DIR-F class coming to our NY/NJ/PA area

[VTernovski]

Dear fellow divers:

I am writing this with the interest to have GUE instructors teach the DIR-F (fundamentals of DIR diving) class in our NY/NJ/PA area.

With Michael Kane’s permission, I am posting this general announcement to “test the ground” and get a feel of who would be interested in taking this class. It is proposed for December 6-7, 2003 weekend, and will be conducted at Dutch Springs. Michael Kane (a.k.a. MHK on this board) kindly agreed to fly down to NY and teach the class, with a very minimum class fee. The purpose of the class is not so much based on making money from the class tuition, but rather focusing on introducing DIR diving to the East Coast.

For more information about GUE, DIR and the class, you can reference GUE website at http://www.gue.com and you can also contact MHK directly at MHK@gue.com

Please send me a private message or email MHK directly if you are interested to take this class and find out the details and on reduced fee. (if you contact MHK directly, please mention my name – Vadim - so that he gives you a special reduced fee for this class)

[ScottyK]

If Jen and I weren't moving to FLA in a few months, we'd be the first to sign up. All things considered I'd rather take the class where it's a bit warmer. Good luck getting it together though.

[XJae]

ScottyK once bubbled...
If Jen and I weren't moving to FLA in a few months, we'd be the first to sign up. All things considered I'd rather take the class where it's a bit warmer. Good luck getting it together though. Hey, I thought you were postponing that move a semester so you can do more wreck valley diving??

Vadim-
I'm interested in the class.
I don't know if I'd be able to do it in december though.
I still need a dry suit and other cold water gear.
Which I'm planning on over the winter.

Maybe you could do it in the spring?

[ScottyK]

XJae once bubbled...
Hey, I thought you were postponing that move a semester so you can do more wreck valley diving??


We'll be leaving enough family and freinds behind to justify lots of trips back up. I bet I'll be living in Florida and still do more local diving up here than some of you residents :D

[jonnythan]

Just sent off the email to MHK...

Brrrrr. Gonna be chilly, methinks.

[mwilding]

jonnythan once bubbled...
Just sent off the email to MHK...

Brrrrr. Gonna be chilly, methinks. I just ordered some extry watm undies from Cabelas :)

[kwesler]

for the class...

One caveat-I am a CEO and our fiscal year ends 12/31 so there is always a chance of a late issue that will stop me from coming...

Ken

[MHK]

kwesler once bubbled...
for the class...

One caveat-I am a CEO and our fiscal year ends 12/31 so there is always a chance of a late issue that will stop me from coming...

Ken

Hey Ken,

I'm an accountant so I'm sure the close-out issues can wait over the weekend ;-)

Hope to see you guys there..

Thanks

[kwesler]

I just registered, and saw by your GUE bio you do entertainment work-my field as well!...let's spend five minutes talking shop and I can write the whole thing off!

Ken:D

[kwesler]

It's time to belly up to the bar! I am signed up, and I am sending my deposit off to MHK tomorrow. Who's in?

Ken

[jonnythan]

Unfortunately, with school tuition for next semester looming, I won't be able to come up with the $250+ in such a short time. Maybe next time :(

[vfa]

But.
Do not have dry suit, think 7 mm might not be 'nuf.

Just PMd MHK and asked what are the gear requirements for the class.

I'm definitely available and able $$ to do it

cheers and thanks

V

[ScoobyPat]

vfa once bubbled...
But.
Do not have dry suit, think 7 mm might not be 'nuf.


You should be fine with a 7mm farmer john and vest. I'd say the water should be around the low/mid 50s this weekend. I was actually almost too warm two weeks ago with 60F on the surface with my 7mm.

[vfa]

Thanks for the feedback on the suit.

I've exchanged msgs with MHK and sorted out the equip questions I had.

I'm ordering long hose and some other bits I needed.


I also registered on the GUE WEB site.

Trying to sort out the transportation in Dutch Springs, we have only one car and my wife and kids do not want to come. Thinking on renting a car

I've reserved a room on the McIntosh Inns. They gave me a rate discount as a student diver. (Their info is available via the Dutch Springs web site) (Hope I did not break any board rules by posting a comercial name)

Damn!! I'm so excited, Like a 6 year old at the toy store..

cheers

V

[kwesler]

Saturday and Sunday this weekend practicing...See you al soon!

Ken

[vfa]

According to the Dutch Springs calendar they are closed on December

Also reported on this posting http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=436848#post436848

According to this information entry to the quary is for registered classes only.

We need to find out if the filling station is open if not I'll have to rent 4 tanks ouch!

Please revert

thanks

V

[kwesler]

an email...

I thought MHK had checked it out already...I will post the answer as soon as I have it. "Ouch" is right! I was debating renting nitrox tanks-mine are air. If I do, I can supply you with two tanks (singles)

Ken

[vfa]

kwesler once bubbled...
an email...

I thought MHK had checked it out already...I will post the answer as soon as I have it. "Ouch" is right! I was debating renting nitrox tanks-mine are air. If I do, I can supply you with two tanks (singles)

Ken

With MHK being a very proficient and highly professional trainer I'm sure he's on top of it. The only reason I brought it up is I do not know if he has been to DS before.
In my case I'm new to this area and have only been to DS a couple of times and only this year. So I do not know how it works

Your support is greatly appreciated, looking forward to the class

Kind regards

Viagnehy

[kwesler]

will be open for us, and the fill station as well-just got the email from them

Ken

[docmartin]

vfa, not to rain on your parade but a 7mm could be a bad idea. it's not so much the water temp which -depending on depth- MAY still be in the low 50s but rather surviving the surface intervals and getting back into a wet and cold suit. you may want to check if the hot shower at dutch will be available. depending on weather you will need some type of shelter between dives. maybe you'll end up sitting in the car with a running engine. just my 2 cents.

[mwilding]

There are tables and benches and parking spots RIGHT NEXT TO the showers. It is a 30 yard walk to the student side ramps from there. Might be a good spot for the class as there is also open space for topside drills too.

[docmartin]

that would definitely be the best spot for the class. and if they opened those showers...

[vfa]

You are all very courteous, supportive and helpful. Couldn’t ask for a better group of people to go diving with.
(Sorry for the dangling participle)


docmartin once bubbled...
vfa, not to rain on your parade but a 7mm could be a bad idea. ....

Since I have never used a dry suit, I'll try to get a couple of pool sessions next week on a dry suit, see how that goes and rent it for the class.

I'm apprehensive about my lack of skills on a dry suit and how that will impact my ability to maintain a horizontal position for the exercises.)

thanks again

Viagnehy

[vfa]

Expected water temp @ DS that weekend is 50.
No way I can do it on a wet suit.

Mi friends at LDS won't rent me a dry suit without training. I could buy one @ LP, how the hell do I get a right fit from an off the shelf. BARE nex-gen M fits but the neck is way too small. and it'll set me back arouind 1K with inner clothers

I'm trying to convince them to give me the pool sessions. But it does not look good.

Please someone else sign up so there's no need to cancel

I'll spend the day lobying to see if I can do pools on Mon,Tue and Thu. But I got to admit It does not look good.

S_ _ _T!!!

sorry

v;-0 :banging:

[ScoobyPat]

Awww, vfa. Sorry to hear that. I'd go with a wetsuit anyway, as long as it's a two piece. But I guess that depends how someone can take the cold. With the 60F two weeks ago, I was actually too warm. 50F is not that cold yet and you shouldn't really run into a thermocline above 60ft. I'd just give it a shot.

I am doing my drysuit cert tomorrow and one AOW dive and Sunday another two ;)

Come and say hi - we're on the right side where the white canopy is (O'Donnel).

