It seems to be PC to automatically tell anyone asking for info to take a class.
This can discourage independent thinking and self reliance. Of course, it can also mask the fact that they person answering just doesn't know the answer as well.
It's common to dissuade divers from diving in any but the most optimal conditions but then how will they react if conditions get a little nasty while they are in the water some day?
I actually think that being too risk adverse or conservative is more dangerous than diving in less than optimal conditions in a planned way as a means of getting experience.
Often people are warned not to do certain dives unless conditions are perfect.
In this regard I think that we are creating an unbalanced class of diver. Highly experienced in one area but helpless without (and even with) taking classes in other areas.
I guess my point is that there is a fine line between just staying no in a non-thinking way (as in don't do anything and you won't get hurt) and actually giving good advice where it is needed.
There's no shortage of PC advice. Some times I think we need a non-PC or straight talking forum!.........
Can you dive without Nitrox...yes, can you dive air to 130 fsw and not go crazy ...yes, can you go diving on a windy, rainy, white cap day...sometimes yes, can you dive where there's a little current..yes...can you get your butt kicked a little ...yes...it's good for you!
We all know that we never stop learning, taking classes is fine, we all need to think and be careful, appropriate gasses are fine, all of the cliches and the obvious are covered pretty well. A little straight talk would be nice to hear every now and then as well.
This can discourage independent thinking and self reliance. Of course, it can also mask the fact that they person answering just doesn't know the answer as well.
It's common to dissuade divers from diving in any but the most optimal conditions but then how will they react if conditions get a little nasty while they are in the water some day?
I actually think that being too risk adverse or conservative is more dangerous than diving in less than optimal conditions in a planned way as a means of getting experience.
Often people are warned not to do certain dives unless conditions are perfect.
In this regard I think that we are creating an unbalanced class of diver. Highly experienced in one area but helpless without (and even with) taking classes in other areas.
I guess my point is that there is a fine line between just staying no in a non-thinking way (as in don't do anything and you won't get hurt) and actually giving good advice where it is needed.
There's no shortage of PC advice. Some times I think we need a non-PC or straight talking forum!.........
Can you dive without Nitrox...yes, can you dive air to 130 fsw and not go crazy ...yes, can you go diving on a windy, rainy, white cap day...sometimes yes, can you dive where there's a little current..yes...can you get your butt kicked a little ...yes...it's good for you!
We all know that we never stop learning, taking classes is fine, we all need to think and be careful, appropriate gasses are fine, all of the cliches and the obvious are covered pretty well. A little straight talk would be nice to hear every now and then as well.