Solo diving

[BIGSAGE136]

If you have to do anything other than reach out with your wing finger and have your buddy understand in the instant of a thought your urgent need... you are a solo diver.

If you can get caught up in a furball of mono on the back end of a ripping drift dive, and mange to cut your way out, catch up with your buddies, save your last 3rd to just know its there and cuss your so called buddies out over watermelon...you are a solo diver.

If you have a free flow at 110' trying to get a shot of a prop against a nice backdrop of contrasty sand, and everyone, as usual, just kept swimming for the hell of it, and you know you have to do SOMETHING about this and swimming after the fleeting herd is useless....You are a solo diver.

If you have ever stared the instance in the face where you realize that you have to save your own ***...Welcome to the Club.

YOU are a SOLO DIVER

 

[BIGSAGE136]

WHOOAA..All you DM's that hook that wreck b4 we dare those ripping currents...Solo?

 

[fire_diver]

Diving here in the midwest it can be very hard to find a dive partner. Many of the "divers" that live around here don't like diving in low-vis fresh water. My only partner so far has been my father-in-law, but our schedules don't always agree. So, as has been stated before, there are times when it's either solo, or no-go.

IT also does require the proper mindset. If you don't think your ready to solo, then you aren't. Lots more preperation and planning is involved in solo diving.

FD

 

[pilot fish]

My statement is on topic and there is no diatribe.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

So Pilot...You would'nt hook the wreck for your buds?

 

[pilot fish]

:

So Pilot...You would'nt hook the wreck for your buds?

 

[BIGSAGE136]

:

Thats it then.

 

[JeffG]

:

We will take that as a "No"

 

[mtg]

This is where these agencies are doing a real disservice to many. They put the idea in their heads that as long as you dive with a buddy things will be ok. To rely on your buddy. More emphasis is placed on depending on someone else than on yourself Peter S. Beagle, 14 July 1973

Good point, I think that is a very dangerous mentality, too. Although for me being a good buddy is about knowing my partner and making sure THEY ar okay. I know the air consumption habits compared to mine, as well as other habits. Hopefully the reverse is also true! Not sure if that attitude came from training or from myself.

I think if you check yourself and your buddy (and I will go up and look at their computer and gauges), and they do the same thing, you should be doubly good. Especially if there should be a problem that is not immediately full blown.

?

 

[AndyNZ]

There are as many bad reasons for diving solo as there are good. It is unwise to dive alone, which is why all the agencies in the World stress buddy diving.

That is rather a sweeping generalisation.

Saying "ALL" agencies would include SDI, who of course have a solo diver course...

PADI have also recently released a statement of solo diving, recognising that it occurs and recognising that it can be done safely with proper equipment, training and experience. This statement aside, the DSAT TecRec programmes have a different spin thing than the PADI recreational courses.

TDI courses, whilst emphasing team diving, also stress the need for independance and the ability to finish a dive alone.