Posted by kelphead on September 19, 2000 at 22:47:12:
In Reply to: Benchmark Dives posted by JRM on September 18, 2000 at 17:14:19:
at first i didn't really understand your q, and
i did want to make a suggestion, but i just wasn't
sure how it would fit in w/your direct question.
but now i understand what you define as a "benchmark
dive", and i have to admit that i have never heard
of such a standard in diving--not that it doesn't
exist, but i have just not heard of a parallel to
your rock climbing (ie, one particular site offers
X while only another site is known for Y while yet
a different site is known for Z).
there are a myriad of dive sites that share
the same challenges/rewards, whereas those same
exact sites will offer something different WHEN
conditions change. so, that's probably why
i personally didn't quite understand your question
initially.
however, that being said, i would venture to suggest
(as i had wanted to originally) that you indeed do
some night dives, as chris mentioned, especially if
you intend to go further into wreck or cave diving.
i would think that diving at night in open water
will help you evaluate how you feel about dark
places--i don't think you want to find out in a
wreck or cave if you are claustrophobic or if you
end up not liking limited vis for whatever reason.
so, my suggestion for a so-called "benchmark dive"
would be to dive several night dives to get the
feel for darkness and limited vis.
other than that, though, and as others have pointed out,
diving in various conditions at the same or different
dive sites will help you become more proficient
and confident overall.
best wishes.
kelphead.