GUE/DIR Question

[PfcAJ]

I'm not real surprised. A lot of folks really like backplates when they try them (some don't, of course). The Primer is a good way to introduce folks to it. I would imagine that plenty of instructors who want to actively teach the Primer have a few plates with the cinch attached to it for just that purpose.

 

[Cave Diver]

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

Left click your name on your post about it. Scroll down to the last option "quote this post in a PM"

When the PM box comes up, delete your user name and add his.

 

[kanonfodr]

Another +1 for UTD Essentials. My teammate for that class switched between a regular recreational BC and a BP/W the instructor had for him to borrow, so the class was doable in that gear, but it still is up to the discretion of the instructor.

Peace,
Greg

 

[diver 85]

just become a solo diver & no one but yourself will need to be satisfied........

 

[PfcAJ]

Constructive. I like your style.

 

[TSandM]

There are also other options, if what you want is to learn precise buoyancy control, non-silting propulsion, and better situational awareness. A good cavern class will do it for you, and there are several agencies now offering an Intro to Tech that may not require doubles. Of course, the quality of both cavern classes and Intro to Tech classes is far more variable than the quality of a Fundamentals or Essentials class, simply because the faculties of GUE and UTD are very small, and quality control is intense.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

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. The restrictions also create additional expenses that prevents some from taking the time course. Why not broaden the allowable equipment selection for the fundamentals course. After all the goal is to create better divers is it not?

Before you ask, yes I have dove a bp/w with a hot harness, no I did not like it, long surface walk inability to dive shirtless due to chaffing, yes I do love my Transpac, do not want to change, and will eventually convert to a Nomad. Furthermore, I understand what DIR is and the reason for the equipment restrictions, just curious as to why my choice of gear prohibits me from taking what most call the best skills class.

I think, given your stated preferences, a better question would be to ask where you can acquire the skills you seek outside of the DIR approach to diving.

Why expect an agency that has developed a systematized approach to diving to change their system in order to meet your expectations? There are plenty of other avenues out there for you to develop the skills you seek that are more inline with your particular goals and preferences. You should seek out one of them instead ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Captain12Pk]

Or even just find yourself a qualified DIR diver who is willing to mentor you in the DIR fashion. I know there a at least a few in my area who are willing to do this. But I'd be willing to bet that after a few days with a DIR mentor, you'll decide to take the plunge into a DIR class. Just food for thought.

 

[fdog]

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. The restrictions also create additional expenses that prevents some from taking the time course. Why not broaden the allowable equipment selection for the fundamentals course. After all the goal is to create better divers is it not?

Before you ask, yes I have dove a bp/w with a hot harness, no I did not like it, long surface walk inability to dive shirtless due to chaffing, yes I do love my Transpac, do not want to change, and will eventually convert to a Nomad. Furthermore, I understand what DIR is and the reason for the equipment restrictions, just curious as to why my choice of gear prohibits me from taking what most call the best skills class.

Not meaning to be argumentative, however, I find great irony in these conflicting statements.


All the best, James

 

[gsk3]

The only difference in the suggested gear configurations right now is that I do not yet own a light, or backup light, and I am diving soft backplate instead of hard backplate.

Light and backup light are not requirements for Fundamentals, although you will find clipping off to the D-rings easier with backup lights in place.

Soft vs. hard backplate...I bought my DiveRite AL plate for $35 used. That's a pretty minimal switching cost.