Beginner to Diving outside of Club

[Janos]

Much as I like diving with my club I do a fair few dives outside of it. There has been plenty of advice up there ^^^ which is well worth listening to, but perhaps the best piece of advice I can pass on is to be honest about your diving abilities.

I have come across "diving gods" on the internet who, when I've dived with them, you realise that they're not as good as they make out. Fortunately these are relatively few! Conversely I've dived with people who are relatively quiet on the boards, but then you start talking to them in real life and you see them in the the water and they are f'in fantastic.

Everyone has their own limits. For some people it's 20m, for others 200m. I've been on a few YD trips which have been close to my own personal limits, and when this has been the case I've always made this clear so that the people on the boat know what to expect. In every case I've had a buddy who's been happy with this and glad to have someone honest and not some bullshitter.

So be honest, beware the bullshitters, and stick to doing what YOU are comfortable with, and you will have some excellent dives with a great bunch of people.

JAnos