bundy
Guest
Solo diving is not for everyone, let me make that very clear. I have only done it twice since I have become certified but I have researched the subject quite extensively, and plan on doing it much more in 2006.
There are two thoughts on the subject. (1) either you engage in it, or are thinking about doing it or (2) you would never do it and it is the farthest thing from your mind. So lets begin.
Have you ever been involved in a car accident? Do you remember how you felt? Were you scared? Nervous? Paniced? Anxious? If your like me, you were all of those things. Now imagine those feelings under water when something goes wrong. What are you going to do? Do you depend on your buddy or do you depend on yourself?
Solo divng is about depending on yourself. Not your buddy! I have been diving with my buddy and after 20 to 30 minutes in the water we find ourselves seperated but with every intenton of staying together. Has this happened to you? So in reality I'am, Solo Diving? The problem occurs when one diver depends on the other diver to bail him out when something goes wrong. Exceptions include instructor/trainee situations. I'm talking about the "so-called" experienced divers.
The number one cause of accidents in diving is panic. Being at 60 - 130 fsw is a hostile enviroment. Humans were not designed to be there, keep that in mind when a problem occurs. Suspose for a minute you are at 75 fsw and you look at your pressure gauge and it reads 100 psi (now this should never happen) but lets say it does. Worst case senario, you have no idea where your buddy is. Only one option, head for the surface and hope you don't rupture your lungs on the way up. If this were really happening you would be feeling all those feelings associated with a car accident right about now.
Now if you were properly trained for this type of situation or any out of air situation, you would have an EBS (Emergeny Breathing System). An alternate air source independent of the tank straped to your back. A pony bottle with its own first stage and second stage. There are other types of alternate air sources available on the market, research and pick one that fits your needs. This would of given you enough air to have safely returned to the surface from 75 fsw.
The point I'm trying to make is not to depend on your buddy even if you dive with one. Learn, train and take the steps to take care of yourself in the sport we love so much. Purchase a pony bottle and another regulator. Practice using it at 20 feet, under controled situations, so when it comes time to use it and you "panic" you won't. You will stay calm, cool, and collect, get a hold of your EBS regulator, clear it and head to the surface and even taking time for your safety stop.
Solo diving can be very theraputic. Just you and the beautiful water in front of you. But please take the proper pre-cautions before you even attempt this! Have your equipment in good working order, be comfortable in the water, you must be a strong swimmer, in good health, and a clear, sharp head aka mind. Please remember, solo diving is not for everyone.
There are two thoughts on the subject. (1) either you engage in it, or are thinking about doing it or (2) you would never do it and it is the farthest thing from your mind. So lets begin.
Have you ever been involved in a car accident? Do you remember how you felt? Were you scared? Nervous? Paniced? Anxious? If your like me, you were all of those things. Now imagine those feelings under water when something goes wrong. What are you going to do? Do you depend on your buddy or do you depend on yourself?
Solo divng is about depending on yourself. Not your buddy! I have been diving with my buddy and after 20 to 30 minutes in the water we find ourselves seperated but with every intenton of staying together. Has this happened to you? So in reality I'am, Solo Diving? The problem occurs when one diver depends on the other diver to bail him out when something goes wrong. Exceptions include instructor/trainee situations. I'm talking about the "so-called" experienced divers.
The number one cause of accidents in diving is panic. Being at 60 - 130 fsw is a hostile enviroment. Humans were not designed to be there, keep that in mind when a problem occurs. Suspose for a minute you are at 75 fsw and you look at your pressure gauge and it reads 100 psi (now this should never happen) but lets say it does. Worst case senario, you have no idea where your buddy is. Only one option, head for the surface and hope you don't rupture your lungs on the way up. If this were really happening you would be feeling all those feelings associated with a car accident right about now.
Now if you were properly trained for this type of situation or any out of air situation, you would have an EBS (Emergeny Breathing System). An alternate air source independent of the tank straped to your back. A pony bottle with its own first stage and second stage. There are other types of alternate air sources available on the market, research and pick one that fits your needs. This would of given you enough air to have safely returned to the surface from 75 fsw.
The point I'm trying to make is not to depend on your buddy even if you dive with one. Learn, train and take the steps to take care of yourself in the sport we love so much. Purchase a pony bottle and another regulator. Practice using it at 20 feet, under controled situations, so when it comes time to use it and you "panic" you won't. You will stay calm, cool, and collect, get a hold of your EBS regulator, clear it and head to the surface and even taking time for your safety stop.
Solo diving can be very theraputic. Just you and the beautiful water in front of you. But please take the proper pre-cautions before you even attempt this! Have your equipment in good working order, be comfortable in the water, you must be a strong swimmer, in good health, and a clear, sharp head aka mind. Please remember, solo diving is not for everyone.