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I have not posted on scubaboard recently due to some of the highly offensive posts that were appearing related to WTC. I suppose after two years the WTC attack seems like old news to people who are not in the New York area. The current status in NY is as follows: The site is now a huge...

To add some perspective to my earlier post. I generally dive 2 to 3 dives per day and at that temperature I wear a diveskin. In November I will probably take a diveskin and a 3 mil suit, just in case, and leave the 3 mil suit in the room unless I find the water is colder than I expect. In...

I am not DIR, but I found the whole thing very clearly explained there. For instance, I use an Air2, which you are considering and which is not DIR. The Air2 requires that when your buddy has an Out of Air (OOA) emergency you donate your primary to your buddy. DIR coincidentally recommends...

Unless you normally wear a much thicker suit than others, the most you will need is a diveskin. I am going to Bonaire in November and that is what I expect to wear then.

I can not speak to the Hyperstretch, but I own several Gold Core suits in varying thicknesses. I am quite pleased with them. They are as effective as anything else of similar weight and are much easier to get in and out of. I also find them comfortable compared to other wetsuits. I also own...

Thanks for the clarification. I agree with you completely and I hope my posts reflect that.

To learn the full details, read the book "Doing It Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving". You can also find a lot on scubaboard in the Tech forums. You will also find a lot of disagreement as to how rigorously one should follow the DIR system, but it is definitely thought provoking. If...

I used to dive the Oasis and then bought a ScubaPro reg when it was time for an upgrade. I found it more comfortable, but I also replaced my first stage at the same time. The advice I was given is if you are only going to replace one, do the first stage. Otherwise you won't get the full...

The idea is to give the primary with the long hose to your buddy and you go on the octo. I also use a 5' hose and it is too short to follow the DIR routing. I tried routing different ways and finally wound up just stuffing the loose part under the webbing so it isn't flopping around. At...

Why not just leave the Air2 in place and do some diving first. You can give us all some useful feedback in the "will an Air2 kill you?" debate going on in the Tech forums. Meanwhile, I have a Dive Rite BC and when I bought an Air2 for it, I saved the inflator just in case I ever wanted to...

I am not a "professional" so I missed your focus on Instructors/Professionals. I have not noticed what you are referring to as something that is changing year to year, but I think we all wind up setting examples by our behavior. Definitely something to think about the next time each of us...

Usually the BCD is supplied during your certification class. If possible try a couple different models during the class. Once you have finished the class, the dive shop should let you try equipment before you buy, at least in their pool. As you read the threads on BCD's you will find a...

I can't remember seeing anything in Rodales that was tough on any manufacturer. The whole magazine reads like an advertisement. Meanwhile, my local LDS is a ScubaPro dealer and I do have ScubaPro regulators and split fins. I am pleased with both and would be rather surprised by a negative...

Congratulations on the new C-Card. I would dive with you given the opportunity. Yours is the attitude I like to see.

There is no question that more skill is better than less skill, but expert divers can put themselves in situations beyond their ability too. The issue in my mind is does the person have a realistic assessment of their own ability? If you know your ability, whatever level it may be, and stay...

I have encouraged a number of OW divers to read it, along with encouraging a Nitrox course in order to introduce them to the importance of using the proper gas. I would not recommend the book for non-divers as it would tend to dissuade them from trying recreational scuba.

I think the original question was not so much about diver skill as diver safety. I would rather dive with a careful newbie than a high risk taking expert. I suggest reading "The Last Dive". The characters were all excellent divers, but I would not want to be on the same boat with any of them!

In order to be safe, you need to be able to recognize your limitations and be prepared to abort a dive that is beyond your ability. This may correlate with a humble demeanor, but I do not consider myself humble but I will abort a dive if I am in a situation I can not handle even if others who...

Sounds like you and I agree. We may not be a majority, but I think we have a plurality! LOL

The use of the Air2 is different from what is taught in OW, but it is no more complicated. In addition, since one is handing off the primary, it is in some respects similar to the DIR technique, which would also require practice as it is different from typical OW practice. Reading the DIR...