Thanks for the tips on equipment, tying up my own bands and bringing a file along. Excellent stuff.
Bill, there's no way I could make it more than a few feet through that kelp behind you in your photo. Thanks for that site, I spent a few hours today just reading up on everything I could find there. Hopefully that site will get updated - some of the links/info was a bit outdated but I learned a bunch.
Most alarming is the SWB stuff. I seem to be the perfect candiate for a SWB. Early 30's, focused, novice and improving tremendously every time I go out. Will have to be extra-careful. And to think I got into this thinking it'd be much safer than SCUBA diving solo.
-Blesum
