt.