Long weekend diving Intro.

[T. Bix]

I just had the opportunity to make a quick trip from the tundra (Chicago) to cave country for the long MLK weekend. I managed to talk my older son Tom into accompanying me to help drive and make a few dives along the way. We left Wednesday afternoon and arrived at Ginnie Thursday mid-morning pretty tired but ready to dive. We made an attempt to do what may have resembled a dive to Keyhole trying to show him how to negotiate the flow along the way. The subsequent dives went amazingly well and after some lessons in " go slower to go farther" and prioritizing tasks along with some lessons in tie offs Tom made some very impressive progress. I will try to whip up a full trip report soon.

I just wanted to throw this thought out there for all of us full cave divers. There are some out there that feel diving below their current level is a waste of their time. Please don't pass up the chance to help mentor these divers. I know he's my kid but I can't tell you how gratifying it is to see a newer diver light up when some of this stuff starts to click. I had some help along the way as have most of you but I think it's kinda sad when I hear of an intro diver that can't find a buddy.

I want to thank one of my favorite dive Buddies Michelle for her patience and help while diving with Tom and I and apologize to anyone I missed visiting on this trip. My other freshly minted Intro diver kid will be along for the next trip in March so we're hoping for twice the fun! Tom is already planning which systems we are diving..... can you say stoked?!!

[sskasser]

Some of my favorite dive memories and biggest lessons learned were on dives "below my level." I love diving with new divers, or new-to-xxxxxxx divers. Yay for you and your son, and the attitudes you're teaching him. I'd take that dive to the Keyhole over a 10-tank expedition dive every day!

Does your son post here? I'd love him to write up a trip report, too! New divers see stuff we miss, and it's fun to read from their point of view.

[mpen]

Had a totally awesome time diving with you and Tom!

Can't wait to do it all again in March!

[T. Bix]

Thank You Shirley and Michelle, No he doesn't post here but we will collaborate to put something together.