Thanks CMAS
My other half just certified OW. To be honest she was terrible for the first dozen dives. Then suddenly things clicked. She was clearing her ears and mask not knowing it. She is comfortable to perhaps 30 ’. There is no way she could deal with a pony on her. Tasking at this point is too great. We (she) are still learning how to read the computer. She can safely surface and save her self but that is the limit. We have a lot of tings to experience and learn from in order for her to start thinking ahead of the game and becoming an asset (buddy). Till then I am both halves of the buddy team. And that means in application I am solo and she has a buddy. She is aware that the road of retraining is going to be long and at times not pleasant. One builds a buddy. I hope that when i am done she can be a fully capable buddy for anyone. And when necessary be able to act as a solo diver when needed. Face it lost buddy and you are solo. Whether it is called solo or independant diver we will all be there one time or another. The main difference is whether you are solo when you submerge or some time before you surface. The proess really brings to light the need for self imposed limitations.