InTheDrink
Contributor
I love the fitness discussion in this thread, and agree divers should maintain a level of fitness appropriate to our sport. Sadly, there is a problem with some DM's who "travel" a lot during a dive. They dive the route almost daily, are familiar with the sites and terrain, and sometimes forget that their followers are not in the same circumstances. Divers see and want to observe things, and lag behind if the DM is inattentive. The divers , being on a guided dive, are likely less active and proficient than the DM. Separation from the group can lead a diver to not only heavy exertion, but also stress. I think divers who find they are being rushed or pulled along too fast should say so to the DM after the dive and before another one. Nearly all ( but unfortunately not all) will respond appropriately. And if you are a DM reading this thread, take note. I hear a lot of folks complain about DM's who move too much and too fast. Talk to you divers, let brief the dive accurately including factor of movement and pace, and get their input and expectations. Modify your plan accordingly. And divers, speak up, please. If you are paying $100 or more for a 2 tank excursion, you are entitled to reasonable consideration. Its a recreational dive. It's suppose to be fun. For everyone.
DivemasterDennis
You're gonna LOVE this. One of my instructors on my last course wore split fins. He's a pretty hard core deep CCR diver and not one that I'd thought would be a split fin man. I asked him about it. His reason: simple - it's to slow him down so he's not too fast for his students (bearing in mind his students will all have several hundred dives). I thnks that's quite a noble and responsible position to take. And also neatly puts the splits/paddle debate to bed once and for all
Interestingly, he's also a big man and could probably do with a few less sauaage and bacon sarnies. But he is fit, or those muscles at least are fit, and there's nearly nothing he couldn't deal with in terms of stress (I know this as he saved my life).
I'm not saying fitness is everything, but it is a component and a significant one.
Composure, relaxation and fitness are all aspects that should be taken into consideration.
The other thing DivemasterDennis, is that I know for a fact some DMs purposefully rip through the dive so their guests burn through their gas quickly and can get the dive over with. Not saying it's the norm but it certainly does happen.
John