GUE/DIR Question

[Scott L]

They are referring to the wing in this section I believe.

I don't read it that way but I have been wrong before on more than one occasion. The first sentence is describing an entire system, not just an air cell...

 

[lamont]

First, you can try to play internet lawyer with GUEs definition of what an acceptable BP/W is, but the end result needs to be that a transpac isn't acceptable, or else you've just manged to corrupt the definition.

Second, the Fundamentals course is really a gateway course to Tech and Cave certifications. GUE is an agency that grew backwards from wanting more C2+T2 divers for WKPP exploration. They're not out to try to fix the whole world of diving, and if you're not willing to consider changing gear options to what they consider to be essential pieces of equipment to diving then they're not really interested in training you. Its basically that simple.

 

[Scott L]

Disregard #4...

 

[vjanelle]

First, you can try to play internet lawyer with GUEs definition of what an acceptable BP/W is, but the end result needs to be that a transpac isn't acceptable, or else you've just manged to corrupt the definition.

Second, the Fundamentals course is really a gateway course to Tech and Cave certifications. GUE is an agency that grew backwards from wanting more C2+T2 divers for WKPP exploration. They're not out to try to fix the whole world of diving, and if you're not willing to consider changing gear options to what they consider to be essential pieces of equipment to diving then they're not really interested in training you. Its basically that simple.

Also, basically, fundamentals is a course that teaches you what you'd need to know before you could even consider the higher up GUE programs.

It's their ball though, and their instructors will call the rules for what they believe GUE finds acceptable. If in doubt, ask your local GUE instructor or any GUE trained divers you know. If there isn't any around you.. Well.. You're going to have to decide that part for yourself.

There's other "DIR" agencies as much as everyone is shying away from the term (such as Unified Team Diving), and wasn't NAUI doing something with NTEC?

 

[Cave Diver]

I don't read it that way but I have been wrong before on more than one occasion. The first sentence is describing an entire system, not just an air cell...

I read it the same as others. #3 describes the harness system, #4 describes the actual air cell. Together they describe the system.

They're not out to try to fix the whole world of diving, and if you're not willing to consider changing gear options to what they consider to be essential pieces of equipment to diving then they're not really interested in training you. Its basically that simple.

Agree.

 

[limeyx]

becoming a better diver. My question is that if this is the case, and the class is so important why put the gear restrictions on divers who want to take the class. In all fairness what is the major difference in configuration of a bp/w and my Transpac if I have no intention of going DIR, and but simply desire to obtain better skills.

You might want to look into the UTD Essentials of Rec.
Essentials of Recreational Diving - Unified Team Diving

This is a workshop with no official pass/fail, but the emphasis is on improving trim, buoyancy and propulsion skills.

You dont NEED a Backplate/Wing, just non split-fins and a 7ft hose/Bungee necklace secondary (see the requirements). (These may be avail for rent also)

AndrewG who is the founder of UTD was the Technical Director for GUE several years ago, so the training is of a similar high quality.

I am not sure if you have any instructors close to you or not
The list is here: USA, Mexico & Canada based UTD Instructors - Unified Team Diving

and if you get a bunch of local people interested, many instructors will put on a local class.

Maybe that would fit your needs ?


Nick

 

[LoonDiver]

My observation is that everyone on the board, for the most part, agrees that DIR divers have great skill sets, ie trim, bouancy, finning techniques, etc. Most seem to agree that they get these skills from GUE Fundamentals, and that this is a great, almost vital if seems, class to the becoming a better diver. My question is that if this is the case, and the class is so important why put the gear restrictions on divers who want to take the class. In all fairness what is the major difference in configuration of a bp/w and my Transpac if I have no intention of going DIR, and but simply desire to obtain better skills.

Hi, newbie here also, and like you, want to learn better skills, but probably won't go full DIR (at least not yet). There are other options for getting that training you're after. Check out some of Jim Lapenta's posts on ScubaBoard and his website (Welcome to UDM Aquatic Services). My understanding is he teaches the skills you're talking about, even in his open water classes. He's in Pennsylvania, which isn't exactly close to you, but might be able to refer you to someone with similar training methods.

If I can figure out how, I'll try to forward this thread to Jim via PM.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

I get the impression from the local UTD instructor here, if you showed up to an essentials of recreational diving class with a transpac you would get a lecture on why it isn't preferred and how a minimal BP/W is better, but that you would be allowed to complete the class. Now if you then tried to take the next class in the same transpac, it might be a bigger issue. Also the GUE primer workshop is a bit more flexible in allowing you to learn the same buoyancy / trim / propulsion without owning the BP/W.

Either way, if you are serious about learning these skills, your best bet is to contact a potential instructor and discuss your diving experience and goals.

 

[limeyx]

I get the impression from the local UTD instructor here, if you showed up to an essentials of recreational diving class with a transpac you would get a lecture on why it isn't preferred and how a minimal BP/W is better, but that you would be allowed to complete the class. Now if you then tried to take the next class in the same transpac, it might be a bigger issue. Also the GUE primer workshop is a bit more flexible in allowing you to learn the same buoyancy / trim / propulsion without owning the BP/W.

Either way, if you are serious about learning these skills, your best bet is to contact a potential instructor and discuss your diving experience and goals.

yes, good points. Transpac will I think not be allowed for anything after Essentials, but I think it is allowed (although not recommended) for Essentials of Rec.

Definitely agreed on contacting an instructor

 

[Rainer]

I'm a bit surprised that GUE Primer requires a hog harness (or at least the Standards say it does). In *that* class, it really shouldn't matter...

If you're willing to rent/borrow a hog harness for the class, GUE Primer or Fundamentals would certainly cover the skills (and more) that you're talking about. Otherwise, I'd follow limeyx's suggestion and check out UTD Essentials, which is very similar to GUE Primer, but with less restrictive gear requirements. Either of those two classes would likely cover the skills you're interested in. I, too, recommend you speak with instructors.