Can You 'Really' Dive?

[InTheDrink]

I must disagree with you there.
Every diver should be reasonably skilled, experienced at and trained to the level they are diving, reasonably intelligent, physically capable in the water, and evironmentally considerate.

I agree with you more than you realise. I dislike seeing incompetent idiots wrecking the joint more than most.

However, I lay as much blame on agencies,instructors *and normal divers* as the individuals themselves.

A key pet hate of mine is how poor knowledge sharing is in the diving community. People see crap technique (most obvious example sculling hands) the whole time but never think to have a chat with the diver on how they might improve that.

And then come here and elsewhere to bitch.

If people aren't willing to impart knowledge they shouldn't be surprised when people don't learn.

J

 

[Sas]

A key pet hate of mine is how poor knowledge sharing is in the diving community. People see crap technique (most obvious example sculling hands) the whole time but never think to have a chat with the diver on how they might improve that.

And then come here and elsewhere to bitch.

If people aren't willing to impart knowledge they shouldn't be surprised when people don't learn.

J

Well to be honest I have tried to give helpful suggestions to people but it has never gone down well Perhaps it is my tone?? Though I try to be very friendly about it. A few people told me early on tips to help me improve things randomly on charters (he big one was when an instructor teaching a class said he'd seen me in the water and thought I was very overweighted and told me how to do a weight check. I dropped 10lb and improved dramatically on the next dive) and I've always welcomed it but the fact is most divers just don't give a crap about their buoyancy and trim. I've seen others make suggestions too and unless it comes from an instructor people tend to ignore it. That's just in my experience anyway.

 

[InTheDrink]

Well to be honest I have tried to give helpful suggestions to people but it has never gone down well Perhaps it is my tone?? Though I try to be very friendly about it. A few people told me early on tips to help me improve things randomly on charters (he big one was when an instructor teaching a class said he'd seen me in the water and thought I was very overweighted and told me how to do a weight check. I dropped 10lb and improved dramatically on the next dive) and I've always welcomed it but the fact is most divers just don't give a crap about their buoyancy and trim. I've seen others make suggestions too and unless it comes from an instructor people tend to ignore it. That's just in my experience anyway.

Perhaps then that's a general weakness in the system. Possibly human condition but I don't think so.

I've always been really glad when someone's helped me, in any way.

*Most* divers I've made a suggestion to have generally been very positively responsive, although in fairness, mainly new ones (<100 dives) who were really glad to get some tips about how to dive better. They were aware that other divers were diving better but didn't know how or what they were doing wrong. A few little pointers went a long way.

Maybe more experienced divers are less open to suggestion or advice. Or Ozzy blokes, they're a rule unto themselves .

But dealt with sensitively I think most divers welcome furtherance in the skills.

I'm losing my point tho - many divers that have come through PADI OW were never told or don't remember being told not to use their hands. This is one small example from countless little things that make the difference between a decent and *crap* diver.

IMVHO,
J

 

[Sas]

Perhaps then that's a general weakness in the system. Possibly human condition but I don't think so.

I've always been really glad when someone's helped me, in any way.

*Most* divers I've made a suggestion to have generally been very positively responsive, although in fairness, mainly new ones (<100 dives) who were really glad to get some tips about how to dive better. They were aware that other divers were diving better but didn't know how or what they were doing wrong. A few little pointers went a long way.

Maybe more experienced divers are less open to suggestion or advice. Or Ozzy blokes, they're a rule unto themselves .

Yea that makes sense. I would say new divers have been far more willing to take advice. I mean, I am not very experienced myself but I know enough to not silt up the place to crap and not to play with the marine life. I guess maybe if I had more experience people might listen to me

 

[InTheDrink]

Yea that makes sense. I would say new divers have been far more willing to take advice. I mean, I am not very experienced myself but I know enough to not silt up the place to crap and not to play with the marine life. I guess maybe if I had more experience people might listen to me

I've listened and will continue to listen to *every* little bit of advice you've given me. Even the dive-related stuff

J

 

[InTheDrink]

Did someone ask a question while I wasn't looking? Initial post seemed like a dressed up assertion to me.

Wormil's avatar certainly was forged in hell though. Epileptic divers beware.

 

[Sas]

I've listened and will continue to listen to *every* little bit of advice you've given me. Even the dive-related stuff

J

Ok. I think you need to come back to Australia to dive again as my first bit of advice. It's warming up (13C last time I checked)

But really, my advice is stop being so self-deprecating about your diving. You are really very good (and I have video to prove this )

 

[InTheDrink]

Ok. I think you need to come back to Australia to dive again as my first bit of advice. It's warming up (13C last time I checked)

But really, my advice is stop being so self-deprecating about your diving. You are really very good (and I have video to prove this )

I'll do your number 1 v. soon.

And number 2 - you promised me you'd never release that video. Please...think about my family, my political position... you know in court I'll swear that it was my better looking better diver evil twin. And no court in the land will convict me..,

Anyhow, last word - can you dive? Wrong question.

Can you learn to dive better?

I hope we all can. Many people on this board are active in this happening and my very honest and humble thanks to those who share.

J

 

[bowlofpetunias]

Ok. I think you need to come back to Australia to dive again as my first bit of advice. It's warming up (13C last time I checked)

But really, my advice is stop being so self-deprecating about your diving. You are really very good (and I have video to prove this )

Ummm.... Sas.... read those words again and pretend I wrote them!

I would suggest it is the tone of the "helpful advice" that will determine how they are received! I find that if you approach with... "Have you ever tried doing this.. or doing it this way or can I help you with X" Is well received by virtually everyone. They can say.. yes I have and it didn't work for me.. or open the door for more discussion.

Approaching with an attitude that get's their back up is not likely to get good results with any topic! Honestly how many of you would approach a stranger jogging in the park and give them an unsolicited lecture or advice on their breathing technique, shoes or body mechanics?

Instructors and teachers can have a tendency to go into "teacher mode" which is a real turn off for many people who interpret it as a condescending attitude! That may not be the intent at all but if that is the way people respond we need to re-examine our method of interaction.

Before the flames begin... I have family members I really care for guilty of this... and I admit every once in a while I catch myself going into "teacher mode".

 

[Sas]

I'll do your number 1 v. soon.

Really? Sweet

And number 2 - you promised me you'd never release that video. Please...think about my family, my political position... you know in court I'll swear that it was my better looking better diver evil twin. And no court in the land will convict me..,

Well as long as you keep up the payments, I'll keep it private.

Ummm.... Sas.... read those words again and pretend I wrote them!

Uh oh...