In Reply to: Re: OPEN BOAT posted by DPV on April 23, 2008 at 12:15:43:

I love open boats. I've had many wonderful dives on them. The Captains always anchor in awesome spots. Only one dive in at least 50 to Anacapa had a problem - two divers let themselves drift (underwater) 100 yards away, surfaced, and then held up the whole boat while they were pushed along the tow rope because they were too tired (DUH). But it was still an awesome dive.
I especially enjoy the downtime conversations with varieties of people. Of course there were times when the majority was cliqueish - but that was only occasionally. Most often people are sharing dive site talk, dive experiences, dive problems and solutions.
I love boat diving, and the freedom to book a dive when I want to go!
I admit to having held up the line at the gate when I was first diving, because I was scared that I was going to sink to the bottom with all my weights. Now I'm like the first one in and one of the last ones out because I am a light breather. My buddy just says Go For It - Meet You In The Jacuzzi. However, I take pains to never be the last one in - that dubious distinction goes to people with fancier gear than mine