There always seems to be a debate about Solo vs. Buddy diving.
There are good arguments for and against each, so it will go on forever.
It is definitely therapeutic to some (my main reason for it). It is also more dangerous than being with someone who (might) be able to bail you out in the case of entanglement, OOA due to valve failures, medical problems, etc.. (Before someone pipes in
.this assumes the buddy is not a liability waiting to take you down with him/her). If you like the feeling of solitude isolation, it is really strong when you are in trouble and out of air, trapped under water.
Lets face it; the ideal team is two (or more) buddies that are trained and self sufficient Solo/Tec divers diving together. Teamwork and independent self-sufficiency trained to handle underwater emergencies? You cant go wrong there. Both are trained to not panic and handle all emergencies themselves, but can be available to assist their buddy's if need be.
However, safety isnt the point of solo diving (for most anyway). It should be assumed (especially for anyone without advanced training and experience specifically in redundant and self-sufficiency dive fields) that it
is dangerous.
So is regular scuba diving. Imagine two brand new divers buddying up to go get some dive experience without a trained DM or at least a rescue diver near them. They have no idea how to respond to emergencies. Sounds crazy when you think about it, but it is suggested and advised everyday. They are (IMO) more at risk than I am solo diving but no one tells them it's a bad idea.
We all choose the risks we will take for out own excitement, adventure, and pleasure. Some are willing to take more than others. Tec Divers know they stand a better chance of getting killed than staying in normal recreational limits, but are still willing to do extreme dives for their own pleasure. It is the same for solo divers, and shouldnt necessarily be a bad thing, or implied that it is wrong as opposed to buddy diving assuming the diver knows the added risks. IMO it is not a very significant increase in risk anyway if you are trained properly.
It is a choice, just like getting your first certification and continuing on. Id hate to see land lubbers coming into here and posting against scuba diving in general.
That aside
Welcome to Bundy and the (other like myself) new members that have posted in this thread. Thanks for sharing you passion in Solo diving. (Just ignore the ones who bash it, maybe theyll go away). :05: I enjoy seeing that there are others out there.
-SG
PS.
rdharbis1:
I have a long way to go to qualify to be a solo diver, but I already think that one day I will. I have much to learn, and always will. I would not have responded in this thread except for the previous entry stating the therapeutic value of solo. I used to hunt a great deal, alone, and there is something to being out there. I really enjoyed that and would still go if I had access to lands that would allow it. I am assuming that a solo dive would be just as rewarding. My wife has already said NEVER and that is a request I will not go against.
Listen to your wife. She has a say in how you risk you life as well. Mine has given my solo diving her blessing (right after she raised my life insurance limits). :11: (Think Im kidding?) :05:
If you do pursue (much later), check into solo diving cert classes (SDI) as a minimum, and preferably look into other advanced training, and wait until you have at least 100 dives (required for cert). I like Tec classes as they emphasize self sufficiency and practice underwater emergency drills.
Dont just go out and try it just because others do it.
Good-luck
