buminbeer2
Registered
I have about 50 dives under my belt. A few years ago on about my 30th dive or so, I was following a buddy going way too fast for me and lost him in about 40 feet of water, vis about 10'. So, I figured I'd head back about 100 yards to the dock to meet up and head to the suface to see if I could find my buddy, as I started ascending, my tank came out of the harness. I did not panic, but was more pissed my dive buddy was no where near me to help me get the tank back on or at least help secure it.
You try holding a tank, while ascending, knowing the reg could be ripped out of my mouth. Well, like it's been told 1000's of times, think, do not panic. So, with my right hand supporting the bottom of the tank behind me and ascending at about a 30-40 angle to kind of keep it on my back, I glided towards shore where I could "beach" myself. Once I reached shore and gathered my gear and beached it all, I see my buddy surface about 50 yards out, unaware of anything that happened, he was taking pics and knew my dive skills, figured I could handle my own once seperated.
I am not upset as basically, I have solo dived as I like to take pictures when other buddys just want to explore.
Lessons learned:
Up until then, I did not pre-wet my BC to help stretch the banding. The reason was the weight pockets were a pain to take in and out, not a reason anymore.
I did not have a back up air supply, I now have a pony bottle.
Don't always assume there will be a buddy to bail you out.
NEVER panic, think out the situation.
If you can think of other advice, for me or other divers please feel free.
One last lesson learned for ALL divers. After a dive last August, it was hot. So I keeped my booties on with just swimming trunks (because of rocks) and dived off a dock. Big mistake as was in about 10 feet of water. I don't know about any of you, but you cannot swim or get any force with booties on. I had to float on my back and use my arms to back peddle the short way back to the shallow end!
Thanks, Scott.
You try holding a tank, while ascending, knowing the reg could be ripped out of my mouth. Well, like it's been told 1000's of times, think, do not panic. So, with my right hand supporting the bottom of the tank behind me and ascending at about a 30-40 angle to kind of keep it on my back, I glided towards shore where I could "beach" myself. Once I reached shore and gathered my gear and beached it all, I see my buddy surface about 50 yards out, unaware of anything that happened, he was taking pics and knew my dive skills, figured I could handle my own once seperated.
I am not upset as basically, I have solo dived as I like to take pictures when other buddys just want to explore.
Lessons learned:
Up until then, I did not pre-wet my BC to help stretch the banding. The reason was the weight pockets were a pain to take in and out, not a reason anymore.
I did not have a back up air supply, I now have a pony bottle.
Don't always assume there will be a buddy to bail you out.
NEVER panic, think out the situation.
If you can think of other advice, for me or other divers please feel free.
One last lesson learned for ALL divers. After a dive last August, it was hot. So I keeped my booties on with just swimming trunks (because of rocks) and dived off a dock. Big mistake as was in about 10 feet of water. I don't know about any of you, but you cannot swim or get any force with booties on. I had to float on my back and use my arms to back peddle the short way back to the shallow end!
Thanks, Scott.