Last night's dive was a blast. Eight divers showed up, the youngest just 14 years old and the oldest 68. There were 2 nOObs with 5 dives and two divers who have dived since the 70's. The gear ranged from poodle jackets and snorkels to BP/wings and doubles (our re-breather divers no-showed).
A good time was had by all, and on the drive back I mentioned to my buddy that I would enjoy diving with any of them.
"Really?" he said. "Is there anyone you won't dive with?"
Of course.
"Well, who?"
I thought about it. After I gave him my list, he gave me his, which was a bit different. So, I'll post my list here, and you tell me yours. It's not snobby to have preferences. Diving is about safety and comfort. I know two guys who have been diving together for 20 years and won't buddy with anyone but each other. Nothing wrong with that.
Anyway, here's my list of who I won't dive with:
* Diver who is upset because I called the dive.
* Diver who is a "danger" junky, and always wants to go deeper, or push some risk limit just for the thrill. Or the nark junky.
* Diver who no-shows or is consistantly late and doesn't call.
* Diver who always builds themselves up (ego) by constantly berating other divers gear, skills, etc. I've seen a DIR diver do this to non-DIR divers, and a non-DIR diver do this to DIR'ers. If you're Mister Great Diver you don't have to tell us about it. Your skills will soon show it.
* Diver who can't control their language. I'm not talking about the occasional expletive here, but the person who's mouth loudly spews out the F word every other word in mixed company without consideration for others.
* Diver who remains totally unaware of buddy, even after discussing the issue. These divers have to be chased down during the dive, never notice their buddy, are always getting separated, and finish the dive solo.
One more note. It's possible to overlook some of these if said dive has a nice boat.
What's your list?
A good time was had by all, and on the drive back I mentioned to my buddy that I would enjoy diving with any of them.
"Really?" he said. "Is there anyone you won't dive with?"
Of course.
"Well, who?"
I thought about it. After I gave him my list, he gave me his, which was a bit different. So, I'll post my list here, and you tell me yours. It's not snobby to have preferences. Diving is about safety and comfort. I know two guys who have been diving together for 20 years and won't buddy with anyone but each other. Nothing wrong with that.
Anyway, here's my list of who I won't dive with:
* Diver who is upset because I called the dive.
* Diver who is a "danger" junky, and always wants to go deeper, or push some risk limit just for the thrill. Or the nark junky.
* Diver who no-shows or is consistantly late and doesn't call.
* Diver who always builds themselves up (ego) by constantly berating other divers gear, skills, etc. I've seen a DIR diver do this to non-DIR divers, and a non-DIR diver do this to DIR'ers. If you're Mister Great Diver you don't have to tell us about it. Your skills will soon show it.
* Diver who can't control their language. I'm not talking about the occasional expletive here, but the person who's mouth loudly spews out the F word every other word in mixed company without consideration for others.
* Diver who remains totally unaware of buddy, even after discussing the issue. These divers have to be chased down during the dive, never notice their buddy, are always getting separated, and finish the dive solo.
One more note. It's possible to overlook some of these if said dive has a nice boat.
What's your list?