[kwesler]

Look for us-we will be driving a silver mercedes wagon-not sure where we will be yet...

Ken

[kwesler]

couple a thoughts...I PM'd you with one...I would be happy to lend you a hooded vest to wear under your jacket...the other thing is that it might be a good idea to NOT add learning a dry suit to your task load for DIRF. If you can do it wet, that is probably the best plan...however, why not ask some divers on the board who have done DIRF already-I don't want to send you down the wrong path.

Ken

[vfa]

But tried several options to get access to a dry suit and be ready for the class and no luck.

Bottom line I would not be up to par on a dry suit to be able to apreciate and concentrate the DIR-F class.

The only way I could get access to one that I could afford would've been to go to LP and buy one. Their store is closed on sats.

As for the wet suit, I could not take that temp even on a F/J and the hot showers, by the end of the first day my core temp will be too low and that can be very dangerous.

A few months ago while taking a wreck class @ DS I hit the termocline going under the helicopted it was 50 and I felt it, went right up to 65 and that was fine. So 50... I could not take.

It seems that my eagerness to take the class got the best of me

Sorry I was not to be...

But I'm still going for one pool session on Monday night and If I can prove to myself and the LDS that I can handle it safely....
Who knows might be my lucky night.

By the way what is the current head count for the class?

cheers to you all

V


;-0

[dutchfin]

Are doubles required for this course? All the DIR divers I know are diving doubles and was just wondering??

[Northeastwrecks]

dutchfin once bubbled...
Are doubles required for this course? All the DIR divers I know are diving doubles and was just wondering??

You do not need doubles for DIR-F.

[vfa]

Clarification on my last post

I've booked a pool session for Mon night to try on the dry suit
I really want to go to the class so short of harming myself I'm trying all I can

The others registered wait and do not give up just yet and anyone else who signs up will make the day.

I really do not want to let anyone down specially myself

I'll let you all know after I come back from the pool


V

[ScoobyPat]

vfa, good luck with the drysuit cert. I got mine today (whoo hoo). It is actually quite easy to adjust buoyancy with the suit, but twice I ran into trouble to release air. And I do not like drysuit squeeze. There is no better feeling than pulling the neck seal after a good dive and getting air back to jumpstart your circulation. I guess you just have to get used to it. ;)

[VTernovski]

VFA, would be great if you can make it. I fell in love with my drysuit, and most recently with my dry gloves too. what a feeling!

In regards to drysuit training. Are you being tought PADI drysuit way of diving? when I took the class, the instructor told me to only use drysuit for bouyancy, and not the BC. If that's what you were doing, you will need to quickly unlearn this habit. Don;t mean to confuse you, but you will quickly become comfortable, so don't worry about it. It only feels "funny" the first few dives.

the class should be fun, I'll be checking with MHK to see if anybody else has signed up.


vfa once bubbled...
Clarification on my last post

I've booked a pool session for Mon night to try on the dry suit
I really want to go to the class so short of harming myself I'm trying all I can

The others registered wait and do not give up just yet and anyone else who signs up will make the day.

I really do not want to let anyone down specially myself

I'll let you all know after I come back from the pool


V

[VTernovski]

ScoobyPat once bubbled...
It is actually quite easy to adjust buoyancy with the suit, but twice I ran into trouble to release air.

Actually, to add to my post above... I meant to direct it to ScoobyPat,... in regarding to using the drysuit for buoyancy. This is probably the beat horse subject on some other threads, but consensus says that one does not use the suit for buoyancy... I am sure MHK will clarify this during the class

[ScoobyPat]

VTernovski once bubbled...
In regards to drysuit training. Are you being tought PADI drysuit way of diving? when I took the class, the instructor told me to only use drysuit for bouyancy, and not the BC. If that's what you were doing, you will need to quickly unlearn this habit. Don;t mean to confuse you, but you will quickly become comfortable, so don't worry about it. It only feels "funny" the first few dives.

