When/With Whom to Dive

[skip]

I'm sitting here on the computer while a couple of buddies are diving. I was invited along, but declined. I gave a lame excuse and now admit that they intimidate me. They are way better than me in every way, trim, equipment config, gas consumption, ability, skill, etc. The plan was to push a virgin system downstream and lay as much knotted line as possible, then survey on the way out. I know I'd be at thirds way early compared to them and would most likely silt out various area's on the way in (small silty passage - I've been in there to the current EOL), and basically be a third wheel at best and an annoyance at worst. They are very nice and would never say that about me or anyone.

So what would you do? And more generally what, if any, is the cave diver etiquette in this situation.

I guess I could go and be shore support, but that's like watching people eat thanksgiving dinner while staring in the window drooling.

-skip

[FW]

I'm sitting here on the computer while a couple of buddies are diving. I was invited along, but declined. I gave a lame excuse and now admit that they intimidate me. They are way better than me in every way, trim, equipment config, gas consumption, ability, skill, etc. The plan was to push a virgin system downstream and lay as much knotted line as possible, then survey on the way out. I know I'd be at thirds way early compared to them and would most likely silt out various area's on the way in (small silty passage - I've been in there to the current EOL), and basically be a third wheel at best and an annoyance at worst. They are very nice and would never say that about me or anyone.

So what would you do? And more generally what, if any, is the cave diver etiquette in this situation.

I guess I could go and be shore support, but that's like watching people eat thanksgiving dinner while staring in the window drooling.

-skip

Their initials wouldn't be C&J, would they

[aainslie]

If they're diving thirds downstream and surveying out I'd definitely be out. And I'd be pretty blunt about why. They have NO reserves.

[FW]

If they're diving thirds downstream and surveying out I'd definitely be out. And I'd be pretty blunt about why. They have NO reserves.

I *think* the downstream he is talking about is very low flow, and C&J would turn early anyway. They need the gas to survey safely.

The best answer to Skip's question is:
"They invited him, knew his skill level, and *anyone* can turn the dive *anytime*."

[caverkevin]

From my POV, you may be the best part of the team. The limiting factors you speak of may be the difference of everyone having a great diving and someone getting hurt. I don't think I would worry about it that much, go dive and have a good time.

[atedeschi]

If i was invited i would go. If they didnt want you to go they wouldnt invite you.

[aainslie]

Sounds like a good time to just say "Guys, I appreciate it but that doesn't sound like fun. You go enjoy it. I'd only turn you early and you don't want that."

That way they can calibrate what's fun for you in the future.

At the end of the day there is NO POINT doing dives that aren't fun!

[LiteHedded]

what would I do? I would go

[amphipod06]

Like Kevin said, they know what you are capable of and your skill level, if they did not want you along they'd never said a thing. If you don't feel up to it, that is another thing.
And , as usual, anyone can call the dive at any point for any reason...

Dive safe,

Celia

[whodunit68]

I'm sitting here on the computer while a couple of buddies are diving. I was invited along, but declined. I gave a lame excuse and now admit that they intimidate me. They are way better than me in every way, trim, equipment config, gas consumption, ability, skill, etc. The plan was to push a virgin system downstream and lay as much knotted line as possible, then survey on the way out. I know I'd be at thirds way early compared to them and would most likely silt out various area's on the way in (small silty passage - I've been in there to the current EOL), and basically be a third wheel at best and an annoyance at worst. They are very nice and would never say that about me or anyone.

So what would you do? And more generally what, if any, is the cave diver etiquette in this situation.

I guess I could go and be shore support, but that's like watching people eat thanksgiving dinner while staring in the window drooling.

-skip

I really appreciate seeing this question. I'm a new cave diver whose SAC is awful using the 108s doubled up with a sling or two. Really awful. Oddly, I dive a single hp 120 with a sling and I'm a .6 but put those doubles on and I'm doing short thirds. I'm ALWAYS super-conscientious about those diving around me. I just got apprentice and before that, I had full cavers always offering to dive with me. I had buddies drive an hour or hour and a half just to dive my sixths. It made no sense to me but I heard over and over shut up and dive. they want to be wet. they want to be inside a cave. they know who and what my capabilities are. I still struggle with it but I dove. I'm becoming a slightly better diver because of the incredible experiences. Last time in CC, I met a great guy named Bill who was testing water quality and all this other neat stuff while at Amigo's with Wayne. Holy crow this guy invited ME to go with him?!@?@ I was about 6 hours away from my flight so I unhappily declined but hope to see him next time down. How cool is that? Will he dive with me 5 times? Probably not. But the first time sure would be fun for me. Go forth and prosper and I really appreciate knowing I'm not the only one.
Steve