Wow. I logged on to the forum today to do some research in another area when this post caught my eye...and I have to admit I initially thought it was posted by a man until I read it!
I am a female diver living with a man that has no interest in diving whatsoever (he is man enough to say "I will keep my happy butt topside, that ain't for me."). So...I go diving, he says "I love you babe, be safe"...and he hops on one of his motorcycles ("his" hobby)...we hook up later and share tales of our day over a beer or two. No one, male or female, should "push" their spouse or anyone else into diving, however, it does happen.
Dive gear - love it. I have always done as much research as possible since becoming certified (only pushing 50 dives now), on both training, safety and equipment...have done Advanced, Nitrox, as well as a number of the basics (deep, nav, etc.). I own my own gear, none of which was purchased on day 1 as a "package"...every piece I researched the pros and cons, reviews, etc., prior to any purchase...the result of which has left me very happy and confident with what I am using and I am more than capable of setting up and using my own gear without anyone's assistance.
Diving with significant others - my opinion, they should act as your "dive buddy" ...meaning...buddy checks..."both" should know how to set up their own gear and then check each other...as any buddy would do.
"Transporting gear" on the surface - who gives a hoot if a guy helps out his wife or gf...anyone that has an issue with this is just being a moron.
"Set up" - you better know how to do it yourself.
"In the water" - you should absolutely, unequivocably, understand your equipment, know how to use and read your own gauges/computer, be confident in your skills, etc. Accidents happen to even the most experienced of divers. Yes, it is natural for the man to want to protect his lady, however, god forbid something happens underwater to the man that is taking charge of everything for the lady and the lady panics or simply does not know how to take charge of the situation so that both divers return to the surface safely. Confidence in yourself and your abilities can go a long way in avoiding a panic situation. I enjoy diving with someone with more experience so I can learn from them, however, I have buddied with men with less experience than I, and in such circumstances, I will review basics with him before we dive together to ensure that "he" knows what he is doing and what our plan will be with respect to the dive itself, or any potential situation with the dive. I will check "his" gear, I will look at his gauges every so often while we are in the water. In a nutshell, both divers should be able to look out for each other...not just the "one"...you are each other's backup.
I do understand that some women are more conservative (as are some men), especially in a sport such as this one. I am a different breed, I'm not shy, if I can't find a DB I will just show up at the site and crash the party...I'm sure there will be someone there to dive with. I'm not going to sit at home and miss out because none of my friends are divers. I'm not going to wait for a man to take my hand and lead me to water. If you don't love this sport (for yourself), then you will probably be much happier spending your time doing what "you" love.
It looks like RumBum took a little heat for the comments, however, I understand the point she was trying to make. There are a LOT of extremely experienced women divers out there, props to you all. I have run into my share of women that are there "for someone else" for the wrong reasons. There are also a fair share of men out there that could use some additional training themselves...I have had that run-in as well.
Male or female...if you're going below sea level...go prepared and know your stuff...it could be the difference between life and death...period. And if you have a great guy to lug your gear from the car to the boat for you, give him a big ole smooch.
As for you diver1995...way to go! Nicely said. Be sure to keep up the training, be safe, and you will have a lifelong sport that you will love.
