Solo diving

[BIGSAGE136]

I'm going to my room now:thinkingo

 

[Wiggsy]

I don't mind diving solo - particularly a pier dive when navigation isn't an issue - or in safe conditions with good visibility. But I much prefer to dive with a buddy - otherwise you have noone to share your discoveries with during and after the dive! Diving is a very social activity - the post dive chat is always something I look foorward to - witout a buddy its a pretty one-sided conversation.

 

[slackercruster]

Yeah... sometimes people have a paradigm shift. I gave him an explanation that made a good case for times when one would solo dive. The result is he is willing to shift and admit there are times when doing a solo dive is acceptable. When he admits there appear to be times when a solo dive OK and that he'd engage in it himself if he felt comfortable with the conditions or dive, he's called a bigot instead of being applauded or acknowledged for being open to the idea.

I don't want to sound rough, but this isn't the first time I've seen this happen to PF and I don't believe its fair for him to be the target of baiting or trolling by others just to get a reaction.

I think in the end it is up to the individual to decide if soling if for them or not. I let people have their own views as long as they do not force their views on me. Unfortunately with soloing, you sometimes get others prejudices forced on you and do not get to dive as was the case at some springs in Fla. on my last trip.

 

[Kim]

PF:

One small question.. what's the difference between doing a solo dive to verify/place an anchor and a solo dive to look at pretty fishes?

Actually Jonny - I know you didn't ask me but........

I see a difference between being directly under a boat with someone paying close attention above, and with a line directly back to that person, and tooling around all over a reef on your own where no-one has the slightest clue where you are. There's also the difference in exposure due to time - a couple of minutes while something could go wrong vs a full dive. I've never seen anyone use redundant proper solo gear to simply check a reef mooring or other normal depth tie in. DMs do this every day.

 

[redacted]

A solo dive to view the fishes would be a longer dive of perhaps an hour, alone at depth. I dont have the proper gear to spend that amouint of time alone so I would not attempt it. Hope that answers your question. Jon?

First it is a matter of attitude and comfort. Then some additional gear considerations may come into play, depending on conditions. For some reason, I read your use of the word "alone" as a bad thing. You will never enjoy a solo dive until "alone" is a good thing. For example, I believe I was alone on one or two dives in Cozumel. And I don't just mean without a buddy. I mean the only dive on the island in the water (at 1am and again at 4 am).

 

[Kim]

For some reason, I read your use of the word "alone" as a bad thing. You will never enjoy a solo dive until "alone" is a good thing.

This is very true. However, it's probably a good thing that 'alone' IS perceived as a bad thing by most divers. Let's face it - solo diving isn't for everyone at all so I think we should all be careful how we portray it. I remember when the Solo forum on this board was under discussion. It was clear that a number of very experienced divers and instructors actually thought it was a bad idea to have. It takes a certain mindset and personal responsibility. It's not something that everyone should just be trying to emulate because a bunch of people seemed to give the impression it was OK on a message board.....

 

[BIGSAGE136]

This is very true. However, it's probably a good thing that 'alone' IS perceived as a bad thing by most divers. Let's face it - solo diving isn't for everyone at all so I think we should all be careful how we portray it. I remember when the Solo forum on this board was under discussion. It was clear that a number of very experienced divers and instructors actually thought it was a bad idea to have. It takes a certain mindset and personal responsibility. It's not something that everyone should just be trying to emulate because a bunch of people seemed to give the impression it was OK on a message board.....

Well said. OK..back to my room :handball:

 

[redacted]

It takes a certain mindset and personal responsibility.

I understand that and I do not want to push anyone into diving solo. But some bit of that same mindset is what seperates dependent and independent divers. It would be a good thing if all divers had a bit of that mindset when it comes time to handle a buddy seperation incident.

The best thing about being able to conduct a safe solo dive is --- you don't have to unless you want to.

 

[Kim]

It would be a good thing if all divers had a bit of that mindset when it comes time to handle a buddy seperation incident.

Well...I suppose I was actually taught how to solo in that situation in my PADI OW. Sure, I agree that a diver should have the self confidence to be able to follow their training in that sort of situation. No one is going to automatically die simply because they are alone. Still - the moment you ARE alone - the risk shifted very significantly......

 

[Diver Dennis]

Diving in general is unwise for poorly trained people.

Stan

That is exactly what I said...