I was at Willow Saturday the 24th, and I was reminded of some simple rules for any dive site. First a run down of what happened. There is one warming shack, and one dock near it. People had their gear strewn across the dock, using space for 2-3 sets of equipment. Same thing with the warming shack. To top that off, 2 people were in the crowded shack (about 15 others), smoking cigarettes. I politely asked one to smoke outside, which he apologized and immediately left, my wife asked the other. This guy comes out spitting bullets, saying he can smoke anywhere he wants....who does she think she is....why doesn't she go outside. Now, I did not know my wife had asked the other guy to leave, 'cause I was outside having a cigar. So I piped up that many people diving would prefer not to be surrounded by smoke inside before their next dive. He explodes 'I have just as much F*ing right to be in there smoking as she does.' and a few more choice statements I won't repeat, as I came close to re-educating him in a WV way. Here is the topper- both were instructors. And if thats how he acts in public, its pretty sad. Now, to warn others of this guy before they waste time or money with his services, he has a vehicle (I won't name), DAN sticker in the window, and DUI drysuit. About 50. Smokes. Overweight. Gonna end up in Accidents and Incidents probably (man pounded to pulp by redneck diver), so you might wanna stay clear. But this did lead to my posting this in hopes new divers and veterans alike will remember some common things to help everyone have a good day.
1. We are all there to have fun. If not, then perhaps diving is not for you. Try work.
2. Try to keep your gear all in one small pile, change tanks by your vehicle, keep your mask off the ground or boat deck, and put your gearbags in a spot people will not trip over them.
3. If you smoke fine. On a boat, go aft (this is the rear of the boat for above DUI boy), downwind of everyone. You can spot that section of the boat by looking for the people hurling. On land, do it outside.
4. Don't move other peoples' stuff if you can help it. This is sometimes impossible, so take the effort to try to find the owner. Who knows, it may be that you'll meet the best buddy you've ever had. (or above DUI-boy, but I can't be responsible for that)
5. Offer help. The other group training at the site actually got all the ice off the dock. This helped everyone have a better day. If you see someone fumbling into a BC, give them a hand. Big eyes inside mask- talk to them about the dive. NO ONE wants to be around when an incident happens, let alone an accident. Maybe you can help their fear, maybe they shouldn't do the dive or maybe they always look that way.
6. Where ever you are, unless it is YOUR boat, dock, quarry, mud pit.....be respectful. If I need to give an example, hold your breath, I'll tell you later.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Maybe you've never seen it before, maybe the locals do it differently, find out. And stick with me on this one people- give an answer if you know it. I asked one of DUI-boy's DM's what vis was like-before the incident- and I heard 'not as good as Dutch Springs'. Thanks lady. And Jersey is not as clear as Bonaire. And water is wet.
-Jay
p.s. If y'all have any additions, say them.
1. We are all there to have fun. If not, then perhaps diving is not for you. Try work.
2. Try to keep your gear all in one small pile, change tanks by your vehicle, keep your mask off the ground or boat deck, and put your gearbags in a spot people will not trip over them.
3. If you smoke fine. On a boat, go aft (this is the rear of the boat for above DUI boy), downwind of everyone. You can spot that section of the boat by looking for the people hurling. On land, do it outside.
4. Don't move other peoples' stuff if you can help it. This is sometimes impossible, so take the effort to try to find the owner. Who knows, it may be that you'll meet the best buddy you've ever had. (or above DUI-boy, but I can't be responsible for that)
5. Offer help. The other group training at the site actually got all the ice off the dock. This helped everyone have a better day. If you see someone fumbling into a BC, give them a hand. Big eyes inside mask- talk to them about the dive. NO ONE wants to be around when an incident happens, let alone an accident. Maybe you can help their fear, maybe they shouldn't do the dive or maybe they always look that way.
6. Where ever you are, unless it is YOUR boat, dock, quarry, mud pit.....be respectful. If I need to give an example, hold your breath, I'll tell you later.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Maybe you've never seen it before, maybe the locals do it differently, find out. And stick with me on this one people- give an answer if you know it. I asked one of DUI-boy's DM's what vis was like-before the incident- and I heard 'not as good as Dutch Springs'. Thanks lady. And Jersey is not as clear as Bonaire. And water is wet.
-Jay
p.s. If y'all have any additions, say them.
