ice diving harness question

[AandA]

Too much emphasis on training ??? ???

I have certainly enjoyed obtaining C-cards from various agencies for different types of diving situations .  The classes are ALL useful.  The classes are also, however limiting.

For ME I have come to the conclusion that the REAL learning comes AFTER the class....The class gives the diver a framework from which to experience the specific type of diving.  The real learning comes from the individual Diving Diving and more Diving.  Protocols and training is GREAT!  Appropriate Dive configurations for the right equipment is GREAT!  I have dove with many of you and I learn a bit from each of you.   Each dive I make is somewhat different.  The environment is dynamic not static.  

I am a firm believer in individual risk assessment.  In my opinion there is NOTHING written in stone as the RIGHT way ta dive ( OK so this may actually be an almost anti-DIR statement...oops).   In risk assessment one of the important premises is to balance out various identified risk factors.  In doing this it can be humbling for me to realize that some of the greatest risks are NOT from what I don't know or can't anticipate...but from what I'm sure I know, but is either wrong or could be wrong if applied under the wrong circumstances.  (In other words Murphy had it backwards---It's not what ya think can go wrong that necessarily will,  situations get bad really quick when…. what ya think can't possibly go wrong - does!)

As to the question of to wear a harness or not to wear a harness, or what kind of harness to wear.....  If  I cannot see BOTH advantages and disadvantages to any piece of gear ESPECIALLY GEAR I BRING INTO AN OVERHEAD ENVIRONMENT, I seriously consider reevaluating what I THINK I know.  

I agree with those who have stated that there are many right ways to ice dive.   Some protocols will better serve individual divers better under specific circumstances.  Personal judgment and critical individual risk assessment I consider vital.