Best vs. Worst Diving Experience

[Vtach]

I'd have to say that the worst AND best was a dive during the winter season on the Milwaukee.  The short of it is that I was diving with cheap, convoluted, malfunctioning gear and it failed me in over 100 feet of water leaving me with a trickle of flow from one reg and a blasting freeflow from another.  The reason why it was the best dive is because it forced me to open my damn eyes to how quick things can go to shit and just how important the proper equipment, training and mindset is.  After that, I sought proper education, training and spent a good dose on the appropriate equipment.  All that was put to good use on some fantastic shipwrecks like the Vernon, Florida, Windiate, Gunilda, etc...  Those are truly the best but without proper training, planning and equipment you are just rolling Darwin's dice.