When I was a newbie I didn`t want to dive with another newbie. On a trip, I was assigned a newbie buddy, who brought all new equipment, never used, and he didn`t know how to put it together, much less try it out before we got to Bonaire. A divemaster took about 2 hours to attach all the hoses from his regs, computer, spg, bcd, octo, etc. Then, when we got to the dive site, he put his wet suit on backwards (zipped up the front), and didn`t have enough weight to get below the water. I requested another buddy, for 2 reasons. One, I was a newbie too, and didn`t feel comfortable watching after myself AND him, and I truly believe you have to buddy up with someone better than you (as a newbie) to gain additional knowledge and experience. Once I gain that requisite experience, I will be happy dive with a newbie. I have taught waterskiing and also snow skiing, and really enjoy seeing a newbie get enjoyment out of a new sport.