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I think the limit depends a lot on your preparation, support team, and plan. Limit one day could be well beyond the limit another day. The failure to recognize yourself at your limit is probably the problem.
Recently I found myself in a cave with more gas than I had had the last time I was in that same location. I had planned, and executed exactly how I wanted to but I kept finding myself justifying in my head how much additional bailout and time to spend when it hit me that I had reached the limit for the day. Silly really. But I didn't really laugh until I got out of the cave. Oh well. Another day, another "vacation"... :-D
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To be 100% honest I do far more complicated dives than I used to but I also am very sensitive to how I feel and others as far as the dive.
I like the dive plan to be clear and specific if anyone diving with has issues we alter the plan till it fits.
If on one of these dives and we all agree we have extra time / gas / etc. we will explore within reason only if we all are on the same page.
Ive also been on the way in relatively close to entrance and pulled the plug, gear malfunctions, or a member acting unusual or not normal.
My cave dives are tempered by many variables some are not easily seen till your underway.
Ive had some incredible experiences with buddies when the plan was not what it started to be.
There are some remarkable places in familiar caves that most swim right on by.
On the pushing realm it is rarely that, but more progressional by the rules.
Ive not seen pushing limits be rewarding to much of the time.
Physically Ive pushed it a few times while training when I felt ill but never if I was beyond being able to focus clearly.
Once I started making dives very clearly planned and relaxed Ive gotten farther with less gas funny how that works.
It takes a while to get there but what is the hurry in the first place? Its no race but rather the ride in and out!
Have I had dives that there were some "Oh Shxt" moments? Sure have.
Personally I love my buddies and family risks that can be managed within reason are ok.
Crazy plans or blowing gas plan is not acceptable anytime!
Its far to day to chill and take plenty of gas and relax take our time and see how it goes.
Happy dive is Happy Life, I find ending a dive with a smile is far better than drowning!
JCG
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First, what is pushing limits?
A person who wants to do a cave course (cavern, into, full cave) in 1 week or 2 weeks is in my eyes not pushing limits. Some divers can do this, but not all. But why slow down a diver who is good enough to do this?
Some divers can learn fast and have steep learning curves. Not all divers can of course.
A person who thinks I know all, no lines/reels/jumps needed is pushing limits in a bad way in my eyes and then accidents happen. So if you mean this with pushing limits, then don’t do that.
A diver who thinks I can go further than the 1/3 rule because always too much gas, please stop cave diving. This way of pushing limits I don’t agree.
Just follow an experienced diver who says you can do this too. Not a good way of pushing limits.
No lines, no marks, not enough gas, follow and not think, that are ways to let accidents happen.
Go with an experienced diver who explains you how you can do such dives too and then go with him as mentor, but always selfthinking: a good way of pushing limits.
Building up experience after your full cave course and go further step by step: do it. Maybe there comes a moment you think I want to do an advanced cave course, then do it. Maybe this moment never comes because you build up your experience yourself.
For almost every step in diving there are courses. Some are useful for you, some not. Take the ones you think you need.
And never forget: you dive for fun. If you like to dive every week the same dive, then do it. There is never a need to go further.
