05/14/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AjwEPWF6D/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I ran across this article by Jarrod Jablonski a few days ago, and it resonated with me, because this is the same philosophy we have at Depth Perception Dive Center.
Learning, understanding neutral buoyancy is the foundation of a good diver. The person I consider my cave mentor used to tell me, “Robert, when things go to hell in a hand basket, and you don’t have buoyancy, you have nothing, you’re in trouble.” We all understand that no diver is going to be horizontal during every second of every dive, sometimes we have to be neutral in a vertical position, sometimes in a head down position, this is a given. However, if the diver doesn’t have a solid foundation of neutral buoyancy, how can we expect that person to translate a lack of buoyancy skills if an unexpected situation might occur?
Looking good is one thing, but being capable and competent are a must for all divers, and being capable in the water is based on a solid foundation of neutral buoyancy.
At Depth Perception, this is our goal, and the way we teach our divers, and we don't/won't apologize for the way we train. We want competent and capable divers, this is what we strive for with every class.
If you have any questions, call us at 813-873-8103, or E Mail us at [email protected]
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“𝗪𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱.”
One of the ideas I explore in the latest InDEPTH Magazine Blueprint for Success article is the difference between form and function.
In diving, it’s easy to become overly focused on appearance: holding a perfectly flat position, following a precise style, or trying to look “correct” in the water. But capability is more nuanced than aesthetics alone.
A diver should be stable, efficient, and controlled, but also adaptable. Diving happens in three dimensions, and changing conditions often require flexibility rather than rigid adherence to one idealized posture or method.
The same pattern extends well beyond diving. Real competence is not about memorizing one correct position or process. It’s about understanding context, adapting appropriately, and applying skills fluidly when conditions change.
The goal is not just to appear capable. It is to be capable.
