Scuba or Cluster?

[dive_lover88]

I have noticed that when i go diving, the dive group tend to stick very close to the Divemaster or whoever is leading the dive,they would cluster together resulting in fins hitting regs and mask out of divers face. I normally stay at the back of the dive group and try to put some distance between myself and the other divers,but sometimes find myself on the receiving end of a fin.
Just wondering if that is the case for most divers diving in a group of 4 divers or more?

 

[redrover]

I feel your pain. I think of it as people’s nature, some need more personal space and some are inconsiderate, I suppose some people don't mind the jostling.
I hang back too finding I use a lot less air and enjoy the dive more when I don’t spend all my time evading people. I think if I got kicked in the face it would be my own fault for fingateing.

 

[astrl]

It's the normal "pack" instinct. I've seen it, too.

I also prefer to stay away from people for both reasons...I don't like being kicked and I like my personal space.

 

[DeputyDan]

Perhaps they are afraid of becoming separated from the DM and actually having to find their way back.

I have spoken to divers who will not dive in the keys due to the fact that here is not a DM in the water with them.

DM or no DM the only person that should be close by is my buddy. - IMHO !

 

[The Chairman]

Try a different plane of existance. We are so used to our "single file" and "single plane" existence of this world that sometimes we forget to think outside of the box.

Moving higher or lower than the herd will help you to avoid most fin/face collisions. Fanning out will also give some needed space and you get to visit your "own" reef that way.

Also, remember that MOST of these collisions happen while exiting/boarding the boat as well as during your safety stop on a down line. Giving others LOTS of room is so important here.

Check the area just below you on entrance. Don't park yourself under the diver climbing onto the boat (keep to the side). This is especially important if they slip or a weight belt frees itself. OUCH!!! Gravity can be such a pain! During that important safety stop, remember that you DON'T have to nail 15 ft! 15-20 is way close enough, and the use of a buddy line will give you even more space. Staying horizontal is also a great thing to practice here and will help to eliminate fins to the face.

 

[crpntr133]

I really hate it when everyone wants to cluster up. I really try and avoid those times and tend to stay at the back. If all else fails I stay above everyone else. No I don't get to see all the bottom but it sure beats getting kicked.

 

[Uncle Pug]

I recently had a cool encounter with a cluster.

My buddy and I (was it you, Bob) where just getting into the water when we noticed to local commercial dive class was gearing up for their *scuba* dive. We figured the dive site would turn into a zoo once they hit the water but we were ahead of them by at least a half-hour.

The viz was fair and we had a good dive but then as we turned to come back upslope from ~100' we saw the dust storm rolling downhill. Once we made our way back up into the pilings at 50' we saw them coming. They were spread out in a long line abreast churning the water like demented bicyclists using hands and feet. What made it so interesting to watch was the hand held lights that kept flashing around as they paddled their way toward us.

I was fairly mesmerized by the sight until the line got to us and they bowled me over in the onslaught. Actually I thought it was pretty funny but Bob (it was you, Bob) wanted to scram so we left them to re-arrange the scenery by themselves.

I sure wish I had a photo of that but the viz was so horrible there was no way of taking one. Still... clusters can be fun... to watch.... from a distance.

 

[Firebrand]

...some need more personal space and some are inconsiderate...

Speaking of inconsiderate, I was diving solo for shark teeth this past saturday and another diver showed up, virtually descending right on top of me, and then procedes in front of me, right on the bottom, and does two huge flutter kicks right in my face!!! The nerve some people have! He's lucky I didn't have a speargun with me, or he'd have a spear to have surgically removed from his thigh. I had already been on the bottom for about 75 or 80 minutes at that point, and I was the first in the water that day. Talk about inconsiderate!