Snorkelling Alone

Go fish

New member
There's a saying "You dive alone, you die alone" never advisable to do so, no matter how great the temptation.
 

jensent

New member
At the risk of getting burnt at the stake, I do a lot of solo diving.  All of it in shallow water, in Cape Town in the kelp, and upcoast in the open water, although all shoredives.  I target big fish in shallow water, and even when I do dive with a buddy, we are normally far enough apart (so as not to spook each other's fish) that if we did pick up a problem, we would be unlikely to help each other out.

You can argue that it is not safe, but I have been diving for over 25 years, and am acutely aware of my limitations (and I think that is the key).  YES, there are risks, but I get huge enjoyment out of the time alone.  I would not recommend it to a novice, but depending on your spot and your target species, diving alone can be a great experience.

Cheers,

Tony
 

roryf

Senior Member
jensent wrote:
At the risk of getting burnt at the stake, I do a lot of solo diving.  All of it in shallow water, in Cape Town in the kelp, and upcoast in the open water, although all shoredives.  I target big fish in shallow water, and even when I do dive with a buddy, we are normally far enough apart (so as not to spook each other's fish) that if we did pick up a problem, we would be unlikely to help each other out.

You can argue that it is not safe, but I have been diving for over 25 years, and am acutely aware of my limitations (and I think that is the key).  YES, there are risks, but I get huge enjoyment out of the time alone.  I would not recommend it to a novice, but depending on your spot and your target species, diving alone can be a great experience.

Cheers,

Tony
I am with Tony on this one.I dive alone probably on half my dives.I think that I am a lot more cautious when I dive alone and don't go anywhere near long bottom times or deep depths.Every time I dive I remember that I have a family at home and I need to return safely after the dive.

I have dived with quite a few spearo's in the past and even when you do dive with someone there is margin for error.By this I mean how often is your buddy close enough to actually help you in times of trouble eg.SWB ,buzzed by large shark.

http://www.sealine.co.za/view_topic.php?id=46738&forum_id=68&page=1
http://www.spearblog.com/2009/07/14/what-it-feels-like-to-shoot-your-friend-to-save-his-life/#comments

Dive buddies are great don't get me wrong but only if some of the following are followed otherwise pointless:
  •  dive on the one up/one down principal (watch your buddy return to the surface safely before you dive down)
    [/*]
  • close proximity to each other
    [/*]
  • similar levels of experience[/*]
I am sure that there are many more points that can be made.


Safe diving!
 

Johnny Blaze

Senior Member
I am really interested in starting diving. whats the basics needed besides a wetsuit and some goggles and flipper and snorkel. and offcourse a fair amount of skill?
 

Mangi

Sealiner
My basic kit is the following:

Wetsuit (Excel surfing suit 4/3mm)
Reef Hoodie
Flipper Socks
Neoprene Gloves
Goggles + Snorkel
Flippers
Weightbelt
Craybag
Knife (For some reason I always feel "safer" when I have my knife with me)
 

Ledge

Senior Member
Well Put Mangi,

A knife is an awesome piece of equipment!

I would like to put a Speargun (If you want to shoot a beaut) & Dive Buddy in the mix...

Moments are always better when they are shared...

Cheers,
L
 

Ledge

Senior Member
Johnny Blaze wrote:
I am really interested in starting diving. whats the basics needed besides a wetsuit and some goggles and flipper and snorkel. and offcourse a fair amount of skill?
Hey Johnny,

Welcome to the Breathless world of diving. If you are interested, you can give Eckart a call regarding advise around equipment. He is also running Beginner spearfishing courses at the moment.

His number is: +27 82 577 9162

Cheers,
Andie
 

Johnny Blaze

Senior Member
Thanx Guys for that information. have always been intrigued by diving as a youngster but never able to go out and do it. Have a very healthy respect for the ocean and also believe in sharing memories so a dive bud would always tag along.
 

Ledge

Senior Member
Johnny Blaze wrote:
Thanx Guys for that information. have always been intrigued by diving as a youngster but never able to go out and do it. Have a very healthy respect for the ocean and also believe in sharing memories so a dive bud would always tag along.
You are welcome to tag along. Just PM me. Maybe we can organise a fun session.

Have an awesome weekend!

Cheers,
Andie
 

Serra Moz

Sealiner
Ledge wrote:
Johnny Blaze wrote:
Thanx Guys for that information. have always been intrigued by diving as a youngster but never able to go out and do it. Have a very healthy respect for the ocean and also believe in sharing memories so a dive bud would always tag along.
You are welcome to tag along. Just PM me. Maybe we can organise a fun session.

Have an awesome weekend!

Cheers,
Andie
No THAT'S the SPIRIT!!!!! Well done bro!!!
 
Top