Since I had such a strong opinion against solo diving. I went out and did some. It was a shore dive out on eastern Long Island. I have to say I've developed a mixed bag of feelings towards it.

PRO's
I did a better job of my equipment check. Very liberating I have to admit. I just went down to the water got ready and dove. No B.S. involved. You get to concentrate on the dive itself without the distractions of a buddy. Felt I explored and absorbed more in a short period of time.

Con's
It was lonely. I like my diving as a social venue. Underwater is where I decompress from work and sharing the dive helps the mental offgassing. Tried a couple of things that I have helped other divers with and things they have helped me with underwater. I was not convinced I would be as safe if someone else was there.

My opinion... Don't do it unless your trained. There were small things I could not do That I should have been able to do.

Dive Safe
Les

Dive Specifics 20-25 FSW Mild current / Non Tidal dive

Hope you had at least a pony bottle. I do understand your point that it is somewhat like going to the movie theater by yourself. We are conditioned to view certain activities as shared events. And there is much to commend the buddy system including the obvious "two heads are better than one" awareness during planning and preparation.

Solo diving entails all the usual risks of scuba diving, but they are now bourn entirely on a single diver's shoulders. That means greater responsibility and a higher level of training to equip you for coping with emergencies. I'm still looking to take the SDI solo course. Ironically, it would be more fun to have company! Anyone else interested?
Dive safe, stay wet... avra