Okay, so I’ve been diving for a while now, and I’ve noticed something that a lot of divers use, something called an “octo buddy.” At first, I was like, “What’s that?” So, I started digging around and here’s what I found out and how I ended up using one myself.
First off, what the heck is an octo buddy?
Turns out, “octo” is short for “octopus,” which, in diving terms, isn’t about the sea creature but about an extra regulator. You know, the thing you breathe through underwater. The octo buddy is basically a spare one that you or your diving buddy can use if your main one fails or if someone runs out of air. It is very important, even though they might look a little bit cumbersome.
Why did I start looking into it?
Well, I was on a dive trip, and I saw a few divers with this extra piece of gear hanging off their setup. It looked a bit clunky, but it made me think about safety. If my regulator stopped working or if I ran out of air, having a backup seemed like a pretty good idea.
How did I get started with using an octo buddy?
- Talked to my dive instructor: First thing I did was chat with my dive instructor. I asked him about the octo buddy, how it works, and whether it was something I should consider. He was all for it, emphasizing that it’s a crucial piece of safety gear.
- Did some research: After that, I spent some time online, reading forums and watching videos about octo buddies. I wanted to understand the different types, how to use them, and what other divers thought about them.
- Bought one: Based on my instructor’s advice and my research, I decided to get one. I went to a dive shop, talked to the folks there, and picked out an octo buddy that seemed like a good fit for my gear.
- Got it set up: The dive shop helped me set it up with my existing gear. They showed me how to connect it, where to position it, and how to secure it so it wouldn’t be dangling all over the place.
- Practiced using it: Before taking it on a real dive, I practiced using it in a pool. I wanted to get comfortable with switching to the octo buddy, making sure I could do it quickly and without panicking. It took a bit of practice, but I got the hang of it.
My first dive with the octo buddy
I’ll admit, I felt a bit more secure on my next dive knowing I had that backup. It was like having a safety net. I didn’t need to use it, thankfully, but just knowing it was there made the dive more relaxing. Some people put it in their D ring or put it in a mouthguard, but I just put it on a necklace, and kept it close to me, which is very convenient. I also learned that an octopus is a very interesting animal to see underwater, they will recognize divers and become very comfortable with you.
How I feel about it now
Honestly, I can’t imagine diving without an octo buddy now. It’s become a standard part of my gear, just like my mask or fins. It’s not just about being prepared for emergencies; it’s about peace of mind. Knowing that I have a backup plan lets me enjoy my dives more. And I’ve noticed that more and more divers are using them, which is great. Safety should always come first, right?
So, that’s my journey with the octo buddy. It started with curiosity, went through some learning and practice, and now it’s an essential part of my diving adventures. If you’re a diver and you’re not using one yet, I’d definitely recommend looking into it. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your safety and confidence underwater.
