Couples being Dive Buddy's in OWC?

[seadog]

it makes more sense to learn as buddies.
Our Instuctor made sure everyone hadled thier own gear and knew how to put it together correctly. Since we learned together we developed our skills at about the same pace. (Pat was a little quicker than me in a variety of ways but we worked it out.)
Our Instructor encouraged couples to buddy up; said couple pay more attention to each other underwater than strangers.
Worked for us, maybe you have reasons to do it another way. Do whatever makes both of you the most comfortable and enjoy.

 

[wreckchick]

The reasoning my instructor gave was that when he teaches couples one partner is usually stronger and more "responsible for information" and by keeping them teamed up, the dominant one would be expected to retain all the info while the other would end up too reliant.

He said by splitting natural buddy pairs, each diver becomes more self-reliant because they don't have the same level of trust in the unknown buddy.

That was for the classes, we were buddied up for the open water portion. It's a good thing we got experience with other buddies since now we're split up!

Rachel

 

[MikeFerrara]

I don't have a set rule. I do what ever seems to make sense for that class and those students. In confined water I like students to practice skills with different buddies. In OW I tend to keep couples together. If one is overly dominent I usually address it rather than sweep it under the rug. If you avoid the issue it'll just come back to byte them when they're on vacation and diving together anyway.

Many times I have had a class where a dominent buddy wants to teach their SO even though I'm doing it and they don't know anything anyway. I just tell them (in a nice way of course) to stop. Sometimes I have to be more imaginative to get it to sink in. I have ways of doing that also.

If the instructor can't manage the class he may have to rearange the seating. LOL

 

[plsdiver4377]

I think as buddies during training and afterwards we have had the tendency to watch out for each other more which is great. I feel more comfortable with her as she does with me. During training she had to learn at her own pace and deal with her own demons as did I.

 

[primitivepete]

biscuit7 once bubbled...
The reasoning my instructor gave was that when he teaches couples one partner is usually stronger and more "responsible for information" and by keeping them teamed up, the dominant one would be expected to retain all the info while the other would end up too reliant.

He said by splitting natural buddy pairs, each diver becomes more self-reliant because they don't have the same level of trust in the unknown buddy.

That was for the classes, we were buddied up for the open water portion. It's a good thing we got experience with other buddies since now we're split up!

Rachel

Thats what I am talking about.
I like your instructors thinking.

 

[Rick Murchison]

I approach this question case-by-case. Most of the time couples (including parent/child) can be buddies during training, with a little prodding to keep the dominant one from taking over.
"I won't certify him if you don't let him do it himself."
Sometimes, though, I have to split 'em up, and sometimes, even split 'em to different training sessions.
"I want him to come Thursday without you - that is, without you in the building."
So far, this method has been successful, and I've always been able to get 'em back together for the two final "fun dives" at the end of the course.
Rick

 

[washow88]

I agree with all of you.
I think the instructor or the assistances should observe, as they should.
Normally, I help a student with a problem if my instructor is busy with another student.
Sometimes he assigned a couple in a different buddy team, and some times he does not.
If I see a husband, father, mother, or any relative taking the workload, I would mention it to my instructor.
Depending on the situation, it may be better to separate them, and sometimes it is a good idea to keep them together.
After all, they still have to do the drills by themselves.

 

[roxy271]

biscuit7 once bubbled...
The reasoning my instructor gave was that when he teaches couples one partner is usually stronger and more "responsible for information" and by keeping them teamed up, the dominant one would be expected to retain all the info while the other would end up too reliant.

He said by splitting natural buddy pairs, each diver becomes more self-reliant because they don't have the same level of trust in the unknown buddy.

That was for the classes, we were buddied up for the open water portion. It's a good thing we got experience with other buddies since now we're split up!

Rachel

That is what i mean it is important to be self reliant not just to proof to your partner that you can but to yourself that you can.
It makes a big difference when you get paired up with someone else.
Your comfortlevel has to come from your diving not your partner who you feel safe with.

 

[suzyb808]

IMHO couples and even really good friends shouldn't be buddied up IN AN OW CLASS (on dives after cert. and in other classes down the road wouldn't be a problem either--usually, there are ALWAYS exceptions).

Asuming you have a good relationship-you guys KNOW each other, you know how the other is feeling/doing even if you can't "talk" ...being buddied with a stranger makes you more aware of what is going on, with you and with your buddy. Often one (usually the guy, but not always) will be the "protector" and do stuff for the gal (set up the gear, help them out u/w with buoy or whatever) so the gal learns to rely on him instead of doing it herself. I've been out with couples that were cert by together and then when time to do dives the one didn't even know how to set up her own gear correctly.

A few years ago I was helping with classes (DMing) and ran into a similar problem...both weren't in the class..only the wife (g/f?) was, but the husband(b/f) "tagged along" on the open water classes. It was a mess. It was obvious that she was one of those that were doing it because someone else wanted them to, not because she really wanted it herself. She had problems from the get go, but overcame them finally with alot of help in the confined portion. Then came the OW dives...the 1st day her other half wasn't there and she did ok..the next day was a mess though..with him there she was dependant on him, not focusing, panicking easily and instead of him hanging back he was in the way.

:wavey:

 

[DeputyDan]

a provided alot of food for thought.