Posted by Eric S on August 20, 2000 at 08:47:52:
In Reply to: Re: RODALE'S ARTICLE ON SOLO DIVING posted by SeaUrchin on August 20, 2000 at 04:10:14:
Just to add to the discussion:
I frequently solo dive in Gerstle cove at night
doing photography. The reason, because there is
no way I can get anybody to drive up the coast with me then lay in the water for 2 hours barely
moving and watching me shoot photos.
Also when I dive with my normal dive partner
Larry, we are basically solo diving even though
we are in clear eye shot of each other. Frequently
the viz is not the greatest on the north coast
so unless you and your "buddy" are literally holding hands or diving so close together that
you constantly getting hung up in each others gear, (this is hazardous)
you are in essence solo diving. Also, they teach that if you lose you buddy you should look around for
1 minute then surface. Well, I'm not about to
work my ass off getting through the surf and kelp
to begin a dive then have to end it because I lost
sight of my dive partner. The whole decend then surface then decend then surface is rediculous.
Not to mention a good way to get bent!
that is what a tank banger is for.
Larry and I both dive with pony bottles and have
top of the line gear. We also work out and are
in top physical shape. We are very comfortable diving solo, even though we happen to be diving together. This also makes for a very relaxing dive, knowing that I can take care of myself.
After all, eliminating the paranoia is most of
battle.