"not a good enough reason"

[NorthWoodsDiver]

In order to properly discuss this topic I think we first need to define "deep".

I dive to depths around 140-150' on a regular basis now and do it on air but I dont consider those dives deep if on trimix or with appropriate deco procedures . i would qualify any dive below 220' on air a deep dive because oxygen becomes (possibly) lethal to people at 1.6 pp02 and we all know 1.6 is about 218' (so I round to 220'). But that doesn't mean I dive to 220' on air, although I am planning to.

I would also say any depth below 400' (cause its a good round number) is deep by standards of rebreather.

People always have and always will push those numbers and that can only mean 1 thing... numbers are meaningless to all except the person seeking them.

If your goal is to hit 130' and right now your comfort zone is about 60' than 130' is probably a good goal and with time and training should become totally simple and comfortable but if your comfort zone is 30' and you say you want to dive to 220' than I would question your reasoning.

I do believe that the current record depth set on OC and on air is about 490' and many died trying to hit that depth and few people do that type of diving today because of the technological advancements in rebreathers but if you want to break a record than why not make it a world record.

 

[vshearer]

I do believe that the current record depth set on OC and on air is about 490'

That's breath-hold. OC is a little over 1000' in open water.

 

[ianr33]

Climbing El captain or some other big wall free style just isnt a smart thing to do by about anybody standard. Dan Osman and Derik Hensey comes to mind

Dan Osman did not die climbing.

and its Derek Hershey.

We all make our choices. Those 2 guys lived more than most people can dream of.

 

[ianr33]

That's breath-hold. OC is a little over 1000' in open water.

No its probably as stated.

All open circuit dives to 1000 feet will be on trimix .Not air.

 

[vshearer]

Whoops. I stand corrected. Was just looking at the OC part. Still amazing how deep the bottom scrapers are getting though.

Free-diving - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[grazie42]

I don´t get it either...
Whatever floats your boat...
You choose your level of risk, as long as you are aware and it doesen´t harm the enviroment or other "innocent" divers, do what you want...

 

[aubie85]

I dive to see things, not to see how deep I can go. I may stand corrected, but isn't a great deal of the beauty of the ocean seen @ 30-60 ft? Not to say that there isn't 'anything' deeper than 60-100 ft, or even deeper than that, beyond traditional scuba limits. Most of us have seen the specials on the Discovery/ National Geographic where they take the submersibles into the depths of the ocean, and have seen that there are amazing organisms that reside there. The real questions are 'how much are YOU willing to risk?' and 'Why do YOU find it necessary to take the risk?' It is all a matter of personal opinion. Recreationally, I suppose some people just want bragging rights, while some people would like to observe what's living at those depths.


An interesting link someone once recommended for me:
TZ

 

[dkatchalov]

But...some people are more interested in the technical challenge. Their goal is the diving itself and it doesn't matter if they see anything at all.

Very true. Agree 100%.

 

[dkatchalov]

FWIW - Mark Ellyatt holds the OC air record (130m) I think (could be wrong).

Pascal Bernabe holds the OC trimix record (330m).

 

[kayakguy]

If your actions put no one else at risk, then the choice is yours. I really don't care what your reasons are.

When I kayak it is the same thing. I push myself into what many consider stupid risks for one reason and one reason only. I suspect this is true for many deep divers too. It's for the rush.

When your life is put on the razors edge of life and death, when I know that one mistake and I might not go home that night, that is when I am closest to "God". It is in those moments when I live my life to the fullest.

But here is the thing... There are many guys going way beyond what I do, they are more experienced and they are better, therefore it takes more for them to get that rush. It is dangerous and people die boating, but they die doing what they love. Boaters know this and embrace it.

I would like to believe diving is the same mentality, except it isn't. Statistically diving is more dangerous, but I think the danger is not so readily apparent. Death under the water can sneak up and get you before you know it. Therefore what should really be an extreme sport attracts a lot of folk who aren't there for the "Rush" of going deep, or far in, or seeing history firsthand at the risk of their lives. They are happy just staying at shallow depths. and that is great. But these are the same folks who talk about other divers being stupid or crazy for taking calculated risks. I say grow a pair or shut up.(I am not talking about all shallow water divers, so don't take offense.)

I am not there yet, but when I read about these awesome wrecks, I want to be there, I want to see it. so yes I have a goal and I actually want to see something. However even if I just want to go deep because it is a rush to me, it is my business and not anyone elses. Believe me when I say that noone else will ever be held accountable for my life.

One more problem with diving is that it doesn't weed people out who shouldn't be there. In boating if you aren't ready you take a beating on the rocks, in diving it is all good. For example I have all of twenty five dives and have a hell of a lot to learn, but even in my short diving career I have seen guys who shouldn't be there. I am not talking about a single mistake, everyone makes those. I am talking about the guy wallowing all over the reef in Bonaire, on every dive. Disgusting.

wow, this turned long, opinionated and slightly angry, sorry guys.