Solo diving in overhead environments

[nereas]

I have been to 138' at the beginning of a 60 minute multi level dive using an AL100, but my Suunto did not require an extended SS. I have done extended range scooter dives from shore to 120-ish depths, with 100 - 130 cf and ended up with SS times on the Suunto up to 7 or 8 minutes. There is a popular shallow shore/boat site on Maui that has a very narrow lava tube over 100 yards in length that I have done a couple times.

In all those cases I would not have done the dive to that extreme if I had a buddy.

Well those sound like really good safety (SS) stops.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Most of my dives are cave dives. Most of my dives are solo. Most of my dives involve planned deco. Yep, the three intersect on a regular basis. I dive sidemount, and dive conservatively. If I'm planning a nasty tight penetration in a new area, a buddy is going to be a detriment in most cases. One of us isn't going to see a damn thing anyway. Other times, I enjoy diving with a good buddy. I also enjoy diving with "newbies" and enjoy their enthusiasm. Nothing can compare to the "zen" of being off the beaten path, in a cave, all alone, enjoying the sound of my own bubbles....very peaceful.

You just described my diving exactly.

 

[AndyNZ]

Interesting to catch up with this thread after a long time away from it. Looks like the vast majority of solo divers are happy to push deco and/or overhead.

Thanks for all your responses, fascinating reading.