Dutch Dive Buddies

[DawgPaddle]

Is it a best practice to bring along a dive buddy anytime one goes to Dutch Springs? I know that a dive buddy is required to get in the water, but is it difficult to find one if I go up to Dutch on a whim and don't bring along a dive buddy?

Is there a "Buddy List" or something availalbe?

Thanks

[mwilding]

here is your buddy list (http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=43318) :54:

[DawgPaddle]

Nice!

Do they know they are on 24/7 standby? lol

Thanks

[mwilding]

Probably not, but I figure they'll be a bunch of us there each weekend once the air temperature is greater than the water temperature...

[Sean326]

I almost never bring a buddy to Dutch, I generally meet someone I know just by chance. And the few times when I couldn't find anyone I already knew I just made a new friend. I don't think I've ever asked someone if I could tag along and had them say no.

But Dawg Paddle, You know us... I guarantee that at least one wreck valley diver will be at Dutch whenever it's open, just post it when you're going up.

I generally dive with O'Donnel Diving he has the black trailer, tent, grill, coolers, hot tub etc all Set up on the peninsula. The best setup at Dutch by far (a very civilized way to dive) he also has all the air you'll ever need and any piece of "save a dive gear" you'll ever need. No I'm not an employee of his.... but I do think he has the best most comfortable setup at Dutch.

[VTernovski]

I am sure that there will never be a chance where you go to DS and don't get to dive because you couldn't find a buddy... however, there is no guarantee that you will get a "good" buddy...

One time I was asked be joined by a single diver, who turns out to have gauges in BARs, weight belt out of this planet (no way I could have known how to release it in case of emergency), and I don't believe he had a back up regulator either...

So, you may wish to "interview" your "new" buddy before going in the water and also go over with them about hand signals, etc...

[DawgPaddle]

Thanks VT,

I know Dave O'donnel too, and rented a dry suit from him twice, once during my dry suit training, and another time after I stuck a finger through my neck seal. He definitely has a Class A operating, no doubt.

I'll definitely be posting a note to see who's going up as well.

PS. I just purchased my 2004 season pass so I'll be frequenting Dutch as often as I can betweenst diving NJ and NC.

[mwilding]

you're not talking about me are you Vadim?

[VTernovski]

you're not talking about me are you Vadim?

LOL, no, not you! some French dude...

[Sean326]

and I don't believe he had a back up regulator either...

I know that there is a rule at Dutch that you have to start your dive with a buddy, but no rule that you have to end the dive with a buddy.

It's a joke guys relax :laughing:

seriously, I've found some good stuff on the bottom thanks to those kind of divers.

[VTernovski]

I know that there is a rule at Dutch that you have to start your dive with a buddy, but no rule that you have to end the dive with a buddy.

It's a joke guys relax :laughing:

seriously, I've found some good stuff on the bottom thanks to those kind of divers.

Actually if they see you coming out of the water without a buddy, they start the question you about whereabouts of your buddy and if you told them that you got separated for whatever reason and that your buddy is still diving, they yell at you. My buddy was diving rebreather, and wanted to do solo diving for another 2 hours after I was finished. They didn't see me coming out alone, when we he did come out (eventually), they yelled at him.

[Sean326]

Actually if they see you coming out of the water without a buddy, they start the question you about whereabouts of your buddy

I've come out alone more times than I can count, But it was always me leaving a group, and only once was I questioned. It's generally because I was low on air or had a time issue. I've also gone out alone to meet a group on a platform etc.

I would never leave a single buddy at Dutch, not because I'm against solo diving. I dive solo occasionally away from Dutch. But I really like diving at Dutch and I would not want to break their rules.

I can see them flipping out when your buddy told them he was diving alone for two hours.

I'm surprised he didn't get barred as paranoid as Stew is (and has to be).

[BILLB]

You know I am always up for a dive if I am in town and the honey-dos are done. I hope to do more Jersey diving this year.

[Curly]

If you're ever looking for one of those local buddies to drive up with or meet there, I am right in your neck of the woods, and love to get up to Dutch whenever possible. Like Bill, I have a number of Honey-dos, and four kids requiring shuttling, but my weekends are pretty good. So hit me at curly@wreckvalley.com and let me know when you're heading north.