I'm a new diver, as some may already be aware. I've only done 3 dives that I would consider true "buddy dives" where I had a buddy I was assigned to and who was, in turn, assigned to me. 1 was my final OW cert dive (my other 3 cert dives the instructor buddied with the other student and I basically tagged along because I was more comfortable in the water than she was) and 2 a couple weekends ago with another SBer. My vacation dives in Hawaii were all group dives and as such I didn't really have a true buddy, though I did semi-buddy with another diver on the first of those three dives.
So, being new, I think I know everything. I know I have a lot of room for improvement obviously, but I find it hard to understand how one can "lose a buddy". That said, every dive I've done was at least 8-10 foot viz so it wasn't entirely difficult to keep track, and I'm not so comfortable yet that I get "lost in the sights" so to speak.
I've seen a lot of comments on here about being a good buddy. I think I know what that means, but I'd like to see some of the more vociferous enforcers of the buddy "rule" give me a break down of how I can be the best buddy I can. IE, I try to stay within 1 body length of my buddy at all times, but is there an occasion where I should be closer or further away (other than just visibility)? Is there some form of communication (I basically scream if I really need my buddy's attention) that is "proven" more effective under water? I use my lights to signal my buddy, but so far that hasn't been very effective, either they weren't looking or I'm not doing something correctly with my signaling technique. Is there an "accepted" signal other than just waving your light at your buddy? Et cetera.
I see the biggest factor of being a buddy is communication before, during, and after a dive, and obviously "plan your dive, dive your plan" but is there something else?
In short, what do you experienced folks mean when you say "be a good buddy"?
PS: I put this in basic because I think it pertains to all divers not just those of us who are new... and no I didn't do a search because I'm feeling lazy and like new discussion as much as reading old ones.
So, being new, I think I know everything. I know I have a lot of room for improvement obviously, but I find it hard to understand how one can "lose a buddy". That said, every dive I've done was at least 8-10 foot viz so it wasn't entirely difficult to keep track, and I'm not so comfortable yet that I get "lost in the sights" so to speak.
I've seen a lot of comments on here about being a good buddy. I think I know what that means, but I'd like to see some of the more vociferous enforcers of the buddy "rule" give me a break down of how I can be the best buddy I can. IE, I try to stay within 1 body length of my buddy at all times, but is there an occasion where I should be closer or further away (other than just visibility)? Is there some form of communication (I basically scream if I really need my buddy's attention) that is "proven" more effective under water? I use my lights to signal my buddy, but so far that hasn't been very effective, either they weren't looking or I'm not doing something correctly with my signaling technique. Is there an "accepted" signal other than just waving your light at your buddy? Et cetera.
I see the biggest factor of being a buddy is communication before, during, and after a dive, and obviously "plan your dive, dive your plan" but is there something else?
In short, what do you experienced folks mean when you say "be a good buddy"?
PS: I put this in basic because I think it pertains to all divers not just those of us who are new... and no I didn't do a search because I'm feeling lazy and like new discussion as much as reading old ones.