Training for Solo diving?

[FishDiver]

This is intentional. Most people don't want to promote solo diving because it is not something that inexperienced divers should be doing. There is also a stigma around solo diving and most solo divers have come to realize that simply not talking about it is the best way to keep from being criticized as well as to minimize possible liability. Solo diving goes against community standards so if someone were to promote it to someone who then got hurt it would be much easier to make a winable lawsuit out of it than it would be with a lot of other issues.

While there are a lot of things about solo diving that I feel should be discussed, if you need advice on how to solo dive safely or you need to talk to someone about it to be comfortable with it then you are not ready to solo dive.

~Jess

I agree with not encouraging divers, particularly new divers to solo. But if we don't discuss equipment and techniques, what is the point of having the Solo Forum?

All of us had the read and agree to special rules to even access this forum. Personally, if I want to hear "Solo and you will die" I'll go the the PADI website.

 

[JessH]

I agree with not encouraging divers, particularly new divers to solo. But if we don't discuss equipment and techniques, what is the point of having the Solo Forum?

All of us had the read and agree to special rules to even access this forum. Personally, if I want to hear "Solo and you will die" I'll go the the PADI website.

I totally agree. I was attempting to explain the attitude, not saying that it is ideal.

~Jess

 

[Nemrod]

Fishdiver, is there a specific set of questions you need answered?

You will find the same sort of elitism among solo divers as might be found in the DIR bunch. Don't let it bother you.

One reason solo divers as a group may not be real big on formal training for solo diving is because many of us began doing this (solo) when it was only whispered about--because we are REBELS, we are not followers, we are solo divers and many of us are not keen on having somebody with questionable qualifications telling us what to do. That is one of the reasons I went solo to begin with. This is probably not a forum full of conformist who are going to stand in line to take a solo diver class---lol and pay somebody to critique our color coordination of our gear.

This legal mumbo jumbo---the legal system is out of control as is the country. Nobody is going to hold a solo diver forum discussion liable if somebody kills themself in the real world. Nobody held their feet to the fire and made them walk the plank. Only an Darwin Award Idiot would do something like sky diving or solo diving or mountain climbing based on internet advice--give me a break.

As to expereince, some people are ready to go out of the box and some may never be solo divers. Not better or worse, just different personality types.

N

Disclaimer: I am an elitist, I am an expert diver, do not try what I do at home, most of the things I say will likely kill you and are VERY dangerous and unwise to follow. Do not follow my advice--I am an insane person who believes that to die free, one must live free. I do not believe in rules or limits and say it over and over that safety is not my number one priority and in fact barely makes the top five on my list. Safety in fact in my opinion and as expressed in all of my posts is that safety is way over rated. If you cannot accept your eventual death and cannot accept that diving can kill you -- and that you alone--YOU ALONE-- are the Captain of YOUR Fate and you alone are responsible for your destiny then please---never ---follow my advise because you will likely die--sooner or later--from or of something. The end game of life is death and mine will be glorious, I intend to go down fighting with my boots--uh--fins--on.

 

[beejw]

This is intentional. Most people don't want to promote solo diving because it is not something that inexperienced divers should be doing. There is also a stigma around solo diving and most solo divers have come to realize that simply not talking about it is the best way to keep from being criticized as well as to minimize possible liability. Solo diving goes against community standards so if someone were to promote it to someone who then got hurt it would be much easier to make a winable lawsuit out of it than it would be with a lot of other issues.

While there are a lot of things about solo diving that I feel should be discussed, if you need advice on how to solo dive safely or you need to talk to someone about it to be comfortable with it then you are not ready to solo dive.

You stated yourself that you do not feel that you are ready to solo dive. This gives me a lot more respect for you than I would have if you thought you were. I agree that you are not ready, but also think that solo diving is not for everyone and you may never be ready.

~Jess

I dont so much need advice on solo diving safely, and recognise that i am an extremely inexperienced diver when compared to the large majority of people on the boards, expsecially in this forum particularly. I also agree that i may never be ready - but i feel that i have one thing in common that is an important element in solo diving (correct me if im wrong) but the willingness to break the "rules" and a free spirit, an unquenchable thirst for excitement and adventure.

