My ow took about a month or so. The way it was structured is to have the book read but read carefully. So re-read if you are not clear. This way the real problematic parts can be focused on in class. There are no real difficult parts to understand, but it is important to pay attention and understand it all becuse unlike calculus, you will use this stuff. As far as gear,its simple to uderstand, I don't see you having any problems with it. I think the thing beginners screw up most is how to position the valve in relation to your back. Good luck, it was the bst thing I ever did. So much so, my brother decided on a whim to join my class and he was hooked too.
