How I dive

[Even_Stephen]

Nothing at all unual in what you are doing. My wife is my usual dive buddy. But on most of our vacations, she will excuse herself from a dive or two. I go anyway. I get "stuck" with a stranger as a buddy, as does the stanger get stuck with me. But there are almost always "extra" divers on the trips I take. Sometimes I get the DM as buddy. No matter. I'm not counting on any of them to save my life. That's up to me. If my buddy can help, great. If not, I'm no worse off. I'm only talking about warm, clear water (like you are diving in) and not too deep (under 100 fsw and usually less, always no deco). If you are really freaked out about it, rent a pony tank or buy a Spare Air (eveyone please keep your "Spare Death" comments to yourselves).

 

[dmpaq20]

Nothing at all unual in what you are doing. My wife is my usual dive buddy. But on most of our vacations, she will excuse herself from a dive or two. I go anyway. I get "stuck" with a stranger as a buddy, as does the stanger get stuck with me. But there are almost always "extra" divers on the trips I take. Sometimes I get the DM as buddy. No matter. I'm not counting on any of them to save my life. That's up to me. If my buddy can help, great. If not, I'm no worse off. I'm only talking about warm, clear water (like you are diving in) and not too deep (under 100 fsw and usually less, always no deco). If you are really freaked out about it, rent a pony tank or buy a Spare Air (eveyone please keep your "Spare Death" comments to yourselves).

I do not scare easy, I am very comfortable with my skill set and approach to diving. I now know that I have gone from what I think is unusal to common. No problem here, thanks for your reply

 

[Rookie_J]

Am I doing something wrong here?

other than not hiring me as your assistant/dive buddy, i don't see the trouble.


are you married? is there a reason your significant other can't join you on a trip?

 

[spectrum]

Gee my last trip was to Nebraska.

Sounds like a great perk, enjoy it.

My only question would be why this is your only time to dive? There must be something happening inyour neck of the woods. Remind your wife that a frequent diver is a safer one and get out like 1 Saturday per month in lieu of an overseas trip.

Pete

 

[Gary D.]

I need a sound board and you guys are the best so here goes.

I am in my mid 40's, good health and exercise regularly. I have been diving for 3 years now, 40+ dives under my belt. I am PADI certified Advanced, and have Nitrox cert as well.

My job has me traveling alone to Asia 4-5 times a year. On the way back from these week long trips I take a second week (they pay for the flights and are happy to do so) and I stop in the Pacific to do some diving. So far I have gone to Guam, Palau and now Yap in 2 weeks.

I dive with established dive shops with a guide and NEVER alone.
I will pair up with a buddy once I get there. It has been great with no issues. This really the only time that I can dive as my family (wife and 3 kids) do not dive.

Am I doing something wrong here?

Thanks all, Dave P

\
Nothing wrong with what you're doing. Now it could be another story if you were sleeping with the guide.

My wife dives and I try and go somewhere every once in a while without her. The break is nice but getting home is even better.

Gary D.

 

[Cacia]

I think diving with different buddies, various habits and skill levels will make you a stronger diver. Sometimes I am the weaker diver, sometimes the better diver and it forces you to constantly re-evaluate situations in a way that makes for more sound and less dogmatic judgement calls. When I am the weaker diver (not always meaning less experience) I tend to push my comfort zone a little more and allow myself to be led a little. When I perceive that the others are not quite as capable as me I tend to consider that and might not do things the same way. Sometimes dive buddies get too dependent on each other and become very rigid in their thinking.

 

[dmpaq20]

other than not hiring me as your assistant/dive buddy, i don't see the trouble.


are you married? is there a reason your significant other can't join you on a trip?

I have been married for 18 years with 2 kids (high school age). No my wife doesn't dive at all. I also go on these business/dive trips by myself as it is a business trip so she can't come. She is okay with me diving just so long as I do not spend the families vacation time doing it (which I do not). She is reasonable about it

 

[dmpaq20]

I think diving with different buddies, various habits and skill levels will make you a stronger diver. Sometimes I am the weaker diver, sometimes the better diver and it forces you to constantly re-evaluate situations in a way that makes for more sound and less dogmatic judgement calls. When I am the weaker diver (not always meaning less experience) I tend to push my comfort zone a little more and allow myself to be led a little. When I perceive that the others are not quite as capable as me I tend to consider that and might not do things the same way. Sometimes dive buddies get too dependent on each other and become very rigid in their thinking.

I have seen this first hand
Good advice, Catherine. Thanks

 

[Alex777]

Since I live on Grand Cayman, I am on the other end (the receiving end?) of the travelling-businessman-instabuddy thing, and I hafta say - I really enjoy meeting the people I get buddied with who are down here on business. If they're sneaking in a couple of dives between meetings, they're probably pretty keen divers. As often as not, we hook up later for a shore dive or a night dive.

 

[DementialFaith]

Also not seeing anything wrong here, but if you really want to get more exps... start introdeucing yourself to the local pacific divers. Eventually you'll know enough of them so that every dive you do in the future in that area will be with someone you know and trust.