I agree that there really is no point to this forum, especially with the rules that everyone posting on this board had to agree to before posting, if people who are curious -albeit inexperienced- about solo diving to seek the wisdom of those who have gone before them, get there thoughts on which redundant gas systems are more reliable etc.

On that note, i agree that if *I* wanted to read the "solo and you will die" bull, i can go to the PADI or the SSI or the NAUI website.

honestly from what ive read, and i think youll agree with me, more deaths have occured from unqualified people going beyond there limits when diving with a buddy, espcially in caves and wrecks. In some cases having a buddy with you can lull you into a false sense of security, and IMHO, all divers should be prepared to dive solo, even for a minute, in the case of a missing buddy...

anyway. ill be intereted to hear your further thoughts on this. I would like to re-iterate though, that im not ready to DIS, but im am cuious and want to know more.

 

[DeepBound]

thats what i was thinking, but i was a little put off by the somewhat elitest attitudes and the "dont ask, dont tell" motto that some solo divers adopt.

I think the "don't ask don't tell" phrase referred to dealing with dive shops and charters, and whoever. I'd never go into the dive shop and talk about how I need a fill so I can go dive by myself. They might know that I solo dive (i really have no idea if they do) but if i wear it on my sleeve and talk about it, then they're put in the awkward position of having to give me a lecture or even possibly feel that they have to refuse to sell me gear or whatever. It's just better if you don't talk about it.

As for being elitist, I think it's more that no one wants to give you permission to go do something that could result in your death. You have to decide for yourself if solo diving is worth risking your life for, then take the responsibility for it. No one wants to be the guy who told you that you should go solo dive, when you wind up getting entangled and drowning.

 

[ottomatik]

"Hello ottomatik it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, help provide a solution or just engage in a conversation with another member in any one of our forums? "

Here goes and maybe this post will keep the above from showing up on my computer for awhile.

When I took my first lessons I had no idea that after I became certified I was suposed to dive with a "buddy" after certification. When I was told that, I already had the mindset to be diving alone , solo, or depending on myself and skills to save my own skin. Long before I even found this website here was the plan I put into effect.

I bought all my own gear. The best I could afford. I signed up for every course I could, not to collect cards but for the knowledge and dive time. On every dive I practice and practiced a different skill. Picked a LDS to shop at, and use them exclusively for purchases and courses.( As I also have a business I know the importance in cultivating a good business relationship) I DOVE alot.

Then I found this web site and forum.

I took MORE courses. Found out I needed MORE equipment and bought it.
Then started diving solo. Alone. At times and places i don't care to post.

The courses I feel are a must. Rescue, Equipment Specialist, Emergency Responder, Open Water , Advance Open water, and Nitrox. I have them all and am a Master Diver also. There is a couple of other things , Read EVERY single post in the Accident and Incident forum. Have a plan, ABORT if something is not right.

 

[divemaster_jim]

If you haven't already done these things on your own, you don't have the necessary experience to be diving solo.

Ok which is this? the chicken or the egg? Somewhere, somehow, you have to either have seen someone, talked to someone or taken some kind of training to go solo, or even for that matter take up scuba, I consider myself fairly good at what I do, but I wasn't born with the knowledge or skills in which to use to do it.

 

[Walter]

Ok which is this? the chicken or the egg? Somewhere, somehow, you have to either have seen someone, talked to someone or taken some kind of training to go solo, or even for that matter take up scuba, I consider myself fairly good at what I do, but I wasn't born with the knowledge or skills in which to use to do it.

It comes from lots of diving and lots of thought about diving. No one taught me to dive solo.

 

[divemaster_jim]

It comes from lots of diving and lots of thought about diving. No one taught me to dive solo.

Hmm, So you've never observed someone do something you thought that you could incorporate? never talked to anyone about it? never read anything dealing with the subject? No one "taught" me either, but I have learned some things.

 

[Walter]

I never said that, but I do believe no amount of training can get a diver to the point he's a competent solo diver. That either comes from experience or it doesn't come at all.