32 replies to this topic

[fbp]

I took an intro SSI Solo seminar, and it was pretty much common sense and backups... along with a push to selling excessive stuff...

As in, I'm quoteing, sort of here:

"....pony bottle should have the Highest Quality Reg you can get... no others will do... you don't want to have to struggle breathing with a low quality reg as you've got more things to deal with...."

end quote...

but it was interesting. Pretty much don't do anything uncomfortable, working under 60', 40' the preferred (not sure why the limits etc), pony bottle, dive plan and some other things, but I kinda left thinking, well, most was common sense and using a less than high quality reg doesn't make any difference as you'll not be thinking about how slightly more difficult your breathing is while dealing with other problems..

So felt it was interesting, refreshed a few things, but didn't see any real need to take the course unless I'd be Solo diving ALL the time.. and just needed a refresher..

So, nice class, but didn't see much value... if some really were interested in Solo diving, then I'd say take the class, you can always learn something and not make it such a big deal if you get left buddyless... or if you have nothing else to do.. it was refreshing and interesting...

[WillDiveForBeer]

Terri, I'm disturbed by something you said.

I can't imagine ever diving without a dive master or instructor at this point in my diving career...

You should be ready to dive with any other certified diver when you get your OW card. If you aren't, you were short changed by your instructor.

Walter, I wonder if Terri actually meant she only sees herself diving with a DM or Instructor as in organized dive trips where the DM knows the area. Being new to diving myself, my notion of diving now is taking a trip to Belize, going to Fiji, seeing wrecks off the coast of NC, where you are going with a dive company on their boat, since they know where to take you. In that respect, there will be a DM or Instructor who knows where the sites to see are.

Besides the people on SD, I don't know anyone who dives (except 1 friend from Sweden), which means an organized trip is most likely required. That being said, I don't see any foreseeable dives being done without a DM or Instructor, since I will either be getting additional certification or going on tours led by a DM.

I guess a good thread to start might be "How can I go diving without using a dive company"? I'll start that new thread based on the scenario of in July my Swedish friend is coming to visit for a week. We are both A/OW certified, how can we just decide to take our gear and go diving?

[drbill]

Just back from my nearly month-long trip to Florida and thought I'd chime in. Those who know me, know that I'm an 80% solo diver. However all my diving in Florida was done with buddies (two of my favs, Andrea and Stephanie). It reminded me how much more fun it is to dive with a buddy who shares your passion (in and out of the water).

Dr. Bill