Solo Diving, 2nd Edition: The Art of Underwater Self-Sufficiency (Paperback)

by Robert von Maier (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Solo Diving is a must-read for every diver who thinks they understand the sport of scuba diving. -- Testimonial

This is truly the only book that I feel confident recommending to anyone, regardless of their underwater experience. -- Book testimonial

Product Description
Solo Diving begins with an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of buddy system, and explains why some divers choose to dive alone. This volume then addresses what it takes to become a self-sufficient diver, which includes a section on self-evaluation. Diving physiology and the importance of fitness are stressed, and there is an excellent section of dive management guidelines which include dive planning rules, air management, air consumption, thermal protection, ascents and cold water/arduous dive considerations. Included is a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of the various emergency breathing systems available, and how they affect self-rescue. The final section has comments of well known divers about solo diving. Contains information for all levels of divers.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Aqua Quest Publications, Inc.; 2 edition (January 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881652289
• ISBN-13: 978-1881652281
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #609,340 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Good Idea Needing More Practical Information, December 15, 2002

By	John E. Smertneck (Neptune, NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This text covers a highly debated topic in diving today - solo diving. The author presents a lot of reasons, justification, and testimony for this practice and makes the reader think about various items such as fitness, limits, and air supply in conducting solo dives.
I am a working divemaster currently assisting in the teaching of a solo diver course in which this book is our primary text, and from my professional opinion it contains a lot of fluff and not enough practical detail. Gear rigging and streamlining is not covered, and I feel that this is an essential item that should be explored in depth for solo diving. Also, no potential underwater problems/solutions are covered, something that should be discussed and trained for. In addition, I believe there are more suitable methods for working with surface air consumption (SAC) rates.
Overall, I think that the book is good for getting divers to think about solo diving but should not be used as a training guide. This is a subject which receives very little publication and much criticism, and I am certain that as the knowledge base grows there will be more informative material published on solo diving.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every diver should read this book., August 7, 2003

By	Thomas J. Trebisky (Tucson, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

No new skills or methods are needed to dive solo.
What is needed is a new attitude, one that every
diver should have anyway, even if they never intend
to dive alone. This is what this book is about.
I come from the rock climbing culture where there is
no certification, and virtually all participants realize
-they- are responsible to learn the skills needed to stay
out of trouble. This book is refreshing and honest.
It may save lives by bursting peoples bubble about
the buddy system. Others it will inspire to prepare
themselves to accept the new levels of risk and freedom
in solo diving.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Solo Diving Disappointment, April 4, 2002

By	Ralph G Bixler "BixPix" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book expecting a book on solo diving techniques and gear requirements. The author seems more interested in making a case for solo diving than teaching solo diving methods. I got more out of the testimonials in the rear of the book than from the author. Very disappointing reading