What Makes a Buddy "Good"?

[georoc01]

I'd say the number #1 thing about being a good buddy is not putting my life or their own in jeopardy.

Clearly there is an advantage to diving with a buddy you know fairly well vs an insta-buddy where you know little about them prior to diving. Having a comfort level with your buddy can make a big difference in your diving.

I know taking classes like rescue has helped me become more aware of my surroundings, including that of my buddy.

[texdiveguy]

I'm a 'good ole boy' -- oh -- it said buddy, I'm that to, so who wants to dive?

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by gNats

Maybe some of your comments are also based on environment. Do you have different buddy qualifications based on where you are diving or the level of complexity you are diving?

That's the crux of it.

I think many of us are perfectly willing to go on a dive with a newer diver with imperfect skills, but it depends on the dive, and it depends on knowing what to expect ahead of time. (Something you confirmed you do)

If I'm going be insta-buddied with a new, inexperienced diver on an advanced dive to the oil rigs in iffy conditions (something I generally won't do), I'm going to be really steamed that the newer diver is even on the trip, since they're not supposed to be there at their certification level, and especially moreso if I don't find out their true skill level until I'm in the water. If I knew ahead of time, I would be able to counsel the diver that the dive is beyond their skill level.

The other situation is (again) buddied to someone with vastly different abilities and expectations. If I have planned a photography dive that includes an especially deep segment, I'm not going to want to be buddied with a new diver who is not trained for that level... not because I'm stuck up, but because it's not a safe dive for them to join me on.

On the other hand, if a new diver requests ahead of time to dive with me, and we are going to a location where conditions are right to lead them on a dive that is within their capabilities, I'll be happy to go diving with the same person who I'd never dive with under different circumstances. It's all about having the right expectations.

Based on what you said in your opening post, it sounds like you're doing everything right, in a thoughtful manner. Keep it up and you'll be well on your way to becoming the diver that YOU would want to dive with.

[BouzoukiJoe A.K.A. wrecker130 AKA Chuck Norris AKA joeforbroke (banned)]

Definitely agree. You have the right attitude. You'll be a great buddy!

The skill requirements for a good buddy definitely vary with the dive. I'll buddy with anyone at the quarry at least once. I am much more demanding for the bigger dives- I want to know you and be confident you won't screw up and possibly get us both killed.

[cummings66]

I've spoke many times here of what I think it takes to make a good buddy, all joking aside IMO it means you know where I am at all times or I you, and we don't do anything to put either of us in danger. A good buddy would also tell you the dive is beyond their skills without entering the water or wasting time driving there.

After you dive for a while you tend to develop other things like friendship outside of diving and that makes the diving even better.

IMO as a buddy I want my buddies to know I value their lives as much as I do my own and I will do everything within my power to insure you have an enjoyable safe dive, and if something happens I will be there for you. The only exception is if I tell you not to enter that dark foreboding cave and you do, I'm not risking my life if you do something stupid like that.

So for me, my buddy is family during the dive and I will treat you like it. A good functional family that is.

[navyhmc]

A good buddy does indeed bring snacks!

The only thing that makes a buddy bad to me is one that's not there. They immediately take off for parts unknown and if you neede them, they aren't there. I don't have a problem with new divers who don't know the ropes yet. My last dives were with a new diver who has some problems. We spent the dives helping him get his trim and his bouyancy better and flat out get him some bottom time. Did I get to do all the stuff I had hiped to do? No, but that really didin't matter. I was getting wet and was helping a fellow diver. That made all the dives worth it to me.

Depending on the dive, I personally like to be about 3' down, 3' to the side and 3' back if I can. That way my buddy only has to look down to see me and I have a good view of them as well and am not going to bump them. If you think about it, it's easier to look down and back than up and back.

[cummings66]

Sounds like a good spot to be in, I'd say I would like that or side by side. I just don't like hunting around trying to see if you're above, below, behind. I think I would add a good buddy once they get into the spot, they stay there and you don't have to wonder what direction they are. I like to know where you are.

[plot]

a good dive buddy is diving solo with me along with him/her diving solo.

ie: a good buddy shouldn't rely on me and shouldn't be a problem at all for me, and visa versa. if something does happen though, they'll be in close enough proximity to give me a funny annoyed look and help out.

[plot]

also, a good buddy has a boat

[ektess1]

Yes I think they can be, but only if you take the time to learn each other's abilities and expectations.
You can create a good buddy if: you can get along, neither of you are a danger, you can communicate, you are both willing to learn and grow.
Some people may not be a good buddy fit for you, but a great one for somebody else.
Some people should never be allowed in the water.

A boat, a dive shop, or a beautiful cousin wouldn't hurt either.