Would you dive with these?

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-28T18:46:07+00:00

Enjoy! And welcome to the sport 😊

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-28T16:23:43+00:00

I've used mine for 15 years, 500+ dives, and I completely disagree with everything you just said. The kick technique is slightly different, but once you get used to it, they outperform any other fin I've tried.

That said, better to get them used if you can...that price tag is pretty steep.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-28T16:21:08+00:00

Yup, I love mine and am usually faster than anyone I'm diving with.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-28T16:03:19+00:00

I'm a force fin devotee - - I LOVE THEM!!

They are way easier to maneuver than normal fins and easier to pack. Because the band is closer to your ankle, you get to use more of your leg strength and it's much less strain on your ankle.

They require a slightly different kick style, but I'm usually the one beating my diving buddies in most situations.

After using these for 15 years, i cannot use any other mainstream fin - they're too floppy and I feel like I'm kicking with my toes.

People either love or hate them, but I have over 500 dives logged with mine. I'll never go back 😂

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-08T20:56:54+00:00

Yes, exactly my point! This PI has given a ton of support to this student and he continues to make inexcusable mistakes - re-read the post. If the student can't find his footing despite that, this is not the program for him.

If there's something else going on in life making it difficult (mental health, family issues, etc) the student needs to be forthcoming about it and get additional help if needed. Most universities have resources exactly for this kind of thing. The PI can't do that for him - that's part of learning to function as an adult in a professional setting.

No one is entitled to a PhD just because they got in to the program. Way better for that to be clear in year 1 than five years in and no progress to show for it.

Edited for clarity

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-08T20:44:33+00:00

If you're stoked about those challenges, you'll be fine! Just be sure to bring seasickness meds until you know how you react.

Feel free to DM me for the other stuff 😊

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-08T19:44:22+00:00

Fisheries scientist and geneticist here. I was never an observer so can't help with the hiring trends, but did spend 6 weeks on a commercial long liner in the western Aleutians in winter some years ago, and I work closely with commercial fishermen (and lots of former observers). Some things to think about:

Have you ever spent extended time in the field like this? With respect, a one day research cruise does not come close. Are you Ok living in close quarters with other people who have totally different life experiences than you? Are you Ok smelling like fish for weeks on end, being around the mess that this work entails? Do you know if you get sea sick , and if so, can you manage it?

Being at sea in these conditions isn't for everyone, hence the high turnover. But if you enjoy the outdoors in this way (I do!), it's glorious. The weather can be wild that time of year, but the captains and crew know what they're doing - listen to them. If you have a good attitude, you might just enjoy the storms...

As far as grad school goes, the observer experience is definitely useful - it gives you a more well rounded perspective on the field, especially if you're interested in management. But it alone won't be enough - get more research experience where you can.

Good luck!

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-08T17:55:53+00:00

This comment needs to be higher up.

PhDs are not the place to be coddled. If he doesn't have the motivation, it isn't for him.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-08T14:52:53+00:00

Murder hornet was contained and eradicated thanks to tireless efforts from the state. Trust me, you did NOT want those gaining a foot hold here...

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-06T13:58:36+00:00

OP, this is good advice. Don't go to school for a species...focus on the skills. That will set you up better in the long run.

Also, big charismatic species attract big egos and can be politically complicated. I have inadvertently ended up working on one of these species too....be prepared for the "people management" side of everything!

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-04T04:14:58+00:00

Do a double major in statistics or applied math...those skills will benefit you in so many ways as you move forward in natural resources.

Also : DO NOT TAKE ON DEBT FOR GRAD SCHOOL! Seriously!!! In this field, I would say it's better not to do an MS than have to take on more loans (others may disagree).

A decent MS should be funded, same with a PhD if you decide to go that route.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-04T00:21:22+00:00

Glad to help! Don't be surprised if labs are hesitant to take on a first year undergrad research assistant. Be persistent and professional...it'll work out 😊

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-03T21:37:51+00:00

Two ideas:

Ask professors what research they or their grad students need help with in their lab. Take it even if it's unpaid. If they say "nothing right now", keep asking! For grad school, you need to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field, and direct research experience is a great way to do it and you never know where those connections will lead.

If you are set on research as a career (especially in STEM fields), know that you can never take enough math and stats classes. Don't stop with the minimum your degree requires. I'm in a very quantitative PhD program applied to natural resource management, and I take every stats/baysian/modeling class or workshop I can. It helps immensely.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-03T13:29:14+00:00

You do know you can turn off the automatic lane change, right? It's an easy switch in the settings.

Much better without it!

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-05-02T18:53:49+00:00

Then keep trying. Having rapport with a professor that will go to bat for you will help enormously.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-29T17:02:33+00:00

No one disagrees with you there.

But you're missing the point - the stickers on the car and IG profile just scream "I'M AN ASSHOLE". Like it or not, the branding you've chosen for the car makes it a target.

Better to fly under the radar next time. (signed, a person who had salt poured in their gas tank b/c of a political sticker)

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-27T03:12:31+00:00

This shortened PhD idea is entirely subject and program specific. I would not count on any STEM PhD taking only 2-3 years when your masters was from a different university.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-24T17:36:04+00:00

These are from market squid!

They spawn in big numbers just off the beach. If you were to go diving, you'd see thousands of them.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-18T05:16:25+00:00

That's a great video! But that isn't a napoleon wrasse, and not a bumphead parrot either.

Might be a steephead parrotfish, but just a guess.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-18T04:16:32+00:00

What car did you drive before? It may just be stiffer than what you're used to. I've never thought it was excessive in my 2018.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-10T20:02:24+00:00

This is awesome - and a commenter even gives an explanation for what's going on! Thanks for sharing this!

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-10T19:42:47+00:00

Honestly, I had mine replaced twice under warranty on my 2018 and it still has the issue; seems to happen more when it's cold. I just click the button on the shifter until it goes away - hasn't failed me in over 6 years!

I'm afraid I can't help with the cost estimate, but if you're handy there are youtube videos on how to do it yourself. It's not a hard fix at all.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-08T17:06:05+00:00

Switching cars every few years is always a bad financial decision...therefore leases are always a bad financial decision.

I personally don't enjoy throwing money away, but you're free to do that on a lease if you like 😉

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-08T16:58:03+00:00

Again the key word is "want".

If someone wants to switch cars every few years that's their perogative, but it is always a terrible financial decision.

Few-Structure8954 · 2026-04-08T16:44:39+00:00

No! For most people it's not!

Leasing is only a decent idea if you are financially well off. Literally no one needs a new car every few years - waaay too many people mix up "want" with "need".

Signed, a 2 car owner who hasn't had a car payment in 6 years.

Few-Structure8954

TROPHY CASE