Deep Diving

[Thrillhouse]

I'm new to diving, and don't know much about the different aspects. I have, however, heard about people doing deep-diving, more or less for the thrill of doing something extremely dangerous. To that end, it sounds comparable to a lot of mountain-climbing.

That being said, what's the deal with deep-diving? How deep can you go on regular air/trimix, and why do people do it? Is there any interesting trivia about it? While I'm perfectly happy at 50 feet right now, I think hardcore diving with tons of gear and bells and whistles is awesome! Any of that stuff is just plain cool to hear about. ;D

Also, is there a book out there which could be scuba-diving's equivilant to Into Thin Air (non-fiction novel about climbing Everest)?

 

[Nemrod]

Why do people deep dive?

I cannot answer but for myself--because there was somehting there I wanted to see.

Deep diving is dangerous for many reasons even with training and knowledge it is approached with caution and much planning.

Diving deep, beyond 130 feet as a lark is a good way to wind up in a wheel chair and I know someone who did and is.

It takes years of training and or experiance to proceed beyond 130 feet which is the accepted sport diving limit. Exceeding 100 feet at that requires some pretty good planning skills and preparation.

You are not ready to attempt deep diving even if there is something there you wish to do or see.

Due to my getting older and less fit--lol --and arthritis and numerous joint injuries from various adventures I have a "wife" imposed limit of 110 feet. While I can and will go deeper with reason and planning, this is my normal limit now. I have been much, much, MUCH deeper numerous times during the past when I was far more fit and I do believe deep diving requires fitness in addition to the other things mentioned. I woud advise extreme caution.

N

 

[DaleHall]

Are you looking for a book that tells stories about deep diving or do you want to read about the nuances, equipment, techniques, etc of it?

Stories:
Fatal Depth, Deep Descent or any book about diving the Andrea Doria.

Techniques, etc: "Deep Diving" by Brett Gilliam was a good "tech" read.

 

[DandyDon]

I see the idea fits your username.

There's a lengthy thread in Accidents forum about some divers who did that recently off of Seattle. Never found one of the bodies last I heard.

You wanta complete the diver info in your log? I'm guessing around 20 dives, right?

Sure, if you check mine, you'll see my Oops dive admitted.

 

[offroaddiver]

Most divers don't just go deep because they can. Most know of wrecks or points of interest that can only be safely reached with training. I know of two locations that are just too deep and cold for me to dive and explore with my current training and equipment. As far as mountain climbing goes, theres one quote that I think you've heard of that explains the whole rush of doing something just to do it. Upon reaching the summit without oxygen.."Why did you climb without oxygen? you could of died!" "I didn't do it to die, I did it to live."

 

[alpenadiver]

The first thing you will notice about deep diving is that planning, preparation, and asending is 7/8's of the dive, the actual bottom time is short in comparison, but the wrecks are breath taking.

I think hardcore diving with tons of gear and bells and whistles is awesome!

Tons of gear, yes. getting suited up can be cumbersome, and extremely hot (in the summer) as for bells, and whistles I don't have, mostly redundant equipment. Like double 95's, regulators, computer, bottom timer / depth guage, analog pressure guage, deco bottle w/ 50% EAN, lift bag / reel, deco tables, and knife / EMT shears.

All my diving is in the Great Lakes, average temp below 60 feet is 44° to 39°.

Mike

 

[TheHobster]

...Also, is there a book out there which could be scuba-diving's equivilant to Into Thin Air (non-fiction novel about climbing Everest)?

The Last Dive by Bernie Choudhoury would be a good read for you

Doing that would require 100 dives or more, AOW+EANx+Adv EANx+Deco Procedures+Tri-mix - plus the gear to make those dives - min of three regs; at least one set of doubles, a deco tank or two, cannister light, lift bag, reels and spools, back up light, multi gas computer, dry suit, and depending on where you live, maybe the ability to mix your gas as well - plus the time to make the dives necessary to stay sharp

 

[Divin'Papaw]

The Last Dive by Bernie Choudhoury would be a good read for you

Doing that would require 100 dives or more, AOW+EANx+Adv EANx+Deco Procedures+Tri-mix - plus the gear to make those dives - min of three regs; at least one set of doubles, a deco tank or two, cannister light, lift bag, reels and spools, back up light, multi gas computer, dry suit, and depending on where you live, maybe the ability to mix your gas as well - plus the time to make the dives necessary to stay sharp

Is that all?

You're looking at easily an investment of $15,000-$20,000 in equipment, training and actual diving not to mention the significant time commitment. Not for the timid, nor the poor!

 

[jviehe]

Shadow Divers is another good one about deep diving.

 

[Meng_Tze]

.. less fit--lol --and arthritis and numerous joint injuries from various adventures

Rod,

you saying you are whimping out at old age?

To the OP.
Let me put it this way. Many -not all, but many- divers that plan deep dives on exotic mixes, plan the dives such that they carry reserve gas for their buddy. But the mindset often is that they dive in a team, yet are ready to finish the dive alone...


There is just too much that can go wrong.....