Taboo

[Schwob]

Huh?
Try finding someone who's full cave, trimix, has a sidemount CCR, drysuit, dry SRT caving skills, a week of vacation during the summer dry season, willing to leave their family/pets behind, willing to drive 12 hours, camp out in the mud, hike gear in kilometers, possibly doing multiple rappels in dry cave before even getting to the 4C water, and after all that you discover its not divable.

I thought I had excellent reasons for diving solo. Mostly related to trusting myself more than many buddies, mostly because I am sure to be there all the time, sure to know and apply what I can do and refrain from what I cannot.
But, the way you put it, @rjack321, your reasons are more excellent!

 

[Scraps]

You need a Creature From The Black Lagoon mask for just such occasions...

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

I recently started solo diving, after years of adherely strictly to a "team diving" philosophy.

The other day I had a realization that the single biggest thing that made me feel uncomfortable solo diving before, was just the stigma attached to it, especially by certain groups of divers who are vehemently opposed to it.

Anyone else experience this?

Yes. It’s interesting (to me) that some people will go dive with a train wreck of an insta-buddy without giving it a second thought, but they consider diving solo (no one to babysit) to somehow be more dangerous.

 

[Coztick]

Yes. It’s interesting (to me) that some people will go dive with a train wreck of an insta-buddy without giving it a second thought, but they consider diving solo (no one to babysit) to somehow be more dangerous.

Part way through my second dive vacation I was thinking the same thing...while doing it!!! Nope, decided I was to old to chase my next breathe or CESA in boat traffic.
The bonus of redundancy for me was the ability to buddy with the guide with no expectations other than maintaining contact with the group.

Cheers!

 

[tarponchik]

I recently started solo diving, after years of adherely strictly to a "team diving" philosophy.

The other day I had a realization that the single biggest thing that made me feel uncomfortable solo diving before, was just the stigma attached to it, especially by certain groups of divers who are vehemently opposed to it.

Anyone else experience this?

Sure. When there is a fatality somewhere, the 1st question asked here on SB is "Was he diving solo?"

 

[Wibble]

The levels of ignorance from some in the recreational community is astounding. Similarly the poor standards of diving techniques. Many DiveMASTERS and OW Instructors don't seem to go diving and spend their time just teaching. Sorry, being a "dive god" to novices and holiday divers doesn't qualify them to comment on anything other than the basics.

Diving solo means that not only do I have to rely on myself, it means I need to be far more conscious of what's going on with me, my kit, my skills, the environment, everything. Diving with a buddy it all well and good -- and is essential for novices -- but it also fosters an attitude that my buddy will save me so I don't need to be on the top of my game.

Diving solo doesn't mean that one dives alone, Billy no-mates style. It's great on the boat, sometimes diving with others, but never relying on them for anything (unless I ask for them to help get the strap over my shoulder or hand me the stage!). I much prefer to spend time alone on deco; less stress and less competition.

 

[scubadada]

If you agree to be someone's buddy, you're their buddy. If you're diving solo, you are on your own. I see it as black and whilte. At the start of every dive, I know if I have a buddy or buddies, or if I am solo

 

[TMHeimer]

If you agree to be someone's buddy, you're their buddy. If you're diving solo, you are on your own. I see it as black and whilte. At the start of every dive, I know if I have a buddy or buddies, or if I am solo

Exactly. I almost get paranoid when buddy diving--checking where the buddy is way more than really necessary. Then I get ticked off when they don't do the same and just wander around. At times you spend more time making sure you are together
instead of enjoying the dive. A really good buddy eliminates that--if you can find one.

 

[Coztick]

If you agree to be someone's buddy, you're their buddy. If you're diving solo, you are on your own. I see it as black and whilte. At the start of every dive, I know if I have a buddy or buddies, or if I am solo

I'm not saying i haven't shared beautiful dives with wonderful buddies but in a resort environment, it seems many don't take it seriously.
If I'm assigned a buddy, they are told outright that I will follow but will not chase. If they find themselves to far from me, it's on them.
When do you find out how reliable your buddy truly is? Hopefully before it's too late!
At the start of most every cattle boat charter, a few are diving solo. They just don't know it yet...

 

[yle]

A few decades ago, nitrox was considered taboo. Now nitrox training is considered almost as essential as basic open water.

A few decades ago, solo diving was considered taboo. Hopefully in the near future self-reliant training becomes as commonplace as nitrox training. Whether or not trained divers go solo, having the appropriate training would increase awareness of dive safety.