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I agree...!
I lost my permanent "DiveBuddy" back in April of this year. We had been diving together for a very long time. We could almost read each others mind. But now she is gone and I’m left with finding another dive buddy.
But even with this kind of familiarrity, we always..."always"... did a brief and de-brief.
Since loosing her, I have been trying to find a new dive buddy who I felt comfortable with. So far what I’ve found are "Same Ocean Buddies".
Being an instructor, I can handle just about any level of skill in a buddy, but one thing that I can not deal with is a buddy who disappears as soon as we submerge.
The benefits of having a dive buddy vanish if the buddy is not in close proximity.
During the brief phase of a dive, it should be made clear "Who is the leader" and who will follow (among other issues to be covered in the brief). I have no problem with leading or following, however I do have a problem with my dive buddy leaving me.
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Along with "staying together" as a buddy TEAM, I have found that many divers, both new and experienced, tend to plow through the water as if it were some sort of race.
I enjoy going slow. I find that if you slow down, you will be able to stay together. You will be much less fatigued and you will burn up less air.
Not only that, but most marine life that you might encounter doesn’t really like the large fast moving presence that a diver creates as they plow through the water. If you simply slow down and even hover, especially near coral heads, all sorts of critters will come out to meet you.
Recreational diving is supposed to be a "relaxing" activity, not a race.
Personally, I don’t want to have to race to keep up with a dive buddy...
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I’m in total agreement with everything mentioned.
I’m still searching for a divebuddy who exemplifies and demonstrates those qualities, characteristics and practices.
How do I say this w/o sounding strange? I take liveaboard trips fairly often, you’re always welcome to come and dive with me.
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Fritz - 3/10/2009 5:40 PM
From Aqua_Nut_Angel: The assumption is everyone has been trained to a minimum standard (sounds scary) and that each diver dives within, not their limits, but they’re training.
"Minimum" being the scary part, try different dive buddies based on your comfort level. Find someone that has the same concern for safety as you! Also, go in groups if possible. Last spring I dove with someone that was "more advanced" than myself. During the assent I was watching my computer to be sure of my rate, my buddy was on the surface when I was at 35 ft. When I mentioned this after the dive, he laughed and said "I never worry about that and I have never had a problem". All I could think was, "Some day you will". This diver is working on Rescue Diver now.
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I should be diving w\ one of youse ... especially Seawolf ...well said and I have lost my buddy too and have the same issues.... ya gotta talk people and what’s the rush ... I find that going slow is the BEST way to see all that magnificent environment has to offer. thanks for the good vibes guys and be safe out there! I hope we all find some good buddies soon! cheers
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