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I agree with tursiops and yourself about not going solo. My very first post-OW dive was at Vortex Spring on the FL panhandle. I was in exactly your position--plenty of divers there (even in Jan.), but they were all buddied up and I was reluctant to just ask to tag along. So I did go solo--but kept to maybe 20 feet depth. I didn't start diving solo after that until I had 75 dives (my buddy moved away). I still try to limit my solo dives to 30 feet or less--I know I can get to the surface doing a CESA from there--another big thread somewhere. I don`t recommend any solo diving to a new diver. If it becomes your only choice, is there a quarrylake close enough that would allow it?
My theory on very shallow solo dives is that as long as you avoid entanglement, it's pretty much glorified snorkeling. In fact, probably a bit safer, since if you ever did get entangled or other problem, you have Air while fixing it. Then again, you're not supposed to snorkel or even swim alone either.
You could take the Advanced course as suggested (which can be a good idea even with little experience, depending on your comfortability diving). You'd still not be "Advanced" and would still be a 3rd wheel. Dive vacations would probably work well, as on charters I just showed up and left getting buddied up problem with the crew. I would assume a dive club is not an option in your area or you would've looked into it. I did that when first certified, but my location at the time made the travel not really practical.
My theory on very shallow solo dives is that as long as you avoid entanglement, it's pretty much glorified snorkeling. In fact, probably a bit safer, since if you ever did get entangled or other problem, you have Air while fixing it. Then again, you're not supposed to snorkel or even swim alone either.
You could take the Advanced course as suggested (which can be a good idea even with little experience, depending on your comfortability diving). You'd still not be "Advanced" and would still be a 3rd wheel. Dive vacations would probably work well, as on charters I just showed up and left getting buddied up problem with the crew. I would assume a dive club is not an option in your area or you would've looked into it. I did that when first certified, but my location at the time made the travel not really practical.