Vetting buddies

[Rikki Battistini]

I mainly dive solo, however if I someone comes up and asks if I want a buddy I will dive with anyone. I will let them choose where we go and for how long. I will carry enough gas for me and and extra for them. I dive a rebreather usually gas is hopefully not the issue. I would expect them to choose a circuit that is well travelled and well within limits for us both. I would swim slowly and point out things they may never have seen before. Hopefully it will be rewarding, fun, safe, and comfortable for us all. Its nice to come away with new friends.

In life I vet friends by thinking would I dive in a cave with this person and would they help me when I am on my last breath. If not then they are just an acquaintance passing through.

[csmarsh188]

Please dont misunderstand, I do not intend to solo dive. I would keep things simple enough that I would be comfortable doing the dive solo. In general I enjoy having the company of someone with me even if it limits my dive. I did post in the buddy forum and have a buddy that I am going to hook up with for a day or two. I am basic cert'd and taking apprentice while down next week.

Scott

[amphipod06]

She's not. You passed the interview.

Brian

LOL

[Meister481]

unfortunately, that's just not the reality. even the most "recreational" of cave dives (is that possible?) can turn nasty very quickly. and it's your life that may depend on the unknown buddy.

skip

MY biggest fear would be as lead diver, new buddy fouling the entire cave behind us. It's possible and can easily happen.

I've dove with anyone willing to ask me. I've had several insta buddies turn out to be nice people and wonderful divers. I like to keep the primary dives simple or I'd like to have outside knowledge of the person prior to attempting a dive with significant depths or penetration. I'll head down by myself and pick up a buddy fairly easily. We're all in this for a fun time, so I'm not going to get too carried away asking for references. After the first dive I'm pretty sure I'll know how far I want to go with this person. I would expect the same from anyone.

When diving with a new buddy I like to lead. I'd like that person to know that I'm not relying on them to do all the work. After watching me install the primary and maybe a jump or two, they should be relaxed. I like diving with new cave divers too, Usually they are fresh out of class and get to actually enjoy the cave for the first time. Skills are sharp, they know the rules and have a fresh appreciation for the sport. The big smiles are a great byproduct!

[FW]

MY biggest fear would be as lead diver, new buddy fouling the entire cave behind us. It's possible and can easily happen....

Well, all you have to do is look back at them occasioally, and you will see if they are leaving a silt trail. FWIW, I adjust the turn pressure based on anything that might delay my exit, like a new buddy (syphon, restrictions, etc)

[JerseyJersey]

I got 3 new dive buddies this past week and 2 made a point of always being behind me, even after we turned. I appreciate them taking the time to dive with someone with less experience, and for their advice. And one even thanked me (I caught his butt mounted reel splaying line and reeled it back in and replaced it) not for catching his reel unwinding, but for not taking the line and tying him to a rock as most of his other dive buddies would do.

[FW]

... not for catching his reel unwinding, but for not taking the line and tying him to a rock as most of his other dive buddies would do.

[Submersion Dreams]

Personally i love alabama crimson tide football, but really do not see where sports fits in this discussion.........................lol

[SuPrBuGmAn]

War Eagle :P

[Jaydubya]

I think sports is very relevant- I'm not sure I could dive with an Auburn fan or anyone else from West Georgia for that matter

Roll damn Tide!

just kidding of course...