Ok, my 11 year old has been bugging me to ask this question. I have been resistant in the past because it is silly, but I understand why he is asking.
He has been reading some posts and very interested in diving. He certified at 10 and has been diving and learning a lot about science of diving and marine ecology.
So he wants to know,
who on this board has logged the most dives?
Hello, again. The O.P. stated......
"Ok, my 11 year old has been bugging me to ask this question. I have been resistant in the past because it is silly, but I understand why he is asking."
As, it turns out..........It's not really a silly question at all. The replies have been very interesting. I think it's a matter of actual bottom time, and also a matter of perspective. I would also have to say it's also a matter of experience.
Also, would the ocean/lake/pond/bathtub/quarry/swimming pool conditions, and depth come into play???? Would the task at hand, or objective of the dive come into play.
Is it "Technical." "Recreational." "Commercial."
If a diver......Let's call him "Duart." gets certified, and progresses through Cave 1 Cave 2 Cave 3 Cave 4 and Rebreather 101 in 6 months, with a total dive time of 62 hours.
Does he have the experience of a diver....Let's call him "Dubbapappa" who has over a 1000 dives, at say 60 minutes bottom time each dive? Regardless of the reel, and toys..................
I would say "Not."
Does a new diver that just completed (2) 100 Ft dives scouring wrecks for a total bottom time of 47 minutes have more experience than a diver that just did (1) Deco dive to 100 Ft. , and just hung on a rope at 20 Ft, and then at 10 Ft. for a total bottom time of 38 minutes? (Relax...Pedant ones...Just throwing numbers.)
So, now. Is it also a matter of knowledge, against experience....or is it both?
I "Logged." 168 dives my first year. I haven't logged a dive since. To me personally...It is not important.
Cheers.