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I respectfully disagree. There are many ways of doing things with different tradeoffs. A student should listen to their instructor and try their way, but know that there may be other options to try. They at least show up with somethings at least partially configured. They will also understand more of what their instructor is telling them.
we will have to agree to disagree. If the setup/teaching methods are wildly different the discussions tend to go "well Steve Martin does it like this" and while in advanced courses that can bring up productive discussions, in an entry level course I think the law of primacy should be yielded to the instructor with supplemental education coming afterwards.
Richard,and its completely useless for cold water, steel tanks, drysuit,
The question revolves around "Flordia" style rigging and "Mexico" style rigging. I suspect those that don't like Steves videos are protective of the Flordia style. IMO
Or watch Steves videos first and ask your potential instructor how he/she teaches in comparison.Don't mistake my comment about not watching his videos prior to class with me not liking them. I think his videos are tremendous tools, but I don't think going into a class with preconceived notions is a good idea unless you are certain that the instructor has the same philosophy. Watching Steve's videos before going to take training from Edd is not going to be a great idea. They get very similar results from very different approaches and will not be as productive in the end. Watch the videos as supplemental learning AFTER the course. That allows you to go back to the instructor and ask why they may do things different, or you may find that you like parts of each and you now have some good background and experience to adapt accordingly.
My recommendation has nothing to do with who's information you're getting before the class, it's about getting it before the class to begin with because the law of primacy is very powerful.
Or watch Steves videos first and ask your potential instructor how he/she teaches in comparison.
The point is to be an intelligent prepared student, but also not overload yourself with knowledge from others that will end up annoying your instructor..