What is a Good Diver?

[Gary D.]

Mmm a good diver huh?

Well I would omit, quick in setting up gear.

Pete

Why this one Pete?

Catherine did a good strong center hit on the nail. Good job lady.

Gary D.

 

[Cacia]

The reason I felt inspired to answer this question is because I have noticed in our consumer/consumption oriented "industry" that sometimes so much emphasis is placed on "buying" our next lesson, that many divers with profound knowledge to contribute are completely missed or undervalued by the masses. We have become so commercial, I think we run a danger in becoming too elitist in our attitudes about what makes a good diver. Even something as innocent as "well traveled" might make you miss the old guy that can't afford to vacation but has dived his local waters almost every day of his life.

 

[cowboyneal]

What does tipping appropriately have to do with being a good diver? Come on...I am laughing really hard. How about simply: a diver that does no harm. That always works for me.

CN

 

[lowwall]

You are confusing the Good Diver with the Good Enough Diver. The goal of the GED is to have a good and safe time and leave no harsh thoughts behind.

I'll let the Good Diver experts decide if being an asshat above water is disqualifying.

 

[Vayu]

Good divers eat their fruits and vegetables.

-V

 

[RockPile]

I really can't disagree with any of the prior posts, per se. My only comment is that in some cases you guys have described great or advanced or perfect divers; idols, role-models, and the elite. And thank God for them too.

But I believe a good diver is a diver that has mastered enough of the sport to eliminate all but the nominal liability they pose to the other people diving around them.

JB

 

[teknitroxdiver]

A good diver:

-Is a nice person, never rude when he/she shouldn't be
-Keeps their gear in good working order, and orgainzed on the boat
-Is familiar with how gear works and how to do basic repairs
-Is always aware of where his/her buddy is as well as other divers
-Has an idea of how much air both he and his buddy has without looking at the gauge
-Dives cautiously and within limits
-Respects other's limits
-Helps new divers
etc, etc

 

[Cacia]

sometimes, you have to admit, bad divers can be a lot of fun. I mean, lets let a few characters on the boat, for entertainment value at least.

 

[spectrum]

Originally Posted by spectrum
Mmm a good diver huh?

Well I would omit, quick in setting up gear.

Pete

Why this one Pete?

I don't see being quick to set-up gear as a defining factor at all. Some of us like to take our time, to check things over and simply enjoy showing our gear some love as we prepare for and break down from a dive. Now being proficient at setting up one's gear would qualify IMO.

Yes Catherine did do a lovely job, quite poetic as a matter of fact.

Pete

 

[LSDeep]

For me, an astute reading of the ocean where he can execute an adventure in synchrony with changing tides and existing currents, knows where and when to see certain marine life and is able to predict which challenges we will encounter. I don't care about his gear configuration, his agency, or even his philosophy. I prefer a relaxed casual attitude even in conditions that warrant the full medley of skills. I like the diver who reveres nature during the dive and is eager to recieve a thrill when conditions and chance present themselves. A good diver knows how to enjoy diving and makes it appear effortless. Some of the very best I have known in my time diving, are living the the dive life and have very little money. Their gear comes from all over and it is secondary to the experience. They don't put the people they mentor on a rigid program but instead they facilitate the experience by leading people into the optimal state of mind, like a spiritual leader of sorts. Often these divers live in remote locales and sacrafice almost everything to dive. These are exceptional divers and because they fascinate me, I study them closely. These divers will teach you priceless things that are not found in a syllabus. These divers invite you in and often money is not involved. They understand the difference between acting cool and being cool.

covers it pretty much i think