On Mon, 7 May 2001 John Bird<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Here's a tip.....since it's quiet.
>
>Always do a pre-dive inventory of your gear!

You need to do the scuba version of the Macarina (sp?)
Before heading out for an early morning dive, and while still half asleep,
I go thru that routine .. hands on the head - for hood, hands over eyes -
for mask, hands on hips - for weight belt, check out feet - for fins &
booties. Normally I have set up my tank the night before so that is one
less thing to worry about as gloves & safety gear is already in bcd pockets.

I have (only once) forgotten to put on my swimwear before dashing out the
door in t-shirt & shorts. Had a catnap between dives at Layang-Layang
Island & woke in a panic. Realising the dive brief was about to start I ran
like a mad rabbit for the dive shed & was in the process of chucking on my
polartec divesuit when I realised a slight hitch in that plan:-)  Shocked a
lot of shy japanese divers that day ;-))

>I showed up on Saturday morning to do the Shelly Beach dive with
>"the guys" and neglected to put my booties in the gear bin.
>They were out on the balcony drying/de-odourizing. Got to the
>site and realised they weren't there. Bummer! Doh!

Well, it makes a change from the *Strike special* - leave the fins at
home/mistakingly grabbing Sylvia's fins.  OR maybe that is the *Bjorn
special* - trying out a petite pair of baby blue full foot fins .. just to
experience the pleasure of pinched toes & blisters ;-))

>Hmmmmm...just occurred to me, the "guys" didn't leave me in
>charge of the Tim-Tams whilst they were diving. Funny about
>that!

You needed the assistance of Da Feesh for that .. he has loaned out his
sandals for bootless divers. Ive seen folk wear their runners when they
have forgotten their dive booties. I once loaned my new dive boots out to a
friend & forgot to get them back in time for a dive one weekend .. ended up
wearing 2 pairs of thick football socks to ensure I didnt blister my
tootsies :-)
Viv