Yep, I learned it the PADI way. Use BC on surface only and adjust buoyancy underwater exclusively with the suit. I actually had no real problems in getting/staying neutral, except for the air release where sometimes air got trapped and I couldn't properly release it in a timely fashion and therefore got a little positive. I wish I could adjust it a little bit better (and faster, BC style), but I guess that comes with experience and proper valve settings. What I absolutely don't like is the inflator right at you sternum. Also, the suit tends to squeeze all in the wrong places while descending *hehe*. Other than that, I felt pretty comfortable (and dry)!

Two certs in one weekend: AOW and Dry Suit and next weekend I'll take the equipment class. Whoo hoo.

[vfa]

I'm taking the SSI class and from what I was told when doing the suit fitting (pre class) BC for buoyancy @ all times

Dry suit inflation only for insulation and to unsqueeze your personals (ie.your private). HE HE!! Sorry, I could not pass that opportunity to make a fool of myself again...

Things are looking good for tonight... I'll post my experience as soon as I come back from the pool.

I also ordered a DIR set as recommended. It includes long hose, short hose and neck lace for second stages and new SPG with it's custom hose. (According to the tracking info I'll get it on Wed.)

A friend wants to sell a pair of jet fin size XL, I'll bring them on Fri.

Thanks to all who sent me PMs and offered so much help and advise.

V:D

[VTernovski]

vfa once bubbled...

I also ordered a DIR set as recommended. It includes long hose, short hose and neck lace for second stages and new SPG with it's custom hose.

V:D

I hope you got a 7' hose, and not the 5' hose even though (you may be diving single tank?) If you still have a chance, and ordered 5', change it to 7' before they ship your order.

[vfa]

VTernovski once bubbled...


I hope you got a 7' hose, and not the 5' hose even though (you may be diving single tank?) If you still have a chance, and ordered 5', change it to 7' before they ship your order.

Thanks! That's exactly what I did

cheers

V

[ScoobyPat]

Cool, I am interested in the BC method, because the manual inflation/deflation is a pain in the 'behind'. I asked why they just don't use the BC for buoyancy control, but I guess that's what the PADI bible says and everyone I dove with did it the PADI way.

I will be the 5/6th at DS, but I won't be able to make the DIR class. That'll have to wait until next spring.

[VTernovski]

ScoobyPat once bubbled...


I will be the 5/6th at DS, but I won't be able to make the DIR class. That'll have to wait until next spring.

Ahh, too bad. I was going to say that probably the best way to answer your question (and many others) is to ask MHK directly, I am sure he will go in great detail as to "why, how and when"... I personally can't wait for the class myself as I have tons of questions and misconceptions to ponder about. NOt to mention the skills that I want to learn. (sorry, don't mean to sound like a commercial for GUE, but seriously, I am glad to be able to learn something new from a well respected instructor in this industry) My whole thing is that one can learn a great deal from the INternet, but nothing beats a face-to-face instruction from someone who actually knows the stuff.

[dutchfin]

Don't think Ducth is open for the public the 5&6. Just for classes...............Then again, I may be wrong.

[ScoobyPat]

Dutch is open all year round for instructors and my LDS is friendly enough to let me dive along with the students every other weekend :mean:

[vfa]

And it's a go!

I spent over an hour on the pool, my feet never flared up. Felt great!

Will have a bit harder time being a newby at dry suits but I can manage.

Not sure if ill rent the suit or pursue other choices. But I'm in

I used 8 lbs and managed just fine. I think I'll try 6 on the quarry.

See you all on Fri.

Viagnehy :)

[VTernovski]

Great vfa, congrats! I suggest you go to Dutch this next weekend. I will be there, and if you wish, can give you some pointers. I will be taking an easy dive there myself... will be adjusting my new harness, etc...


