I definitely have an ego. Who doesn't? I'll be glad to tell you that I'm the owner of ScubaBoard at the earliest possible point, that I've been diving since 1969 and hundreds of other dive stories. Show me that you're interested and I can literally keep on going for hours. I've dived a lot. So has Bob. So have a lot of people. Indicate that you aren't that interested and I shut up.
However, reading some of these passages makes me cringe. They do. I'm honest with myself and try to be honest with everyone else. But, I'm fairly proud of what I've done, how long I've done it and how I've evolved my diving. I'm also honest enough to admit my faults and share my stupid diving stories as well.
I'm a social being. I love sharing and I love listening. I love typing and I love reading. I love teaching and I love learning. Do I stack the deck in order to appear to have a better SAC rate? Sure. Do I give fist bumps for being the first in/last out? Guilty! Do I always try to one up the guy I'm talking to? I really try not to. Though most of the time, it would be pretty easy to do as I've been stupid lucky when it comes to diving... and that mostly because of ScubaBoard and not me.
I'm probably more lucky than arrogant and I'm not afraid to admit that either.
My goal in diving is simple: Have fun. I even call my second rule of diving the "Rule of Fun: You can call a dive at any time for any reason with no questions asked and no repercussions." Making a game out my SAC is part of the fun. Don't like it? Don't dive with me. Quietly discussing another diver's horrible trim is going to happen. Don't expect me to approach you about it unless you ask me. Dive and let dive is my motto. What's important to me, may not be important to you, but it's still important to me. I even make sure my students learn to judge other divers on the boat and in the water as a part of their survival strategy. Of course, I tell them to keep it between them and their dive buddy. No need to stick your nose where it's not wanted.
So no, I'm not perfect and don't pretend to be. Like a sweet potato, I yam who I yam. I certainly hope we get to dive together like I have with a few of you (including
@Murky Waters and
@NWGratefulDiver), and I certainly want to hear about your diving experiences. Got the tude that everyone should be diving your way? I'm probably going to disappoint you. Let's just go and have some fun.