[Garf]

Hi Ian

Don't want to start a ruck, but you have questioned some of the equipment configuration, so I hope you don't mind me responding, especially given that we are in the DIR forum, and this is a thread discussingf DIR kit.

1. Continous Harness.
i.e. No breaks. nothing to fail. This one splits opinions right down the middle. There really is no right or wrong answer. Some people find it easier with a break, some don't care. Some people see the break as a potential failure point, some don'tThe DIR equipment config selects the no breaks option, so no breaks is the standard.

2. A non bungied wing of appropriate size.
Two issues here. Firstly, the bungie. This is a seen as unecessary if the wing is the corect size, and a potential entanglement hazard. It has also been argued that the bungie might deflate the wing if it is punctured, but I think this is a bit crap. However, the wing being the correct size means a 100lb wing is just not necessary so why bother. We use 40lb unbungieed wings with twin 12s and 3 stages.

3. Drysuits
With regards to drysuits, membranes or crushed neoprene are the preferred options as they do not change their buoyancy characteristics at depth as neoprene ones do. However, as long as you can perform the appropriate drills, pretty much anything will do for fundies.

I read you post as you agreeing with standardisation except where it fits in with your personal ideal. The whole point of standardisation is that it might not be idea for every situation, but the belief is that the configuration is the best compromise to cover every type of diving situation. You can always find specific examples where it is not optimal. That configuration is debated constantly, and tweaked where improvements are identified.

However, as I always say, DIR works for some, not for others. Realistically, you will, as a DIR diver, agree with 90% of the equipment configuration, and the procedures, and think the rest is a bit silly, but the value is in having a standard in itself that everyone adheres to. One of the true strengths of fundies is that you adhere to the entire thing for a few days, see DIR in its entirety rather than picking holes in individual bits or cherry picking the bits you like. The strength of DIR is in the bigger picture, how it all fits together, not in the silly details that get discussed ad nauseam on the internet regarding specific boltsnaps etc.