If you have to ask, you're not ready to solo......?

[HilaryRN71]

I doubt myself every time I solo. What do I doubt? I have doubts that I will remember every important thing while taking pictures. I have doubts about what I will do if an o-ring blows. I wonder if I will navigate correctly, and I wonder if my mind will race with bad thoughts on my stop when I am alone, waiting for time to pass. I have some doubts about if the boat will be where I want it to be when I surface.

Anybody who has surfaced to not see the boat will always have that little lingering doubt....it is so nice when you see it.

there...we are back on topic.

That's interesting... it's on solo stops that my mind starts to race. Wonder why that is? When diving with buddies...seems like we're goofing off on stops and the time goes so much faster. But alone...esp. if I can't see the bottom...I know I'm all alone in the great big blue...wondering if a big bull is gonna come from the depths and chomp me...stuff like that is always in my mind on a solo stop. Anyway...I have to agree with you..."doubt" can be a good thing if it helps to avoid complacency. If you have those concerns...then you have contingency plans floating around in your mind, and you're better prepared in an unexpected situation.

 

[Walter]

wondering if a big bull is gonna come from the depths and chomp me....

That's silly, but I have to admit, it's been on my mind the last month as well.

 

[Cacia]

he he.

even Walter gets skeeerd.

Hilary, what helps me on the mental field trip, is I blow my SMB, slowly and deliberately, manipulate the reel, etc. Focusing on a task puts me at ease. Plus, feeling connected to the surface grounds me in poor viz in a weird sort of way...

 

[Walter]

Why would you think I wouldn't?

A safety/deco stop in a sphere of gray is sensory depravation. The line gives you a reference point. That helps. Focusing on a task is always good to get your mind working as it should.

 

[Cacia]

because I don't know men that admit it?

Yes, my SMB is my blankie in times of stress, I highly recommend it. poor viz does a number on me...I kind of freak and want to come out of my skin.

 

[Walter]

Anyone who tells you he is never afraid is either an idiot or a liar. I tend to feel fear at the oddest times and the times I should be afraid, I'm not. Not always, but more often than not.

I highly recommend staying inside.

 

[matts1w]

I have done solo safety stops in the Gulf while spearfishing. Sometimes, it is amongst the scariest sensations feeling like a chum line. I have done the entire 3 minutes with my eyes closed only peeking every so often at my depth guage. I figure I just do not want to know whats coming. Other times I really enjoy the rush and looking at the green water to see what may appear. I guess I'm weird that way.

 

[Cacia]

I have done the entire 3 minutes with my eyes closed only peeking every so often at my depth guage. I figure I just do not want to know

lol, I call that a "come to Jesus moment". funny how we are so daring and brave until we have to be still, with only our minds.

 

[Walter]

Matt, it's always better to know.

 

[grazie42]

the worst thing about decostops in florida are those ******* remoras, they drive me crazy and once they show up they don´t leave you alone ´til you get out...