Define a newbie...

[MNScuba]

OK, there's lots of people using the common term 'newbie'... Is there a clear line that defines one? How many dives must you complete before you can officially retire the 'newbie hat'?

Just curious...

I've got 4 pool dives in, so I know I'm still a newbie!

 

[ckharlan66]

I hope to always consider myself a newbie. That way I will never lose the willingness to learn more.

Chad

 

[Rick Murchison]

I have to echo what Chad sez...
I've been at this for over three decades, but I still consider myself a newbie in many areas - caving, for instance... I think I need a couple hundred more cave dives before junking the newbie moniker.
And in some areas I'm not even qualified to be a "newbie" yet - for example, I've never made a rebreather dive. It's on my list.
Rick

 

[ScubaScott]

Murdock - gotta agree with the posts above. I'll call myself a "newbie" quite freely, because I am. when I have 500 dives, still be a newbie. New gear configs, new certs, new information and new dive sites - I think I'll be learning to dive until the day I die. People may say you are not after time and experience, but I think I will be. I've learned more on this board in the last 3 months than I had while diving and doing my certs.


Scott

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Count me in the newbie ranks too. Don't take it as an insult, a newbie is someone who has that "I love this! Teach me more!" look in their eyes. That's not a bad thing
Ber

 

[MNScuba]

This is what I was hoping for! It seems the diving community is much more relaxed with the term... and that's a good thing. At first I was nervous about other divers reactions to diving with a 'newbie', fact is... most are excited about it. I think it brings back memories for them when they started out. I also think seasoned divers enjoy sharing their knowledge with newcommers and really encourage their new found love.

I have to admit, I am really surprised from the responses I have gotten from this board. I thought diving would be one of those 'closed circuit' sports and you had to prove yourself to 'belong'. I am very pleased to find out otherwise.

Thanks!

 

[Uncle Pug]

...on how you define *Newbie*

I am a student under instruction...
I am a learner gaining skill & knowledge...
I am a diver enthusiastically enjoying each diving experience...
But I am no longer a newbie...

I would define a newbie as a progression of developement:
The beginning stage of *newbiness* is just learning the basics
The next stage of *newbiness* is gaining experience, confidence and competence...
The last stage of *newbiness* is sophomoric and if you can manage to get beyond that you are no longer a *Newbie*

 

[ebbtide]

ill have to agree with Ber Rabbit and yup after 70 or so dives i still got that look in my eye !
and hope i never loose it !
i just wish i had more dive buddies and gender dosent matter !

 

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by Uncle Pug
...on how you define *Newbie*...
I would define a newbie as a progression of developement:
The beginning stage of *newbiness* is just learning the basics
The next stage of *newbiness* is gaining experience, confidence and competence...
The last stage of *newbiness* is sophomoric and if you can manage to get beyond that you are no longer a *Newbie*

Uncle Pug ( I can call you uncle can't I?)

I like your definition. As others have said... I'd like to think I'll be forever in the second step of "newbiness".... always gaining experience, confidenc and competence...

 

[JustAddWater]

I too find myself learning on every dive, as I try new things and challenge myself further in this sport. It gives meaning to each dive.