Solo Diving and DIR

[Uncle Pug]

This is not intended to be a thread about the specifics of either but rather to demonstrate that they are polar opposites of a greater continuum in regards to buddy diving.

The greater majority of divers understand (because they have been taught that it is so by most, if not all, of leading training organizations) that diving with a buddy is sacrosanct.

It is an inviolable safety priniciple so universally ingrained that even the general public is aware of it and it is not unheard of for a beach walker to challenge the lone diver with, "Where's your buddy?"

That said, the reality is that many *buddy* dives involve no more than several folks going into the water at approximately the same time and in the same general area... though not always surfacing in similar fashion.

Indeed all of the diving I did before becoming familiar with DIR was what could best be called *Same Ocean Same Day* buddy diving.

Now to the polar opposites.
DIR, as one of its principle tenets espouses the concept of *TEAM*. Far more than mere buddy diving the team approach extends from training and planning through execution and debriefing. This is by far one of the most enlightening elements for the new DIR diver.

Solo diving is not yet a recognized *discipline* (though there are some attempting to make it such.) Some solo divers, to make up for safety issues add equipment in an ad hoc approach to redundancy. Indeed *redundancy * is a mantra for some. In the same way *self-reliance* is promoted as the answer to any question about the wisdom of solo diving.

 

[redacted]

The greater majority of divers understand (because they have been taught that it is so by most, if not all, of leading training organizations) that diving with a buddy is sacrosanct.

UP

How do you rationalize the above quote with statistics like this: http://scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=65103&highlight=poll+solo

I'd agree that buddy diving is what we were taught. But it would seem that either the lesson did not take or the subsequent experience has taught most divers otherwise.

 

[jonnythan]

Well said UP.

I dunno, awap. I've seen lots of posts when the solo topic comes up saying something like "I know I shouldn't, but I do it anyway" or "only when it's shallow, and only for a few minutes."

For instance:

I'll dive solo at our local site - it's maximum depth is only 12 meters

 

[redacted]

I've seen lots of posts when the solo topic comes up saying something like "I know I shouldn't, but I do it anyway" or "only when it's shallow, and only for a few minutes."
:

My dictionary defines "sacrosanct" as "very sacred, holy, or inviolable". It looks to me like most divers dive solo on occasion. Some or even many of them may look at it as something they shouldn't do, but they do it anyway. They obviously do not believe it to be sacrosanct.

 

[scubafool]

I think I understand the point you were making about DIR & solo diving being complete opposites. It seems to me though, that there is another message, or point if you will, included in your post. Could you please elaborate?

 

[donclaypool]

Well said by all,

I solo because I'm confident in my self, my gear, and have performed or witnessed many assists and rescues, but never needed one myself. I have been stupid enough to run out of air, get stuck, have body parts go numb form drysuit leaks,etc. However, diving within ndl's allows one to surface with little chance of problems. Furthermore, a solo diver, rock climber or other sporting type realizes that risk is part of the game and may for some enhance its appeal. Solo is a mater of convienience for me, I dive when I want to. I don't have to wait for a weekend for a buddy to get off.

don

 

[jonnythan]

My dictionary defines "sacrosanct" as "very sacred, holy, or inviolable". It looks to me like most divers dive solo on occasion. Some or even many of them may look at it as something they shouldn't do, but they do it anyway. They obviously do not believe it to be sacrosanct.

I think the vast majority of divers will answer "I know I shouldn't do it" to the solo question.

Also remember that ScubaBoard is not exactly a perfect cross section of divers.

 

[jiveturkey]

My dictionary defines "sacrosanct" as "very sacred, holy, or inviolable". It looks to me like most divers dive solo on occasion. Some or even many of them may look at it as something they shouldn't do, but they do it anyway. They obviously do not believe it to be sacrosanct.

Yes, but you know what he means by this. Even the guys who dive solo know that they're breaking a major rule. One that has been introduced and reinforced since the beginning of their training. Whether or not people choose to break the rules is one thing but most people (when they think about it) know what the consequences can be if something goes wrong.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

So...

...most divers that believe solo diving is foolish are actually solo diving every time they get in the water with their "buddy".

I see it all the time...false security and ignorant bliss...far more dangerous than the real thing!

 

[RichLockyer]

How do you rationalize the above quote with statistics like this: http://scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=65103&highlight=poll+solo

Polls on a BBS are nowhere near reality.
The results of the poll consist of the relatively small sample of divers who:
Own a computer
With internet access
Who subscribe to Scubaboard
Who normally take the time to answer online polls
Who were drawn to answer THAT particular poll.

Those most drawn to answer a poll are those who tend to agree very strongly with one of the positions stated... and the format of the poll itself can be leading. For example, this very poll:

hell no! I'd never do that...
Not sure, but I dont feel comfortable with the idea.
I might be tempted if there was a special reason.
No worries! Just try and stop me!

Personally, I have only done a couple of solo dives (not counting pool work). Shallow, fresh water lake with no current, waves, or anything else... basically a deeper pool dive.
My buddy PREFERS to dive with a buddy, but he will engage in the occasional solo lobster hunt if one of his friends can't make it to the island with him.

Where would WE fit in the above answers? None of them really fit in a way that indicates our true attitudes toward solo diving.