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Finding that Elusive Dive Buddy
- By John Bloom
- Published 07/1/2007
- Dive Basics
- Unrated
We have all been there. On a boat dive being hooked up with the only crazy diver on the trip. So where do you do to find that elusive dive buddy. We often say that the reasons that keep us from diving are lack of time, lack of money, and lack of a dive buddy. We can't solve the first two, but you can work on them. However, dealing with that elusive dive buddy can be accomplished and more importantly, you can find a quality dive buddy in the process.
Dive Class
Check out your dive class where you will be receiving the same training as your classmates. You will be sharing common experiences and going through similar trials. You will be able to observe how potential buddies operate under controlled conditions. Choosing a buddy, based on your observations of their attentiveness to their gear, dive plans, and the buddies they dive with. If possible "try out" a number of different buddies while you are in training. Remember, you will be under an instructor with a watchful ey.
Other areas you might want to check out, as you advance in your diving, would be an advanced dive curse. In an advanced dive course you will be presented with a variety of new diving situations that should challenge your skills and the skills of a potential buddy. You and your classmates will share experiences in deep diving, night diving, navigation, search and recovery and more. This will give you a good chance to study who handles stressful situations and works through them.
Dive Clubs
Dive clubs vary their emphasis from general diving to hunters, photographers and wreck diving. But the greatest advantage is the various experience levels of their members, which is usually across the board, from beginner to instructor. More importantly, the more advanced and experienced divers within these groups almost always are willing to buddy up and share their experience with other divers.
Dive Buddy Directory
Research dive magazines, dive newsletters, dive newspapers, forums and the Internet for Dive Buddy Directories where you can search for a buddy or place your own listing and check out listings. Many of these listing are free. If you are using the Internet be sure to set up your first meeting up at a public place prior to diving.
You should preferably meet at a dive shop you frequent or better at a dive club meeting. Although it should be obvious, use caution, especially if you are a women.
Check with your local dive store to see if they maintain bulletin boards for finding a dive buddy and post your listing while checking to see if there is anyone there. While you're searching, for your prospective buddy, you should look for similar diving interests as you. Another important consideration is romantic. Many divers are looking for a romantic companionship as well as a dive buddy. So be sure to look closely and if you're doing the listing, make your interest obvious so there are no misunderstandings. This means even if it's not for romance. Be sure to be specific on the type of diving you enjoy and if you are welling to split costs if you car pool or go out for entertainment after the dive. It is always better to have your cards on the table in advance so there are no surprises later. If you are concerned, be sure to ask.
When you're making your listing, be brief but be sure to include your interests, experience level, and where and when you'd like to dive.
On a Dive Boat
The majority of dive boats will not let you dive alone and insist that you buddy up with somebody aboard the boat. Believe me, based on my experience, this is not the way you want to find a buddy. If you find yourself in this situation then talk to your new dive buddy. Come up with common goals and agree upon your dive plan. Discuss hand signals, separation procedures, etc. Become familiar with each other's gear.
But if you are not comfortable with your assigned buddy, don't feel compelled to dive with them. Tell the dive master and insist that alternative arrangements be made.
Different Experience Levels
Many divers have the misconception that experience levels of dive buddy's must match each other. This is not true. While an experienced diver needs to be careful not to push a less experienced dive buddy beyond their limits, dive buddies of different experience levels can be ideal. The less experienced diver will learn and gain experience and the more advanced diver will be blessed with an attentive dive buddy.
Dive Class
Check out your dive class where you will be receiving the same training as your classmates. You will be sharing common experiences and going through similar trials. You will be able to observe how potential buddies operate under controlled conditions. Choosing a buddy, based on your observations of their attentiveness to their gear, dive plans, and the buddies they dive with. If possible "try out" a number of different buddies while you are in training. Remember, you will be under an instructor with a watchful ey.
Other areas you might want to check out, as you advance in your diving, would be an advanced dive curse. In an advanced dive course you will be presented with a variety of new diving situations that should challenge your skills and the skills of a potential buddy. You and your classmates will share experiences in deep diving, night diving, navigation, search and recovery and more. This will give you a good chance to study who handles stressful situations and works through them.
Dive Clubs
Dive clubs vary their emphasis from general diving to hunters, photographers and wreck diving. But the greatest advantage is the various experience levels of their members, which is usually across the board, from beginner to instructor. More importantly, the more advanced and experienced divers within these groups almost always are willing to buddy up and share their experience with other divers.
Dive Buddy Directory
Research dive magazines, dive newsletters, dive newspapers, forums and the Internet for Dive Buddy Directories where you can search for a buddy or place your own listing and check out listings. Many of these listing are free. If you are using the Internet be sure to set up your first meeting up at a public place prior to diving.
Check with your local dive store to see if they maintain bulletin boards for finding a dive buddy and post your listing while checking to see if there is anyone there. While you're searching, for your prospective buddy, you should look for similar diving interests as you. Another important consideration is romantic. Many divers are looking for a romantic companionship as well as a dive buddy. So be sure to look closely and if you're doing the listing, make your interest obvious so there are no misunderstandings. This means even if it's not for romance. Be sure to be specific on the type of diving you enjoy and if you are welling to split costs if you car pool or go out for entertainment after the dive. It is always better to have your cards on the table in advance so there are no surprises later. If you are concerned, be sure to ask.
When you're making your listing, be brief but be sure to include your interests, experience level, and where and when you'd like to dive.
On a Dive Boat
The majority of dive boats will not let you dive alone and insist that you buddy up with somebody aboard the boat. Believe me, based on my experience, this is not the way you want to find a buddy. If you find yourself in this situation then talk to your new dive buddy. Come up with common goals and agree upon your dive plan. Discuss hand signals, separation procedures, etc. Become familiar with each other's gear.
But if you are not comfortable with your assigned buddy, don't feel compelled to dive with them. Tell the dive master and insist that alternative arrangements be made.
Different Experience Levels
Many divers have the misconception that experience levels of dive buddy's must match each other. This is not true. While an experienced diver needs to be careful not to push a less experienced dive buddy beyond their limits, dive buddies of different experience levels can be ideal. The less experienced diver will learn and gain experience and the more advanced diver will be blessed with an attentive dive buddy.
