Diving alone

[Aquagenic]

Tylerz,
Thank you for taking the time to provide such a well thought out response. What a contribution to the diving community. I hope others follow your example.

I say listen to what Tylerz has to say, he brings up some very good points.

On the other hand, though I believe his response is wholly correct, I think it is too abstract for the average diver to take to heart. I believe that people will not greatly change their behaviour due to inconsistent safety variables.

In other words, people will not stay at home just because their is no one to dive with. Also, although there is no tell-tale sign of when to come up (aka a specific time limit to follow) their is a safe margin for that diver to dive in.

Whether the conditions call for a 3 second dive or a 3 minute dive depends on that diver on that day at that moment. Although we cannot know the exact time limit, we can be conservative and make an educated guess based upon the variables that we do know. By guessing well below our theoretical dive time, based on the conditions, we can provide ourselves reasonable safety.

Although we cannot know exactly what the specific safe time limit is on any dive doesn't mean that the safe time limit does not exist.

The bottom line is, each diver really must decide for himself what is and is not safe. Whether his predictions are right no one can say. But ultimately it is his decision.

Be safe guys, if you MUST dive alone always dive conservative. Remember to know yourself and pay close attention to all of the variables. Beyond that, as always, your safety is in your hands.


~James

 

[tylerz]

Aquagenic,

Much appreciated for the compliments and taking the time to read my post. I am glad you saw some value in it. Some clarifications follow.

On the other hand, though I believe his response... is too abstract for the average diver to take to heart.

maybe too abstract to be easily comprehended accurately.

I believe that people will not greatly change their behaviour due to inconsistent safety variables... In other words, people will not stay at home just because their is no one to dive with.

I didn't intend to suggest this in a specific or abstract way. Surprising interpretations considering I wrote it as a solo freediver intending to give support to other solo freedivers.

Also, although there is no tell-tale sign of when to come up (aka a specific time limit to follow) their is a safe margin for that diver to dive in.

Yes, I was attempting to specifically make this claim but saying one must use their personal experiences of their body to determine that, as opposed to somebody else's rules.

Whether the conditions call for a 3 second dive or a 3 minute dive depends on that diver on that day at that moment. Although we cannot know the exact time limit, we can be conservative and make an educated guess based upon the variables that we do know. By guessing well below our theoretical dive time, based on the conditions, we can provide ourselves reasonable safety.

Although we cannot know exactly what the specific safe time limit is on any dive doesn't mean that the safe time limit does not exist.

Exactly as I thought I stated.

I think the misunderstanding may be due to my breaking up of the posts. If you read the three posts of the specific topics and remember that they are writen under the condition of the statement, "I think the most important things to keep in mind in receiving advice about safe diving is that without specific consideration of an individuals variables...", then the meaning may be more specific than you took it. Such that you arrive at the same meaning you stated. I think we are seeing eye to eye.

I get so concerned of being accurate that I think I write too complex and therefore the accuracy is not picked up. Ugh :duh

Cheers

 

[Aquagenic]

And thank you for the response.

Looks like we are both in agreement. I was not meaning to contradict your posts, although in hindsight it did come out that way. I was merely meaning to compliment and/or re-word some of the points that you made.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquagenic
On the other hand, though I believe his response... is too abstract for the average diver to take to heart.

maybe too abstract to be easily comprehended accurately.

Definitely agree, abstract was not quite the right word, you worded it much better. Point being that the diver would not take the idea of how unsafe solo diving is to heart.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquagenic
I believe that people will not greatly change their behaviour due to inconsistent safety variables... In other words, people will not stay at home just because their is no one to dive with.

I didn't intend to suggest this in a specific or abstract way. Surprising interpretations considering I wrote it as a solo freediver intending to give support to other solo freedivers.

Not saying that you were necesarily suggesting that people should stay at home if their is no buddy to dive with. Just that due to the length and verbosity of your post about all of the reasons why it is unsafe to dive alone, the conclusion that is drawn is that you are not in favor of anyone diving alone. Not that you were actually stating this. Perhaps this was my misinterpretation and is not shared by the other members, my apologies if this is so.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquagenic
Also, although there is no tell-tale sign of when to come up (aka a specific time limit to follow) their is a safe margin for that diver to dive in.

Yes, I was attempting to specifically make this claim but saying one must use their personal experiences of their body to determine that, as opposed to somebody else's rules.

Point completely agreed, well put!

I get so concerned of being accurate that I think I write too complex and therefore the accuracy is not picked up. Ugh

Cheers

.

I am definitely a fan of being more wordy than necessary to express a point accurately. However, in these forums I think most people are not willing to put the thought into decifering such long posts, although they are certainly informational and accurate. Again this may be a misinterpretation of the average member on my part.

Keep the accurate and informational posts coming, I look forward to reading them, and thanks for the reply. Seems like we are in complete agreement. Till Later...


~James

P.S. I share your fear of not conveying information accurately, not that face to face is much better. English is just such a poor medium of exchange, it is a wonder we can understand each other at all! Thanks again.

 

[bluh2o]

Originally Posted by Aquagenic
Whether the conditions call for a 3 second dive or a 3 minute dive depends on that diver on that day at that moment.

Along those lines. I used to dive alone exclusively and felt safer there than on the street. Today I feel that each day is different, each day my body and metabolism is new. Skipping a few days diving, eating or drinking something different the night before makes it different. It's aging that has taken me there. One day I'm superman then next I'm a pathetic pile of aches and inflamation.

 

[ruddyduck]

Tylerz has made some good points.
I usually dive alone. My advice: Know your limits and stay within them. Know how your limits change . Keep track of the time, both under and on top. Unfasten your weight belt and hold it in your hand when you head up. Spit out the snorkle when you submerge. Never, ever, train alone, especially in a pool . Keep your values in line; no fish, on a spear or in the camera, is worth a BO . Realize that diving alone is never safe, so manage the risk.

If you want to push it and break your records, get a buddy who's better than you.