Why not Fundies?

[Hank49]

Fraser Purdon is on Grand Cayman, and Benji Schaub is on Bonaire.

Thanks

 

[Cacia]

Fundamental as in Foundation...as in something to build apon.

I know that is one way they mean the term, but I think it has meaning on another level, as in "literalist". The teachings are meant to be taken literally. I realize many outstanding DIR divers stray from the teachings, just like anything else. I just cannot quite buy into the team think.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I think the real issue for many is the cost of the gear. Had I not started out with an eye toward DIR/Hog, it would have been prohibitively expensive for me to go that route for DIR-F. I think the Essentials class, or something that attempts to teach the skills without having to dive the Hog rig, would be far more palatable to many divers.

Very good point Perrone.

 

[Cacia]

but that is inconsistent with major tenets of the philosophy. Conformity is central.
Use a hodge podge of gear... and you are back to the drawing board, as I see it. The configuration is the foundation, -structure, function type of arrangement. People that suggest this, as invariably happens, don't understand the DIR approach to diving, unless I am missing something important.

 

[JeffG]

I know that is one way they mean the term, but I think it has meaning on another level, as in "literalist".

We will have to agree to disagree. I don't think there is any "hidden" meaning behind the name of The fundamental class.

I just cannot quite buy into the team think.

and there is nothing wrong with that. DIR is not for everyone. and if along the way you steal bits and pieces and it makes you a better/safer diver....bonus.

 

[JeffG]

but that is inconsistent with major tenets of the philosophy. Conformity is central.

Gear is such a small part and is the easiest to "fix".

 

[jbd]

Yes.

Then you should be able to infer from my reference to MHK that DIR is not as tyrantical about equipment as many on the internet would make seem. That was my point.

Apparently though since the DIRF is a certification course now they have changed their view on course required equipment, which is a shame IMO, because that is probaly one of the biggest reasons the average diver won't take the course.

Gear does not make the diver but knowledge does.

 

[jonnythan]

To Catherine:

http://www.efunda.com/home.cfm
http://www.hoptechno.com/book11.htm
http://www.pantos.org/atw/basics.html
http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/course/fp101/index.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/03...=pd_bbs_1/102-5301010-5167309?ie=UTF8&s=books

I understand what you're saying, and you make some great points, which is why it pains me to see you go so totally overboard over the name of the class. There is nothing different between "The Fundamentals of Better Diving" or "The Fundamentals of Doing it Right" and "The Fundamentals of Nursing."

 

[Quarrior]

Here's a few things that come to mind for me on this issue.

First, I dove with a bunch of the PNW DIR folks and had a great time, but, not everyone I have met in person that is DIR is as friendly to non-DIR types as you all are. Maybe you folks are drinking a different kind of cool-aid.

Second, being told your gear that you spent a grand or more on is all wrong, really doesn't make people feel good.

Third, if the class were geared toward technique (bouyancy, proper finning, etc) and did not cover "proper" gear configuration, people might be more interested. A lot of folks like the way they have their gear configured and are very comfortable with it.

Finally, the big one. The average recreational diver which I belive comprises 90+% of the sport doesn't dive except when they are on vacation. They have never taken a class you can actually fail. Also, fundies skills need to be practiced, which isn't going to happen on the ocassional dive.

Just my .02 worth.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Gear is such a small part and is the easiest to "fix".

Do you have to have a canister light? ( I really don't know Jeff)