Make buddy take refresher?

[jeffreyd]

Alright I've posted here a couple times but haven't taken the plunge. But I am signing up for a weekend course (actually 2 weekends and a day class) to get certified. My friend was certified when he was 13 (now 26) and hasn't dove in maybe 5 years. After I get my C-card he wants to get diving again (with me as a buddy) The only thing is, is that he said "yeah I remember most of the stuff, just not dive tables, everything else is common sense." Now I only plan on doing some really easy stuff for awhile until I get more money (which means more dives and exp.). But he doesn't really have the cash for a refresher course. I have all my student books, videos, and such and he just wants to re-read, and watch everything again and go diving in a pool first to "relearn" and then off diving. Should I make him take a course or is there some other way (cheaper) for him to get back into diving safely?



Thoughts?


JeffD

 

[alcina]

If he doesn't at least refresh his training there is no way I would get in the water with him. If he isn't concerned for his own safety, he sure as heck isn't concerned about yours.

And buddy skills need to be practiced regularly to keep current, prepared and safe.

take a look at this discussion... ...

 

[mrobinson]

Hey Jeff- Too bad you're buddy can't spend the twenty bucks.

I know you're likely aching to get out and do a "real" dive after you're certified. Well if your friend isn't on board to take a refresher, then lie to him. Say you need to practice your skills first, to feel more comfortable. Start in water shallow enough to stand in. When you can confidently see he can do the skills, and you feel ready, then continue the dive. Stay shallow and build your confidence. Your buddy will build his as well.
I hope this helps. I'm a little nervous for you though. Baby step your way for yourself and him.

 

[Saipanman]

This has the makings of a very unfortunate ending.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Buy him a refresher course and attend with him. The weekend courses don't offer a lot of pool time so you could just tell him you want to practice your skills one more time and it would be cool to dive together in the pool before you hit open water. You'll be glad you did.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[jeffreyd]

Buy him a refresher course and attend with him. The weekend courses don't offer a lot of pool time so you could just tell him you want to practice your skills one more time and it would be cool to dive together in the pool before you hit open water. You'll be glad you did.
Ber :lilbunny:

Thats a great Idea. I hadn't thought of that.

Thank you.

 

[tainosoldier]

If he is a good friend then do him the favor, it will ease your mind also and make things all the more safer for the two, but at least he could put up half. Shoot, my buds will go begging to put up half for a case of Coronas, and if the class is $20 as I read, it shouldnt be a problem. :beer:

 

[lorien]

Personally there is no way that I would go from a short OW class to diving with a buddy with no current experience. Neither one of you will be ready to respond to a problem should it occur. Have him take the refresher course, tell him you are just too nervous or whatever it takes. If you can attend the refresher course with him so much the better, more practice for you and more time to get comfortable and you can see where his abilities are before you commit yourself to diving with him in open water. He needs the refresher course & you can benefit as well then you will both be far more comfortable going out on your first dive together. Safer as well.

 

[TwoBitTxn]

He should take a refresher.

The cost of refreshers varies as does the cost of any training anywhere. I also agree, take the class with him. To support him, to give him a buddy, and to get more time in the pool yourself.

TwoBit

 

[Gary D.]

Your buddies attitude is job security. Have him get some type of refresher or say you won't dive with him.

Gary D.