-VT

[VTernovski]

vfa once bubbled...
I could buy one @ LP, how the hell do I get a right fit from an off the shelf. BARE nex-gen M fits but the neck is way too small. and it'll set me back arouind 1K with inner clothers

I do not advise you buying a drysuit from LeisurePro. That goes to regulators, tanks, tank valves and BC valves as well. You life depends on it, so do think real hard about it, and it's not a joke. a few bucks you save will turn into hours of aggrivation.

[ScoobyPat]

I guess my instructor was mean, since he made do a handstand in the pool with the drysuit (not fun!) and a roll backwards. Haha. Talking about feet in the air - I looked like a fish without air bladder and it was almost impossible to get upside down again... lol.. it was fun though.

Would love to go to Dutch this weekend, but my buddy can't go. Of course, if I could dive with someone, that'd be great *hint*... I want to rent a BP/W rig and test.

[VTernovski]

I'll be there, but not sure which day yet, either Sat or Sunday.
You can dive with me if you wish. I will be there adjusting my new harness again. I will know for sure which day in a day or two.

[ScoobyPat]

VTernovski once bubbled...
I do not advise you buying a drysuit from LeisurePro. That goes to regulators, tanks, tank valves and BC valves as well. You life depends on it, so do think real hard about it, and it's not a joke. a few bucks you save will turn into hours of aggrivation.

Good point. I am thinking of getting a drysuit from LP as well, but with a price difference of $400 I don't have to think really hard about it. LP is supposed to be very good exchanging defective gear under their proprietary warranty. Knock on wood, I never had to use it before. I almost buy everything exclusively from LP and have my LDS service everything.

I still this the warranty issue is a little bit ridiculous from the manufacturer's point of view: I get the same suit from another supplier in original packaging and they wouldn't honor the warranty, just because it could be re-imported from somewhere?

Let's say that you zipper is broken or leaks: You LDS (at least mine) will send the suit all the way to Bare California to have it repaired and it would take weeks to get it back. With LP (even after 2 years), I return it and get a new one (at least that's what I heard from various reports here).

I know, it can be risky, but....maybe not.

BTW, if someone is interested in a BP/W rig, my LDS has them on sale now $320 for harness, SS plate and your choice of rec, classic or trek wings.

[jonnythan]

ScoobyPat once bubbled...


Good point. I am thinking of getting a drysuit from LP as well, but with a price difference of $400 I don't have to think really hard about it. LP is supposed to be very good exchanging defective gear under their proprietary warranty. Knock on wood, I never had to use it before. I almost buy everything exclusively from LP and have my LDS service everything.

Let's say that you zipper is broken or leaks: You LDS (at least mine) will send the suit all the way to Bare California to have it repaired and it would take weeks to get it back. With LP (even after 2 years), I return it and get a new one (at least that's what I heard from various reports here).

I know, it can be risky, but....maybe not.

As for drysuit pricing, give Dan's Dive Shop in Ontario a call. Their price are as good as, if not better, than LP's. And you get the benefit of dealing with a real LDS that sells lots of drysuits and knows what's going on. My dealings with them have been excellent.

Regs, fins, etc come from eBay, LP, or DiveInn.

[dutchfin]

I'll be at Dutch Sun. Just doubled up my 100's and need to work on my trim. Hopefully I'll get to dive with you Vadim, one more time before I leave for Fla. for the winter

[vfa]

But it's Thanksgivings... duty calls

V

[vfa]

vfa once bubbled...
But it's Thanksgivings... duty calls

V

Sorry jumped a week. I'm actually working this weekend

bye

V

[IzzyTahil]

rick - where in fla will you be this winter? I might want to go down for a w/e to dive the spiegel if you are around

[dutchfin]

I'll be in Ocala Izzy. We got Hal Watt,s place( forty fathom grotto ) and Paradise Springs here and Blue Grotto and Devil's Den the next town over. We also drift the Rainbow River 4.5 - 5 hr drift

[dutchfin]

As for the Speigel, I'd love to dive her before I head back in Mar. Just let me know a little ahead of time Izzy, and Ill definately try to make time to do that dive.

[vfa]

It's been an uphill trip.

Now the 7" hose had a faulty connector on the secondary side.
But no sweat I called Mark @ 5th D and he shipped a replacement inmediately. Hope to get it on time.

It's beenr eally crazy @ work so I'll take care of the dry suit this weekend

cheers to all and enjoy DS this weekend

V

[VTernovski]

vfa once bubbled...
It's been an uphill trip.

Now the 7" hose had a faulty connector on the secondary side.
But no sweat I called Mark @ 5th D and he shipped a replacement inmediately. Hope to get it on time.

It's beenr eally crazy @ work so I'll take care of the dry suit this weekend

cheers to all and enjoy DS this weekend

V

V, how's your progress so far?

So, are you back on the "board" for the class? We have two so far, and I think you're the 3rd one. I am talking to my friend to have him sign up too, but not sure at this point if he will join us. Nevertheless, I booked a room at the McIntosh. We will have a conference room with long table, TV and a VCR to watch the "ego busting" video clips of our performance. THis should be an excited class.

I dove DS last Sunday, the water isn't so cold, about 52-54, so that's not bad.

Just got my 2nd first stage and a wing fo doubles, so I am pretty much ready for my doubles setup, except that I don't have the tanks. Will be renting those for the weekend

Cheers,
-Vadim

[kwesler]

Sso we will be at the McIntosh? If you confirm I'll book my room as well...do you know if they do breakfast? I usually stay at the Hampton cause I like their morning spread in front of the fire...

Ken

PS. Gregory's for dinner anyone?

[VTernovski]

kwesler once bubbled...
Sso we will be at the McIntosh? If you confirm I'll book my room as well...do you know if they do breakfast? I usually stay at the Hampton cause I like their morning spread in front of the fire...

Ken

PS. Gregory's for dinner anyone?

Yes, McIntosh that is. nice and cheap too. If you book, mention the "Dutch Springs rate" to get a discount. I may need a roommate however, we have two beds in each room.

Gregory's? they have good stakes, right?

-VT

[vfa]

Sent the $$ to MHK for the class have my forms ready to be signed. Got the workbook and the Fundamentals book which I'm reading.

Haven't gotten my long hose back but I expect to get it in time.

Got a good deal on a brand new BARE nexgen.
It has the soft boot, I'll borrow my son's wet boots. I don't think I can get the rock boots on time.

The McIntosh it is for me too. See you all there

Viagnehy

[VTernovski]

Excellent, it is a solid 3 of us now. I am working on getting two more of good divers to join us; that should be fun!

[kwesler]

Home of the 120 oz steak. :whoa:

Their SMALLEST steak is 12 oz!

Ken

[VTernovski]

Speaking of the food... do any of you have a cooler to put the refreshments in? This would also go for the sandwiches that we should also get since we won't have time to go anywhere else and will be having lunch right on the DS premises. I think it is fair to say that we should provide enough of that stuff for MHK and the cameraman. Any info where we can order cold cuts nearby the DS area? (I don’t think we should worry about filling the cooler with ice, it’s December!)

[kwesler]

ok-I am bring cold cuts, bread, mustard and mayo and some home made antipasto.

Meanshile, my LDS messed up and my tanks may not be O2 cleaned and filled for tomorrow, so I may be on air. IF the storm is really bad I may not have tanks!

What time are you folks arriving?

Ken

[VTernovski]

kwesler once bubbled...
ok-I am bring cold cuts, bread, mustard and mayo and some home made antipasto.

Meanshile, my LDS messed up and my tanks may not be O2 cleaned and filled for tomorrow, so I may be on air. IF the storm is really bad I may not have tanks!

What time are you folks arriving?

Ken

I will have two OMS tanks (112 and 125) for you if you want. I am diving doubles myself, so I won;t need to use the tanks, but I will bring them just in case. Cheers!

Thanks for bringing the food! The weather looks ok, so we are still ON.

-Vadim

[docmartin]

my thoughts are with you this weekend. i am sure you will learn a lot. you gotta love vadim's comment though: "the weather looks ok". high 20s/low 30s, snow every day and some stiff winds too boot. i wonder what kind of weather would not look ok to you :wacko:

[VTernovski]

docmartin once bubbled...
my thoughts are with you this weekend. i am sure you will learn a lot. you gotta love vadim's comment though: "the weather looks ok". high 20s/low 30s, snow every day and some stiff winds too boot. i wonder what kind of weather would not look ok to you :wacko:

hey! I am from Russia, what do you expect. But on a serious note, just got a call from Stu... oh well, they will be closed this weekend. So I guess no class :-( MHK is on the plane as we speak, so this sux big time.

bummer!

[padiscubapro]

VTernovski once bubbled...


hey! I am from Russia, what do you expect. But on a serious note, just got a call from Stu... oh well, they will be closed this weekend. So I guess no class :-( MHK is on the plane as we speak, so this sux big time.

bummer!

Why don't you go to beach 6st.. I have done Plenty of snow dives there... The water will be warmer than the air....

if you stay behind the jettys at 6th or 9th sts you can stay out of the current.. If you hit the tides correctly you can still get to 45 ft without a problem..

[chrpai]

Any reason the skills couldn't be practiced as a confined water excercise? Say at the bottom of warm water at the old local YMCA?

[IzzyTahil]

Guys - sorry to hear of the cancellation! thats a major bummer. On the other hand, when its rescheduled, I will very likely join you!! Keep me posted.

Izzy

[VTernovski]

chrpai once bubbled...
Any reason the skills couldn't be practiced as a confined water excercise? Say at the bottom of warm water at the old local YMCA?

yeah, but that wouldn't be kool, would it... I was expecting the ice water and treacherous snow conditions to add to the challenge of the DIR-F class... you know.. cuz we're hard core Wreck Valley divers and all... lol


:out:

[VTernovski]

padiscubapro once bubbled...


Why don't you go to beach 6st.. I have done Plenty of snow dives there... The water will be warmer than the air....

if you stay behind the jettys at 6th or 9th sts you can stay out of the current.. If you hit the tides correctly you can still get to 45 ft without a problem..

good point! I used to go there al the time. And I live in Brooklyn, so I wouldn;t mind, but most of other studetyns are from Philly... I am not sure how they are going to drive down here on time.

Stu said that they will open next weekend (providing it's not going to be snowed in like that), I just not sure what MHK's plans are at this point. But.. he is on the plane already, and I am going to pick him up and see what we decide to do.

[chrpai]

VTernovski once bubbled...


yeah, but that wouldn't be kool, would it... I was expecting the ice water and treacherous snow conditions to add to the challenge of the DIR-F class... you know.. cuz we're hard core Wreck Valley divers and all... lol


:out:

Not cool, but still good training. The other stuff can be added back in later.

[XJae]

VTernovski once bubbled...
Stu said that they will open next weekend (providing it's not going to be snowed in like that), I just not sure what MHK's plans are at this point. But.. he is on the plane already, and I am going to pick him up and see what we decide to do. He wouldn't happen to be on American Flight 32, would he? :eek:
I have some cousins from Australia coming in on it.
I think they've been circling for two hours now.

[XJae]

It finally landed at 12:46 am.
That's what you need, three hours tacked onto your Australia flight.

