No dive buddies?

[TSandM]

I'd really make use of the great resource you have here. There are a ton of incredibly generous and friendly people here on SB, and a lot of folks in Florida. I can't imagine you would be unable to find a buddy.

 

[fnfalman]

When my first buddy turned out to be an unsafe diver and my second buddy wasn't as enthusiastic about it as me, I simply packed my gears and started going on boat trips and got assigned buddies. Most experienced people who willingly take on newbies are very gracious about sharing their knowledge and experience. Some don't like being forced into a babysitter, and I wouldn't want to inconvenience those people. They didn't pay to go diving and be somebody else's nursemaid. However, I've yet to have been turned down by anyone.

 

[knowone]

I don't get the one or two dive mentality before the course is over. It's like spending your last buck on gas when you're not going anywhere. By the way you present you will be fine and being a complete virgin will help too. Insta-buddy sounds like powdered milk or soup.

 

[Sas]

Just wondering how this works so I can start planning. Thanks in advance.

I've met most of my buddies on internet forums or in the club I am in. So I recommend posting here and any local forums looking for buddies, and also joining a club. I prefer non shop associated clubs... but maybe just go along to the different clubs that are available locally and seeing what you think.

 

[lavachickie]

Just wondering how this works so I can start planning. Thanks in advance.
Buck

Witness the wonders of ScubaBoard... you started solving the problem simply by posting. I betcha got some PM's from potential future buddies, too, didn'tcha!?

I'd dive with you! Fly me to Florida!? You sound as if you have a good head on your shoulders. By being frank about where you are in your journey as a diver, you'll attract the right people. That includes very skilled and talented divers who are love to share what they know. (And by being honest and up front, those that have wicked skills but aren't so interseted in mentoring will stay away. That's okay, too.)

But don't discount the value of two (or more) newer divers pairing up for an easy dive. It's a great way to build confidence. I found a great dive buddy in my LDS club meetings. She's still fairly new, but beyond me, and really has the right heart to mentor. After a dive or two where I know she was assessing my skills, she's very supportive and encouraging, handing the lead over to me at a site we've been to before, working with me to create interesting goals for a dive, etc. I really enjoy diving with her.

I was lucky a few weeks ago to have a chance to dive with a guy at my shop who I really admire. (I just put a call out for a buddy on Facebook the day before.) It was a simple dive at a site I knew, an early morning trip to the water before the expo so he could get his new drysuit wet. We went to around 70 fsw for 45 minutes. I was nervous as hell -- not about the water, but about making an ass of myself in front of him! As we stripped out of gear I said, "Um... so... uh... one reason I was psyched to dive with you is that I admire your skills and would welcome your feedback." He gave me a tip and then said I was great, he'd dive with me anytime.

Yes! I hope the fist-pump I did was just in my head, and not actually physical. :cool2:

So my tips...

- Use BuddyFinder here; also check out DiveBuddy.com
- Align yourself with an LDS in that area where you go in Florida. When you come to town, hit the shop and see if they have a buddy board. Or, if they are a busy shop with a good following, just call in a few days in advance, say you're looking for a buddy and they might be able to hook you up.
- Add divers to your Facebook profile, and put a shout out when you need a buddy.
- Treat the good buddies like gold. Feed them goodies. =-)
- REMEMBER THESE DAYS so that when you are a kick ass diver, you can gift a new diver with patience and support, too!

 

[KyBuck]

Sooooo I show up at the boat, act like I know what is going on, use lots of diving terms and then say "Hi I'm Buck. I'm fat, bald and never done this before. Who needs a buddy?"

Kidding. Thanks for the replies and suggestions. This board has been instrumental in helping me choose equipment and you all have been very helpful again. I have already seen how this board will continue to help in the other thread about dive buddies. Thank you all for your help.

Buck

 

[tstormdiver]

Hey KyBuck, what part of KY are you in? I am in western KY. I frequently dive Pennyroyal quarry in Hopkinsville, KY. I am there 3/5 weekends during the warmer months. If you're ever down that way, look me up. I have over 400 dives & am an instructor. I have absolutely no problems diving with beginners, I rather enjoy it. In fact, it was the kindness of others who took me, as a beginner, under their wings that inspired me to keep diving & become an instructor. Its a kind of "pay it forward" type thing. We all have to start out somewhere, so don't feel bad, I was in exactly the same boat as you when I started diving 4yrs ago. There is also the KY Piranha Patrol here on the board Kentucky Piranha Patrol - ScubaBoard , the Mid- West Muck Divers Mid-West Muck Divers - ScubaBoard & the Great Lakes Wrecking Crew Great Lakes Wrecking Crew - ScubaBoard . These are all in this portion of the US. Just post in any one of these & see what kind of takers you can get.

 

[Herk_Man]

Sooooo I show up at the boat, act like I know what is going on, use lots of diving terms and then say "Hi I'm Buck. I'm fat, bald and never done this before. Who needs a buddy?"

You can skip the fat and bald part. They'll figure that out on their own! :mooner: