dotyj
Contributor
I still have my four OW dives to do but I already have a small group of people gathered that want to dive with me.
One, a gal who belongs to the same club I do. She's seen my progression during my CW classes and as I exited the pool Saturday commented on how good I did the session #5 requirements and how my skills are improving. She said that she'd be happy to dive with me once I'm certified.
Two co-workers. One already certified, another planning on taking classes.
A close friend of mine who has several certificates. In fact the two of us are getting together Saturday to work together so he has a good understanding of my abilities and I know what to expect from him. It should be fun, challenging, and educational.
As for me? When (If) I pass my OW dives, I would be happy to dive with anyone who:
1) understands my abilities. I can tow a diver. I did 75 meters in class, but can't lift anyone out of the water and need to make that clear to any potential dive buddy. If that person is okay with my disability then I'll dive with them.
2) shows proper proceedure and knowledge. I want to dive for fun. I understand the risks. I don't want to dive with anyone who makes a habit of diving beyond what conditions warrant and what their abilities can handle.
3) has proper working equipment. Diving is dangerous (Or can be) why compound the hazaards with improperly working or missing safety gear or life support gear.
Because of my disability, I expect people to not want to dive with me. Frankly I'm very okay with that. Diving is about having fun, not about spending an entire dive completely freaked out that something may happen to the gimp you're with leaving you in a scary and dangerous situation.
If another disabled diver approached me looking for a dive buddy I'd be concerned. Maybe I'd ask a friend who's isn't disabled along just for safety?
Long story short? Too late, I know. Don't go putting yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable.
One, a gal who belongs to the same club I do. She's seen my progression during my CW classes and as I exited the pool Saturday commented on how good I did the session #5 requirements and how my skills are improving. She said that she'd be happy to dive with me once I'm certified.
Two co-workers. One already certified, another planning on taking classes.
A close friend of mine who has several certificates. In fact the two of us are getting together Saturday to work together so he has a good understanding of my abilities and I know what to expect from him. It should be fun, challenging, and educational.
As for me? When (If) I pass my OW dives, I would be happy to dive with anyone who:
1) understands my abilities. I can tow a diver. I did 75 meters in class, but can't lift anyone out of the water and need to make that clear to any potential dive buddy. If that person is okay with my disability then I'll dive with them.
2) shows proper proceedure and knowledge. I want to dive for fun. I understand the risks. I don't want to dive with anyone who makes a habit of diving beyond what conditions warrant and what their abilities can handle.
3) has proper working equipment. Diving is dangerous (Or can be) why compound the hazaards with improperly working or missing safety gear or life support gear.
Because of my disability, I expect people to not want to dive with me. Frankly I'm very okay with that. Diving is about having fun, not about spending an entire dive completely freaked out that something may happen to the gimp you're with leaving you in a scary and dangerous situation.
If another disabled diver approached me looking for a dive buddy I'd be concerned. Maybe I'd ask a friend who's isn't disabled along just for safety?
Long story short? Too late, I know. Don't go putting yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable.