13 replies to this topic

[Cephalopod]

I sometimes like to dive alone.

Sometimes because there is simply no one to dive with.

But sometimes I need some serious quality time by myself. My knowledge, my skills, my gear, my daring, my curiosity...and a very serious risk that I am aware of, but one that I accept the full consequences for.

I know I'm good at what I do, and sometimes I simply have an overwhelming desire to experience it alone.

I don't recommend it to others...but I know I'm not alone.


Ceph

[BeachBunny]

Uncle Horace! Where have you been hiding these days????

[Latitude Adjustment]

There are some inlet dives I do solo, the vis is limited and I'm looking for seahorses and other small critters. I don't want to be tracking a buddy too who will probably silt up the place and make things worse.

[Hipshot]

I've had some dive buddies who made me wish that I was diving alone. All kidding aside, a dive buddy can be a liability, as well as a help.

One that comes to mind is a guy who just wandered aimlessly underwater. I felt an obligation not to lose him, since he was demonstrating his lack of competence and my conscience wouldn't let me abandon him. The result was that we both went too far from the dive boat, and had a monster swim back in rough seas. I backed off on the second dive, claiming that the seas were too rough, but the real reason was that I didn't want to be hindered by this guy again. Instead, he tripled-up with the people who brought him on the dive boat. Yes, I missed a dive, but at least I avoided trouble.

Upon return to shore, I informed the captain that in the future, I would outright refuse to be teamed up with him again. The captain, who knows me very well, apologized and said that he'd honor that request.

Rick

[Capn Jack]

I sometimes like to dive alone.

Sometimes because there is simply no one to dive with.

But sometimes I need some serious quality time by myself. My knowledge, my skills, my gear, my daring, my curiosity...and a very serious risk that I am aware of, but one that I accept the full consequences for.

I know I'm good at what I do, and sometimes I simply have an overwhelming desire to experience it alone.

I don't recommend it to others...but I know I'm not alone.

Well said. At least when you're solo, you know it.

[captsteve]

You are far from alone..... There are probably many who accept the risks, and most just dont discuss it not wanting to be responsible for encouraging someone else. I prefer diving solo. It is not for everyone. I think it is like going up MT Hood without the locator beacon, but I do it anyway....and yes it is much more peaceful.

[Racer184]

I just finished the S.D.I. Solo Diver course last week.

I highly recommend it, even if you plan to never dive alone, because there are times you really are alone even though someone thinks they are your buddy.

[WreckWench]

It is a great course to learn to be a BETTER DIVER IN GENERAL!!! And yes even if you have a buddy...if they are too far away to help you...you might as well not have one.

Congrats on your certification Alan!

[shadragon]

I just finished the S.D.I. Solo Diver course last week.

I highly recommend it, even if you plan to never dive alone, because there are times you really are alone even though someone thinks they are your buddy.

As do I. Some of the best dives I have had were solo. There are times when with an inexperienced diver or student that you are effectively diving alone. The SDI Solo course will show you proper management of equipment and technique to minimize any dangers and let you wander off on your own.

[grim reefer]

I'm OK with solo diving for those with appropriate training, equipment, and experience for the dive being attempted. I do it myself in some circumstances. But I always try to remember that when I dive alone I have a fool for a buddy! That keeps me from being too aggressive.

[WreckWench]

How many of our members have dove alone in the following circumstances?

Please see the poll HERE!

[drbill]

I dive alone. After 50 years of doing it, I feel pretty comfortable when diving familiar sites. I do carry a redundant air source though. When diving in new areas, I dive with a buddy. A few years back I calculated my incident frequency diving solo and diving with a buddy. The rate while diving with a buddy was 17 times higher than when diving solo (and only one of the solo incidents was potentially life threatening... due to equipment failure, a clogged valve, and brain failure, diving without my redundant air source).

However I do NOT advocate solo diving to anyone else. Not my job. IMHO one of the most important things you need to know about whether you are ready to dive solo is how you respond to emergency situations. If you are cool headed, then maybe; if you panic, don't bother.

[Elias]

I like diving alone -- it affords me the opportunity to move at my own pace and doesn't saddle me with the responsibility of a (possibly inept) buddy. That said, I also dive with a sidemount configuration so my standard gear for any dive consists of two completely independent life support systems, as well as a spare mask, primary and backup SMBs, primary and backup computers, etc. Basically carrying two of anything that my life may depend on. I also pack along a small serrated knife, line cutter, shears and a few zip ties (which I've had the unfortunate opportunity to actually use). On longer dives I will sometimes also bring a water bag that doubles as a backup bladder. IMHO, if you are going to dive alone, you need to be prepared to rescue yourself. This not only makes you a better diver but a better buddy as well.

[WreckWench]

Hi Elias...great first post. And I agree. I too dive sidemount and love the EASY redundancy compared to back mounted doubles. Since I'm afforded the opportunity to dive with LOTS of GREAT divers most of which are very experienced and some on their way to becoming experienced...I don't dive that configuration as much as I would like too. However I always have plenty of air around and/or can safely reach the surface as the plf's are usually shallow that I'm taking pictures of.

One of the unique things about our trips is we pair like minded divers together so they can dive their preferred profiles and styles. This is accomplished via the extensive rooming and diving survey we use if you sign up for one of our trips. We have LOTS of technical and diving pros who dive with us as a result. We even teach tech diving on at least one trip a year...this year it will be Roatan over Halloween.

So don't worry about joining one of our trips...you truly CAN dive your preferred profiles and styles (as long as within recreational limits if its not a tech trip) and diving sidemount is fairly easy in the wonderful Caribbean and exotic resorts we visit!