Buddy system flawed?

[dfreeman]

A lot of good thoughts here.  I grew up on the buddy system for a lot of activities, including swimming and whitewater canoeing.  It came natural with scuba.  The comradeship is a big part of it for me.  Most dives are much better when you share it with a good buddy.  This includes friends and family.  Sometimes people that you just met.

I have been teamed up with new dives many times.  I adjust my diving for the new person.  It should be an enjoyable experience for them, how else will they advance and learn?  I get a lot of satisfaction of giving back to the sport and I will use any excuse to dive.  Sometimes humping the bluegills is a lot of fun, especially when Todd is around.  Though he may give you the goat.

Conversely, there are some dives where I will only go with buddies that I know well.  There are dives where I am ready, willing and able to be on my own due to the conditions which may separate me from my buddy.  You need to have the equipment, training, proficiency and mental attitude to do this.  Recreational versus technical is a good distinction.  But remember it is more than having a certification.

In the end it is knowing the limitations and risks.  Preparing for what to do when the risk comes true can be everything.

Here are a few buddies to brighten the post

Doug