Very Sad!!!

[JessicaDodge]

I haven't had one dive since my open water... which was the end of July. I have had plans to go twice but something always comes up. I work in retail so I don't have that many weekend days off so finding a dive buddy or boat is nearly impossible. I feel like I waisted all the time and money to follow a dream just to sit here and do nothing. Sorry about the kinda pointless post but I was just kinda wondering what you guys do to get out. I mean I live in Fl. The diving should be a piece of cake. I know I can go out on a boat and they will buddy me up with someone but I am such a new diver I don't want to ruin anyone elses dive by taking it slowly at first. Anyway... just wanted to complain for a little while. Thanks for listening.

Jessica

 

[detroit diver]

Jessica,

Just go out and dive. Don't worry about your buddy. Just tell the divemaster you are new and they will probably be your buddy, or fix you up with someone similar to you that you both feel comfortable with.

As Nike says: Just do it!

Or, if this is similar to what my wife says- "I didn't want an answer from you, I just wanted to vent", then NEVER MIND!

 

[Aquamaniac]

Dont worry about "messing up another persons dive"

Many divers, good ones at least, have no problems diving with new divers, its a good chance to brush up on your own skills, and practise for your up and comming exploits, its also a great way to meet new people.

If your ever in the GA/AL area, I'd be happy to dive with you.

Dave

 

[JessicaDodge]

Yes, I do want replys. It was kinda to vent but more to find a solution and maybe get your opnions of diving with a new diver. I learned everything in class but am still kinda unsure of myself. Does it bother you to dive with new divers? I would be diving tables, not a computer so the dive would be shorter. Would that bother you guys? Having to limit your dive because of your buddy?

Jessica

 

[Ontario Diver]

JessicaDodge once bubbled...
... Would that bother you guys? Having to limit your dive because of your buddy?

Jessica

Nope, Payback for all of those who did it (and sometimes still do it ) for me!

It is also great when you come up with a new buddy and you can see the amazement in thier eyes. Very rewarding... so don't worry, have fun!

 

[Aquamaniac]

Ontario pretty much summed it all up!!!!!

What goes around comes around.

 

[Zept]

JessicaDodge said...
I would be diving tables, not a computer so the dive would be shorter. Would that bother you guys? Having to limit your dive because of your buddy?

If you can, pick relatively shallow sites (if you an OW diver, you aren't supposed to dive below 18m anyway). That way you'll still have plenty of no-decompression time, even diving tables. Besides, the important thing about a dive is not how deep it is or how long it lasts, but how much you enjoy it!

Zept

 

[Dee]

Like Ontario said..we all had experienced divers who dived with us when we got started. Now it's time to pass it along. I enjoy diving with new divers..as long as I know it ahead of time. I don't know about the others but I have a different mind set when diving with newbies. My focus changes. It's hard to explain but when I'm diving with Beast or other regular buddies, we are equal. Other than your basic buddy awareness, we don't pay much attention to what each other is doing. That doesn't sound very good, does it. What I mean is with new divers, I am now in charge of both of us. I need to be more aware of your comfort level and how you're handling any task load. I'll leave the camera behind and concentrate on you as much as you need. As long as I know that going into the dive, I'm OK with it.

So don't let the lack of a regular buddy stop you. Be honest with your experience and you'll find lots of takers!

 

[raviepoo]

Everyone has to start somewhere. You will remain a new diver until you get out there and dive. The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll get some confidence and really start having fun with this expensive hobby. Why waste any more time?

I would love to buddy up with a new diver. And I wouldn't mind if you ran low on air before me. Not every dive has to last an hour and a half.

Have you considered joining a dive club? There are dive clubs out there where the leaders will will take you under their wing and make sure your experiences are positive, enjoyable and most important, safe. Are you in the Tampa area? If so please let me know and I will refer you to a club that I really like.

By the way, this is just my opinion so take it for what it's worth. The piece of gear that will give you the best benefit as a new diver is a computer. If you buy only one piece of gear, I would suggest a computer. They can be had without dropping too much money if you shop around carefully before you buy.

 

[earl]

As has been mentioned, most folks are more than willing to dive with a new diver; just make sure to mention it before the dive. It would also be a good idea to call the boat ahead of time and make sure the dives they are doing are appropriate to your skill and comfort level.

Arrive ahead of time, get your bcd+tank setup, and use small duffel for the rest of your stuff on the boat.

Just don't be offended if you end up with a pair of folks as a third and they bring you up early as you run out of air then go back down for a while longer. The first couple dives, I really went through gas...

-earl-