Does Texas diving Breed solo divers?

[Ryanh1801]

What are the Texas members thoughts on this? IMO almost every Lake dive I consider my self solo, just for the fact some dives im lucky if I can see my own hands, much less see my buddy at all times. I recently did some solo dives, to me it was pretty natural thing and did not really bug me. What do yall think?

[digitalman]

Illinos isn't any better. Had to surface twice on the descent trying to find my buddy (there were 3 of us...1 kept getting seperated).

[tonka97]

Originally Posted by Ryanh1801

What are the Texas members thoughts on this? IMO almost every Lake dive I consider my self solo, just for the fact some dives im lucky if I can see my own hands, much less see my buddy at all times. I recently did some solo dives, to me it was pretty natural thing and did not really bug me. What do yall think?

My perception is that many, many divers are diving solo, and just don't realize it!

I consider every dive a solo dive; ironically, it makes me a better buddy too! Perhaps the demand to increase self awareness explains this seeming contradiction.

[Vercingetorix]

Although I see that some dang foreigners (Illinois, West Virginia) have already intruded onto this private Texas preserve (there ought to be a Texas filter on this forum), I don't think the solo situation you describe is a Texas thing.

We are all responsible for our own safety. If you take that to heart, you do feel comfortable solo. CSSP (TX) and Athens (TX) are perfect examples where it's necessary. There are quarry conditions like that all over the States.

[fireflock]

I don't think it's Texas, or even poor vis, per se. I think it has more to do with the fact that most divers don't learn how to be a good buddy. It's all the instructor can do in a standard OW classto keep you from killing yourself, much less look out for someone else.

You can start here:
NWGratefulDiver.com

and something for the solo divers:
NWGratefulDiver.com

To be clear, the articles are not mine. I just think they have some good advice.

[Foo2]

Low vis does the exact opposite with me. I tend to be more relaxed when I have 10'+ than when it is lower. When I can barely see my fins...I am stuck to my buddy like glue...he couldn't loose me if he tried. And if being close isn't enough, I grab onto his bc or arm.

[texdiveguy]

Solo diving was included in my Texas O/W course.

[roofless]

If the viz is bad and I have to spend a lot of my time concentrating on finding my buddy, then I just scrap the dive. Nothing irks me like bad visibility.

It depends on my buddies experience level. Lately I've been the most experienced of the two, so I feel the need to keep a close look-out on them.

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by roofless

If the viz is bad and I have to spend a lot of my time concentrating on finding my buddy, then I just scrap the dive. Nothing irks me like bad visibility.

You'll never dive Texas, then. Anything beyond 10 feet is considered GREAT viz. Athens viz is around 4 (you can make-out the shape of your fin).

[roofless]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

You'll never dive Texas, then. Anything beyond 10 feet is considered GREAT viz. Athens viz is around 4 (you can make-out the shape of your fin).

I'm live outside of Houston, but haven't had a chance to dive that many locations within the sate. I'm looking forward to doing some river diving on the Comal sometime soon. Luckily, the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world begins just a little south of us [CZM].