Quote Originally Posted by w ripley View Post
Kelly, I just responded to a PM attesting to your abilities and good intentions & I know from working with you a year or so ago how much you put yourself into what you do.

My point is that to make a change at the state level requires an on-going education program. If it doesn't start, then the "myths" the law makers have will never change. If we accept that DPVs will not be allowed, that solo diving will not be allowed, that this or that can't be done, then we've already lost. It's never going to happen if we - we cave divers - don't start making an intelligent argument and asking for it.

A lot of "progress" has been made in every field when the general consensus was that it wouldn't. It just takes a start and time.
I agree. The education process is really needed. I have done it both with direct communication and indirectly through publications. Sometimes if seems like moving a hill of sand,take one handfull and two more come back,because once you educate one person,then there are 20 more that need it,but once those 20 are done,there is an administration change. The solo diving issue will be hard to change because it will take the open water dive industry making a wholesale philosphical change. They have taught the buddy system for as long as there has been open water training,and this has become accepted safety standard,which is adopted by the state parks. if all the open water agencies will support solo diving at their lowest level,then this could possibly be changed. As far as DPV use,the predominant thought is scooters cause damage. I have talked ad nauseum that scooters can preserve cave because it reduces physical contact,especially high flow situations. Unfortuantely,this tree has really taken root,and doesn't want to change. Can it be changed-yes,but will take a lot of positive education at all levels,with empirical proof. I really appreciate your challange of the status quo,because that is how we as cave divers advance the sport. I am not adverse to challanging the status quo,but just choose my battles a little more carefully. Thanks for the reply.