[VTernovski]

Well, here is my DIR-F report…
We were all supposed to meet at 7pm at the McIntosh hotel near DS to do the first day of the DIR-F, which is mostly lectures and dry runs, followed by two days of diving. We were all psyched up for the class and MHK was on the way to NY to teach us everything we need to know about DIR. Then, Viagnehy called me saying that he is snowed in and is not coming to join us for the class. Bummer, I thought, now it’s down to 3 of us, Ken and Ed. Oh well…but no worries, I thought, I have 4x4 and should have no problem, after all, I am from Russia, and the cold and the snow will not stop me from diving. And then, 20 minutes after MHK gets on the plane, I'm getting a call from Stu, the owner of DS, telling me that they are closing the lake for the weekend due to the snowy conditions. Damn! Too late, since MHK is already on the plane. Well, time passes by and the snow is not stopping, so the class is definitely off.. MHK doesn’t even know yet, and I have to pick him up from Newark airport anyway. On well, no class, but I thought it’s cool, I’ll just take him to the Russian Vodka Room, “the attitude adjustment hour” (- that’s their slogan), and the best next thing to ‘diving’ is ‘talking about diving’ so I thought I would make the best of the situation. “Never a dull moment” right? Wrong… I left work early to go to the airport, at 3pm. MHK should be lending at around 4:30, no biggie plenty of time… boy, little did I know, it would take me 3 hours to drive from 20th street in Manhattan to the entry of the Holland Tunnel at Canal street, and then,.. no movement at all from what seemed like an eternity. Lucky MHK called me on the cell and we agreed that there is no sense for me to try to make it across the river (which is most likely won’t happen in a humanly possible time anyway), and he will just try to grab a taxi to his Mom’s house in Staten Island. So this concludes my DIR-F report… I hope he made it home, and I feel bad since he has to leave back on Sunday,.. and on top of that he only had less than 10 hours brake the day before that as he was teaching DIR classes in England.

So, looks like we will need a re-schedule.. this next time, we should show a support for Michael Kane, let’s hope everybody who was even remotely interested in the class will register for the next “rescheduled” class. Good luck, and stay safe, everyone!

Happy holidays.

-Vadim

[mwilding]

bummer... :(

Hopefully, I can get into the reschedule!

[XJae]

definately a bummer...

i'm still up for the reschedule, hopefully in warmer weather.
or at least after i'm dry, and have some pratice with some new equip configs i'm working on this winter.

i had the same traffic. I got out of downtown alright, via ferry.
(part of my escape from NY disaster plan)
the traffic on the other side was the worst i've ever seen.
2 hrs to do the first 6 miles. then another 2 hrs the rest of the way home.
had i known i would have ducked over the bayonne bridge and went to my mom's in staten island too.

turns out my cousins plane at JFK was actually on the ground at 9:30,
took 3 hours to find a gate then another 2 to get luggage.
one of my other cousins was picking them up.

I hope MHK made it alright. Have you talked to him?

[ScoobyPat]

Talk about bad timing. I feel for Vadim, since I am from Germany and we can get up to 4ft snow a day without making a big deal about it. It is actually not that bad out here in Philly with 8-10" of snow. ;)

I hope MHK at least enjoyed his stay with his mom. Bummer, since he put a lot of effort into hosting the class.

[kwesler]

Vadim and I even set up a plan "B" with the classes at my house in Boothwyn PA (just south of Philly) and access to the local Y pool. But the weather put an end even to that....

Count me in next time around, and I agree MHK has suffered more than his share for this one class!

Ken

Ps. Anyone interested in 4 lbs of lunchmeat, two pounds of antipasta and a case of water:rolleyes:

[IzzyTahil]

Looks to me that the next reschedule will include more divers from wreckvalley! Go wreckers :) I'm in for the next reschedule too!!

Izzy

[grouchyturtle]

I may be into the next round, if I'm not broke by then!

Had a few big shopping sprees last month, and just did AOW, now picking up a drysuit, and may do Nitrox and Drysuit next month of Feb.

[ScottyK]

If we haven't moved by spring, Jen and I will also be in on that class. Sorry it didn't work out. I can imagine how primed you guys were.

Scott