Very strange thread -- would you dive with me?

[TSandM]

Thank you all . . . despite the fuss, I have actually gotten some good ideas from this thread.

Why do I want to dive with new divers? Because I remember what it was like, to be new and not very confident, in a place where diving is challenging. I remember how hard it was to get on e-groups and BBs and ask for dive buddies -- not only was I worried that someone would "sacrifice" a dive to buddy with me, but I also worried that I would end up diving with someone who would take off and leave me alone in the water, or refuse to respect the limits set in the dive plan. I really ENJOY escorting new divers into some of our good, beginner sites, and helping them have a solid, uneventful and enjoyable dive. I hope that having a steady buddy and having a good critter-spotting eye in the water with them helps to create someone who will continue in the sport.

I've been sad that none of the new divers I've reached out to in the last year has taken me up on my offer, but it never occurred to me why it was happening.

The good news? I'm going diving with a new diver tomorrow. I'll get to enjoy their excitement when we find a half dozen different species of sea star. I'm psyched.

And I'm mulling over a new avatar . . . although I'll sniff goodbye to the Borg Queen. Even my scooter is named after her!

 

[Sas]

And I'm mulling over a new avatar . . . although I'll sniff goodbye to the Borg Queen. Even my scooter is named after her!

Naahh don't change the avatar!!!

 

[Hoomi]

I don't know. I kinda like the Borg Queen avatar. It definitely makes your posts easy to identify at even a cursory glance, and couldn't we all use a little assimilation from time to time?

 

[AndyNZ]

If you make it out to New Zealand, Lynne... then definitely!

 

[drdaddy]

Thank you all . . . despite the fuss, I have actually gotten some good ideas from this thread.

Why do I want to dive with new divers? Because I remember what it was like, to be new and not very confident, in a place where diving is challenging. I remember how hard it was to get on e-groups and BBs and ask for dive buddies -- not only was I worried that someone would "sacrifice" a dive to buddy with me, but I also worried that I would end up diving with someone who would take off and leave me alone in the water, or refuse to respect the limits set in the dive plan. I really ENJOY escorting new divers into some of our good, beginner sites, and helping them have a solid, uneventful and enjoyable dive. I hope that having a steady buddy and having a good critter-spotting eye in the water with them helps to create someone who will continue in the sport.

I've been sad that none of the new divers I've reached out to in the last year has taken me up on my offer, but it never occurred to me why it was happening.

The good news? I'm going diving with a new diver tomorrow. I'll get to enjoy their excitement when we find a half dozen different species of sea star. I'm psyched.

And I'm mulling over a new avatar . . . although I'll sniff goodbye to the Borg Queen. Even my scooter is named after her!

So, when are you going to organize a big get together of us NW Divers, and all others who'd like to come? Let's meet at Hood Canal. You can recognize me with the Pro-QD jacket BCD, Apollo Bio split fins, and yellow tank mounted 19 cf pony!!! But I do have Dive Rite reels and bolt snaps.

And I like your avatar.

In the meantime, come on down to Oregon's Yaquina Bay/South Jetty and enjoy some surge and poor vis.

drdaddy

 

[StevenN]

I don't think I would.... while I don't doubt you are a good diver, your constant need for self-validation would put me off. Threads like this are attention-seeking and I prefer cool, chilled out dive buddies - not anyone with enough neurosis to post a thread like this.

Sounds like someone had crabby patties for breakfast.

 

[kathydee]

Hmmm...some people would even fly up North just to dive with you!

Hey Lynne ... maybe you should adopt one of those cute little lumpsuckers as your new avatar ... nobody's gonna find those intimidating ...... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I like the idea, they were so cute!



Lynne, of course I’ll dive with you anytime!

Actually I’ve been lucky enough to dive with you for the past three days straight & I’ve really enjoyed the trip!

I flew from San Francisco to Washington just to finally meet both you and Bob and take you up on the generous offer to try your LP85 doubles – both of you have been so supportive and helpful on the board as I've launched on this path!

The Avatar was a bit intimidating but I decided to take the challenge and walk into the hive. Instead of a frightening Borg Queen I met an incredibly generous, kind women & a fantastic diver!

I really enjoyed meeting you, Peter & Bob and hope to see you again soon in Washington or Monterey! Thanks again!

 

[bigdave1969]

Yes I would, but than again, I will dive with anyone

 

[bowlofpetunias]

Would I dive with you? In a heartbeat!

Do I understand the intimidation thing... absolutely! I have so much respect for you and appreciation for your contribution on SB that your opinion matters to me! The more I respect someone the more I am likely to feel a bit intimidated by them.. it is about me and my insecurity not a result of their attitude at all.

I like the Avatar... when I read threads I tent to read the entire thing to get an idea of what is going on before I post. I confess some threads are so long.. I may scan and look for your avatar and read your post.. that often determines if I continue reading or don't bother any more.

People will make their final decision based on their own issues and

1) First Impression (Avatar pic impacts that)
2) Posts
3) Profile Page
4) Blog
5) if they are lucky enough personal contact

I personally don't think you need to change a thing .. you have a huge fan club here and that is no accident! You say all you need to say in your sig line... if people are still intimidated I don't think changing you Avatar will do a thing....

 

[thanksforallthefish]

There are quite a number of people on SB i would dive with, a few i would really like to dive with and you are one of the few.

I can understand the feelings of intimidation, but that is more to do with us not you.