| In every scuba class across the world, new divers | | | | hours, suit up and run to the waters edge to |
| are taught to evaluate the diving conditions prior to | | | | evaluate the conditions. They are never very |
| suiting up for the dive. But, what exactly are divers | | | | objective. |
| supposed to be looking for? | | | | Ask other divers what they experienced underwater. |
| The very first thing every diver needs to look for in | | | | First hand knowledge is always the best. Try to |
| evaluating dive conditions starts with a look into the | | | | make sure the scuba divers you talk to are not Open |
| mirror. What are you comfortable with? Do you have | | | | Water divers making their first dive; everything looks |
| the training, knowledge, and experience to make the | | | | good to them. |
| dive you are contemplating? Now look inward at that | | | | Things you should consider: |
| inner diver, how do you feel both physically and | | | | Temperature |
| mentally? If the answer is no to any of these | | | | Bottom composition |
| questions, make your dive into the local Denny's | | | | Weather |
| restaurant instead. | | | | Currents |
| Now look over at your buddy; do they have the | | | | Visibility |
| training, knowledge and experience to make the | | | | Waves |
| dive? Ask them how they feel; is everything all right? | | | | If conditions are not good, it's best to do something |
| Remember that if your buddy has a problem, you | | | | else. Diving in poor or dangerous conditions is not |
| have a problem. | | | | going to be fun. |
| Now double check your equipment; are there any | | | | Make sure you have an exit strategy just in case |
| broken straps or missing gear? With most | | | | things change during the dive. One time we were |
| experienced divers, it is the equipment problems that | | | | diving off of Catalina Island along the southern |
| mess up most dives. | | | | California coast and the rock entry was being |
| Equipment good? | | | | pounded by six foot waves. None of the divers |
| Buddy good? | | | | knew about the sand beach over to the right about |
| You're good? | | | | 100 yards! These divers were trying to climb out on |
| Now you can take a look at the water. It is funny. | | | | the jetty as the waves broke over their head. |
| Most new divers start at the water first and skip the | | | | ALWAYS have an exit strategy. |
| first round of questions. It is a good idea to evaluate | | | | Remember, it is your decision and your responsibility |
| water conditions before you suit up. Evaluating the | | | | to make the call about your capabilities, equipment, |
| water conditions in your street clothes makes you | | | | buddy, and conditions. |
| more objective than those divers who drive for two | | | | |