Essentials of Recreational Diving - the DVD

[Adobo]

In the few months I've been on scubaboard, I've seen several posts from relatively new divers who had concerns about the level of training and knowledge they received from Open Water certification classes. One of the ways that some veteran divers have suggested new divers could become more proficient is to take an intro to DIR type of class. For those of you who are curious about what is taught in these types of classes but have not had the time, opportunity or funds to do so, you are in luck. 5thd-x has released a new DVD titled "Essentials of Recreational Diving." The following description is a cut and paste from their website:

This DVD is designed to get divers on the right path by reconstructing the essential skills of recreational diving. Included are the Essentials Class Powerpoint presentation (PDF), a printable Workbook (PDF), and videos of the 15 skills. This combination makes this DVD a perfect complement to any DIR diving class. Skill videos included are:

• Trim/Buoyancy
• Modified Flutter Kick
• Frog Kick
• Backward Kick
• Helicopter Turn
• Basic 6
• Valve drills
• S-drills (OOA)
• 1 min ascent drills

Additional bonus tracks include Out of Air Ascents, Rescuing a Toxing Diver and Deploying a SMB.

The skills are presented in two ways: first, an uninterrupted video run-through, and then a step-by-step analysis of proper technique, including subtitled instructions.

The Essentials PDF's and workbook (included - right mouse click DVD - Open - DVD Contents) will help you review for the academic curricula prior to taking the Essentials class and provide a simple way to follow along with the in-class material either via laptop or note-taking.

I have not seen the DVD but hope to get a copy this weekend. I'll do my best to post a psuedo-review once I see the content. There is not much more on 5thd-x's website about the DVD but you can find out more about them and their other products/services by going to www.5thd-x.com. The DVD can be found here.

Disclaimer: I have no professional affiliation with 5thd-x. I am simply one of of their customers/students and have been pleased with all of my dealings with them.

[Adobo]

Actually, it seems that there is additional info under:

http://www.5thd-x.com/xducation/dvds/essentialsdvd.html

I saw saw 3 movie clips of someone (looks like AG - really tall) performing skills.

[midwestdvr]

Thanks for posting this. Exactly what I was looking for.

[jpsexton]

Thanks for posting, I got mine ordered this morning!

I'd like to take the essentials class but no one around here offers it. I don't know if this will fill the gap but maybe it will give me an introduction to some of the skills.

John

[midwestdvr]

I ordered one too. Been wanting to learn (or at least take a look at) the skills portion of the dvd. Will probably take fundies in the future but figured I need at least another 20-50 dives under my belt before undertaking that.

[StSomewhere]

Thanks for posting, I got mine ordered this morning!

I'd like to take the essentials class but no one around here offers it. I don't know if this will fill the gap but maybe it will give me an introduction to some of the skills.

I flew to Monterey for Essentials. Doing a class at the Breakwater vs. some local quarry is a no brainer, but it was definitely worth the trip out for the Essentials workshop. :14:

I ordered one too. Been wanting to learn (or at least take a look at) the skills portion of the dvd. Will probably take fundies in the future but figured I need at least another 20-50 dives under my belt before undertaking that.

I really understand where you are coming from, and I'd encourage anyone to get this dvd. But the value of a DIR class is to have someone who knows what to look for to be able to evaluate what you are actually doing underwater vs. what you *think* you are doing. There are some things like posture that are really almost impossible for a lot of people (e.g. me!) to self-teach. I think to benefit the most from this course you'd need to be comfortable in the water, but IMO someone with 50+ dives and a mindset to learn new techniques would be ready now vs. ingraining more bad habits.

HTH

John

[midwestdvr]

I flew to Monterey for Essentials. I really understand where you are coming from, and I'd encourage anyone to get this dvd. But the value of a DIR class is to have someone who knows what to look for to be able to evaluate what you are actually doing underwater vs. what you *think* you are doing. There are some things like posture that are really almost impossible for a lot of people (e.g. me!) to self-teach. I think to benefit the most from this course you'd need to be comfortable in the water, but IMO someone with 50+ dives and a mindset to learn new techniques would be ready now vs. ingraining more bad habits.

HTH

John

Hmmmm, you gave me something to think about. Thanks for the tip.