ReefHound, I don't want sound like smart [img]smileys/smiley35.gif[/img], but there is no indication that the diver was new to the sport. However, his age is reported as 64. Could that be the reason?
I found a research performed by the USAF on the effect of age on DCS. The report says that the people over the age of 42 are almost twice more susceptible to DCS then younger people. To be true to the facts, the research was for altitude change not depth. However, the mechanism of decompression in both cases is the same and the relationship between age and DCS susceptibility should be the fairly close.
Here you can find the report by Sulaiman, et al:
http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&am p;identifier=ADA297023
As of diving in high waves and current I'll agree with you. I will definitely take it one step at a time. Staring with deep dives at lakes around here or even better by finishing the AOW.
Thanks goes to all that reply!