What have you learned in the last year, regardless of how long you have been diving?

[jaybombs25]

That divingi is alot more fun than most things on the surface

 

[TSandM]

That diving around Catalina Island is world class.

Ain't that the truth? Who knew?

 

[Parysa]

Another one that hasn't been certified a year yet. Not even close, lol. But I've still learned a lot.

I've learned that scary is a matter of perspective.
I've learned that a well-fitting wetsuit can make a world of difference.
I've learned that eels are NOT icky underwater snake-like creatures. They're actually really cool!
I've learned that when you quote the book at a more experienced diver (Kevin) that they will give you a really nasty look and it's really funny. ("There is no excuse for a diver to run OOA. Divers are equipped with a submersible pressure gauge to monitor their air supply." <--complete with very snooty voice)
I've learned that I've still got a TON to learn.
I've learned that air pockets underwater look like miniature lakes...under water.
Last, but not least, I've learned that fear can hold you back from something really amazing if you let it.

 

[froggs]

The same applies to divers (notably photographers) that use "muck sticks". They fall into the same category as glove wearers above.

I'd like to learn what muck sticks are!!!!

 

[dpbishop]

I just learned that if you are making consecutive lobster dives it's a good idea to zip the lobster bag back up before starting the second dive.

 

[sea nmf]

Learned to dive in 1989 - dove regularly since that time. However, this year

I learned that bp/w helps with bouyancy but you have to work at it, too. It isn't a magic BC.

I learned that spring straps are WONDERFUL. I also learned that I suck at making them myself.

I learned that, even though I am a non-DIR diver (and proud of it), I can, when required, dive with one without incident. I also learned that the philosophy is well-founded, especially applicable for some types of diving.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

One other important thing I learned just this past Saturday ... when scootering, keep your eyes forward. Because as soon as you turn your head, large objects such as a piling or a jetty will have a tendency to jump out in front of you ... :dropmouth :splat:

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I learned that helium is a wonderful thing and so is Lake Erie at 155 ft with 80+ vis, 39 degree temps and enough light to navigate a wreck that went down in 1870 with out a light. Details are a little harder to make out but when you turn the lights on it's damn near a spiritual experience. And that a boat down over 135 years can still look good enough to imagine if we brought it up it would float just fine. Did I mention that helium is wonderful?

 

[DennisS]

I attended a few spearfishing seminars this year. The seminars were great. I learned a lot and was amazed by some of the feats these spearos were doing. I've used slings and pole spears in the past but never used a gun. I decided to buy a gun and practice with it. It's added a lot of excitement to my dive experience and it's a lot of fun.

 

[aubie85]

I have learned
-I will probably never be comfortable with taking my mask off and clearing it
-Barracuda schools are attracted to me(shiny things, duh!)
-My calf muscles hate me
-My left ear is uncooperative & it is okay to take 10 min to reach the bottom!
-The more I dive and become 'one' with the environment, I have realized that people who litter disgust me more than smokers!
-Starfish are awesome, interesting creatures!!! They hard, yet slimy, and have no brain!!! I know their nerve mapping as well.