F/U from previous thread -- I took my friend diving today

[TSandM]

What did I learn?

I learned that weight checks at the surface aren't a very good indication of whether somebody is adequately weighted or not. I sort of already knew that, but it got pounded in. My friend checked out as being somewhat negative (floating with entire face in water on a breath hold with deflated BCD) but we ended up adding SEVEN pounds before we could get her down and stable.

I learned that it is very difficult to move somebody around in the water -- for example, trying to turn my friend over so she wasn't lying on her back.

I learned that it is challenging to dive while taking completely responsibility for depth/nav/air and holding someone's hand, and that if you are going to dive holding someone's hand, you need your left hand free.

I learned that helping somebody else is a wonderful opportunity to practice one's own descents and ascents, repeatedly

I learned that my instructors and mentors have been people of incredible patience and generosity (but I already knew that!)

BTW, the "borrowed gear" was my husband's, so it was in excellent condition and well-maintained.

 

[kidspot]

I learned that helping somebody else is a wonderful opportunity to practice one's own descents and ascents, repeatedly

LOL! - isn't that the truth

 

[spectrum]

What did I learn?

I learned that weight checks at the surface aren't a very good indication of whether somebody is adequately weighted or not. I sort of already knew that, but it got pounded in. My friend checked out as being somewhat negative (floating with entire face in water on a breath hold with deflated BCD) but we ended up adding SEVEN pounds before we could get her down and stable.

]
If you did it at the onset of the dive then adding 7 pound sounds just about right.

I learned that it is very difficult to move somebody around in the water -- for example, trying to turn my friend over so she wasn't lying on her back.

Gives you a whole new appreciaton for the astonauts! At least you won't drift into the forever.

I learned that it is challenging to dive while taking completely responsibility for depth/nav/air and holding someone's hand, and that if you are going to dive holding someone's hand, you need your left hand free.

At least you weren't towing a dive flag and handling a dive light in the dark at the same time. Make sure she understands task loading. Just adding one little thing like that does challenge your skills.

I learned that helping somebody else is a wonderful opportunity to practice one's own descents and ascents, repeatedly

Yup

I learned that my instructors and mentors have been people of incredible patience and generosity (but I already knew that!)

And now you're paying some of it back, good for you!

BTW, the "borrowed gear" was my husband's, so it was in excellent condition and well-maintained.

Is he a frequent diver?

Pete

 

[TSandM]

Is he a frequent diver?

Not as obsessively frequently as I am, but more on the once-every-ten-days-or-so level. That's why I could borrow his drysuit and gear for my friend!

 

[mech]

I really like your writing style.
It's an easy yet visual read.
Andy