Bookymad,
I think I get what you want. You want to have fun diving. You want your potential dive buddies to have a clear understand of your skill level. You want to know that it is about diving and just diving, no expectations, no regrets. You want the potential dive buddy to be willing to help with no real expectation of reciprocal help for now (until your skills improve).
You don’t consider yourself a dive beauty queen or SoCal beach babe and don’t want others to assume you are either. You have no objections to simple conversation but will avoid getting too personal with those who probe too much. All you want is to hone your newly discovered passion for diving with out strings attached.
Well welcome to the world of SCUBA. My wife, a newly certified diver is in the same boat except she has me! If she wanted to dive without me, she would be feeling the same things you do. I can only suggest that you dive with a group, on a boat that has a dive master you know. One that will pair you with someone who completely understands your situation and is willing to dive with you. Some knuckleheads will not want to spend the time and energy to help you with your training but in my experience, many will if asked. I have helped many new divers and would certainly help again if asked.
Others have suggested going with groups and explaining your expectations before diving. Good plan. Most of the divers I have met are more than willing to give you the help and guidance you want without any strings. Just be yourself, be honest and have fun diving!
Dave
I think I get what you want. You want to have fun diving. You want your potential dive buddies to have a clear understand of your skill level. You want to know that it is about diving and just diving, no expectations, no regrets. You want the potential dive buddy to be willing to help with no real expectation of reciprocal help for now (until your skills improve).
You don’t consider yourself a dive beauty queen or SoCal beach babe and don’t want others to assume you are either. You have no objections to simple conversation but will avoid getting too personal with those who probe too much. All you want is to hone your newly discovered passion for diving with out strings attached.
Well welcome to the world of SCUBA. My wife, a newly certified diver is in the same boat except she has me! If she wanted to dive without me, she would be feeling the same things you do. I can only suggest that you dive with a group, on a boat that has a dive master you know. One that will pair you with someone who completely understands your situation and is willing to dive with you. Some knuckleheads will not want to spend the time and energy to help you with your training but in my experience, many will if asked. I have helped many new divers and would certainly help again if asked.
Others have suggested going with groups and explaining your expectations before diving. Good plan. Most of the divers I have met are more than willing to give you the help and guidance you want without any strings. Just be yourself, be honest and have fun diving!
Dave
