Quotes Update!!!

I have a LOT of  “Quotable Quotes” readers. So, there are updated quotes… in no particular order.

Buddy Breathing

Today, the DM and I had more than one event when we hit the water at Tambuli. It was our second dive of the day. (The first, at Talima, was wonderful!)

When we reached our maximum depth for the dive, my DM discovered a problem with his tank/bcd/reg. Just like a skill everyone learns for certification, he removed his bcd (very skillfully I might add), checked out the problem and donned his equipment again. Then, he realized the more serious matter… he was “in the red” on his SPG. (about out of air)

What happened next was a very smooth, easy transition - very fluid, relaxed movements between the two of us. Almost like he and I had practiced together a million times. At 60′ we began our buddy breathing “dance”, holding onto each other per instruction. Due to the length of my octo hose, we switched to a position with him slightly behind my right shoulder, holding my bcd.

We made a very safe ascent – i.e. less than 1′/sec – since my computer didn’t scream at me. There was plenty of air for both of us, so we observed a “near normal” ascent. Slow pace with a safety stop of 3 minutes. When we surfaced, we were both laughing!

I am cursed with some sort of odd experience each time I dive – things that would freak out most divers. Well, this has been the most “fun” to date. I understand the potential severity of the situation and how to avoid it. Luckily, we weren’t in the “emergency version” of possibilities. So this was actually very nice! Yeah, I know, you guys are thinking I’m nuts…

I take things as they come in diving, never stressing out. Today was no different. It was great to naturally perform an important skill that I learned the first day of class! Some people go a lifetime without using this technique.

This couldn’t have been a better learning tool – reinforcing a very important skill. It was very simple, but also very gratifying. It was so easy this time that I almost feel silly to be proud. But, it was a success.

Happy diving y’all.

Word for Oct. 12, 2007

Physiognomy ~ (fĭz’ē-ŏg’nə-mē, -ŏn’ə-mē) – Noun

** The outward appearance of anything, taken as offering some insight into its character.

** Divination based on facial features.

** Aspect and character of an inanimate or abstract entity.

** Facial features, especially when regarded as revealing character.