Small Questions Thread

[Scubaru]

Is there a "small questions thread" that I can't seem to find? They're on just about every other forum I've been a part of. If so, feel free to close and delete this one after redirecting me, please.

If not, can I start one?

I'm on here spending hours a day most days searching and reading. I don't think you guys realize how much of that actually goes on. Rather than start a new thread everytime I have a question, I search and search and one of three things happens: I dig up a super old thread and bump it, I unintentionally hijack another person's thread with a similar question, or I make a new thread.

The problem I have found with this forum as opposed to others is that the searchable terms we are using are repeated far too often in just about every thread, making the findings unrelated or not helpful. My examples of "new to sidemount", "new to cavern", "best intro bc". How many threads do you know of that DON'T use almost all of those words in at least one reply, because that's all that it takes to pop up in a search? Nothing against the forum- it's not something that can be prevented. Now, if there's a very specific model of something, I can easily find it, which is what happens more often on other forums. Searching BC on here is like searching "car" on a hot rod forum.

Any who, ideally what happens is now I ask a question that gets a short answer, or a robust conversation- both of which are greatly appreciated, and both of which are very helpful to other new guys and gals who have a few hours to burn as they skim this thread on their freetime.

This becomes a neverending conversation, but one based on question and answer, not slander and ego. The point is that each person have their question answered before it gets overlooked and forgotten. A couple of you gurus can come along and knock em all out in one reply even.

Mods, how's this idea sound?

[tbone1004]

good luck... you should have an easier time using the google site search function.

[Kelly Jessop]

Things in cave diving,especially pertaining to equipment change frequently,so IMHO there is no such thing as a repetitious question. Besides, many threads like this will have a unique perspective entered into the discussion. One thing that will make the sport evolve is challenge the norm. Plus since you will find the sport has a high percent of alpha males,is there such a thing as a small question with a small answer....NOT. I would say ask the question in the appropriate subsection.

[Scubaru]

I'll give you an example, and a real question I have. It could certainly start a long discussion, or it could be answered "I'd do B, C, A, then D".

I was going to be signing up for Sidemount/Cavern/Intro as one week-long class soon, but I want to get familiar with sidemount gear first so that I can focus more on the class and technique, less about learning my new gear. BUT I don't want buy new gear, buy the wrong gear, learn poor or wrong techniques before hand, etc. In a perfect world, a mentor would help this situation significantly, but I live 5 to 8 hours away from cave country and don't personally know anyone on friend level. I don't want to waste anyone's time. I respect people's time, because time is money. I'm thinking a good bet would be to just take the sidemount class by itself and maybe not push so much into one week. The reason this isn't as obvious of an answer is because I don't get too many opportunities to go diving just yet. I'm lucky to be able to dedicate a weekend every other month of so right now due to work, dive buddy schedule, my daughter, and money. I'd love to knock a good solid week of education and practice diving and come back home and do practice drills and bouyancy/trim practice in my pool.

So the question... how does a typical noob start in relation to sidemount and cavern? I own my own backmount stuff but want to go ahead a change over before I start caving.

[Jax]

Learn sidemount. Go off and practice it.

Once it is second nature, go back for cave training.


BTW, if you are medium size, I am selling my Nomad XT with Edd mods.

[Scubaru]

I'm L/XL. Edd's making me a pretty fine deal on an SMS75 due to taking cave classes with him, but I've gotta find out he'll trust me enough to give me the deal before hand or not since I'd be waiting now.

[Scubaru]

And dammit, another problem is I don't own tanks, nor the lines for doubles, so I'd be spending another huge chunk before doing any practicing at home.

[shellmoundal]

Cave diving takes 3 major considerations before starting.
1. You must have the Free Time
2. You must have the Money
3. You must have the Mind
You should never rush this type of diving. When the S--- hits the fan you must have the training and mind to solve the problem. If one problem leads to another it will end up in PANIC and that can,and probably will,cost you your life.

[Scubaru]

Tbone, sounds like a plan. I didn't realize I could demo all the gear- assumed they'd want me to already be comfortable with the gear before class.

Shell, thanks for that. I learned 3 new things.

[Scubaru]

Thanks bud. Sounds good. That's another reason I wanted to do the combined class like I first mentioned because I've been told by many that I'd be desiring a little more than just sidemount and cavern from a content standpoint.