Is it worth it?

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Jorbar1551

Contributor
Scuba Instructor
Divemaster
Messages
814
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Location
CSU-Monterey Bay
# of dives
100 - 199
I will be getting into tec in a few years, but i was talkin to someone at work about tec diving and he didnt think it was worth it. what he was talking about, was spending 100 or more on fills, then doing the dive, having 15 min of bottom time, then spending the rest of your time and gas in the middle with nothing to see except your gauges and your buddy/s.

why did you guys/gals get into tec diving?
 
What sort of Tec diving are you talking about? What got you interested in the first place?

Me, personally - I just love being under the water. (Hey - give me a 8 meter hole in the ground with some toy to play with, and I could entertain myself for hours. Give me more toys to play with, or more tasks to accomplish - and I'm doing what I love).

What got you into diving in the first place? How many dives do you do, and what do and don't you enjoy doing with diving?

Maybe a few here have a similar 'enjoyment profile', and may be able to let you konw why they do / don't tech dive.

In summary though, I think you'll find that whether it's worth it or not will be completely up to the individual.

(However, I'm interested too in what kicks current Tech divers get out of tech diving, now that you've asked the question) :)
 
Since you asked:

To me SCUBA is a wide ranging hobby that has room for people with a wide variety of interests. To me the key is to find your particular niche without developing a bad attitude about people who do it differently than you. There are many different diving styles and equipment configurations that allow the user to safely have fun. Which one is "better" for you, or any other specific individual, is a matter of personal preference.

So:
-Don't go "Tech" just to go Tech. Have a reason that agrees with your having fun.
-Remember that just because someone else does it and has fun with it doesn't mean you should.
-Diving can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. If I do cold water, limited visibilty, frequent overhead environment diving. This is going to be much more expensive than that of a warm water, shallow depth, open water diver. A diver who does ultimate photography is going to spend more money than one who takes snapshots. A person who does deep, cold water diving into overhead environments is going to spend lots and lots of money. Is any of these any "better" than any other? Nope; all are giving fun to that diver.

In short: Do whatever because it is fun to you. Don't look down your nose or envy those who made other choices. If we have the right attitude we are in it for the fun and respect and learn from those we associate with.
 
My response to the question put forth is this . . .

Knowledge, whether used or not, is not without its worth.

Should one need it, if one has it, it is there. If one has it not, it is not there.

I would rather have knowledge of something an never have to put it to use than to have need to put it to use and not have it.

If nothing else, it will give you a greater command of that which you already have.

the K
 
Because it tickles my toes! :rofl3:
Honestly, For me it's that solitude, the aloneness, The simple reason that I'm doing something not many other people do, I can see things I've never encountered and I'll admit it's a sense of adventure too. Besides working in a dive shop I can get my gas fills for free or close to it, Just don't tell my boss!
 
The Kraken:
Knowledge, whether used or not, is not without its worth.
I love this statement. I've also heard it said that knowledge gained is it's own reward.

I only have about 25 dives over 150' and just a handful over 200', but as a tech nOOb, here is my take.

Not all tech dives are short bottom times and long hangs. We did a boat dive today to an 80' wreck that is in tact and rests at 110'. A bit of HE for a clear head and one 50% stage. We swam the length of the boat over the top and looked at the fish who rest there during the winter. We practiced penetrating the cabin and swimming through, past the doorway, into the hallway, up the stairs and out - without silting. Then we did it again while air sharing. Next we ran a line back through and did a eye's-closed drill. Reel in the line, once around the outside, and before you know it, 40 mins have passed and it's time to ascend. During the 20 mins of deco up the line we practiced stage swaps and backward kicks, and before you know it we're back on the boat.

This was just an easy low-tech dive, but lots of fun, and one I wouldn't want to do on a single.

The deepest I've dived (to date) is 230' and we did have a long hang, but you'd be amazed how fast the time goes. You get into this "zone" of relaxation that is as peaceful as it gets. We also drill - shoot bags, etc. and the time just flys.

Like the knowledge The Kracken refers to above, I find that properly executed technical diving is it's own reward.
 

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