[Gareth Burrows]

Originally Posted by TerryH

Well if we are being honest.

I'm looking ay this from a training perspective, because that is after
all what will be happen when anybody goes into GUE etc.

I actually think DIR/GUE is one of several very good "end" systems and
those that come out the other end, are without a doubt profficient divers.
This naturally makes them passionate advocates for that type of training.

Of all training etc. DIR/GUE can only be described as having one single
direction. Ok fine that's the whole point, so no arguments, but that also
means combine that passion with a mantra that says no variants are
allowed, and what then?

Not surprisingly any plee or cry for help results in a "do fundies" response.
And that is IMO, the problem.

If a PADI diver comes to me with an "issue" i'll teach PADI. I might think
that occi left is better and that snorkels are for wimps, but I'll go over the
EXISTING system and ONLY introduce another element if that fails.

I have great issue with any agency/organisation etc. that runs roughshod
over what has gone before and although I think that GUE is damn good
at giving competent divers direction, I have personal experience of divers
going for fundies as a solution to a lack of basic diver training.

Point is that if presented with another agency diver, would a DIR Instructor
reccommend going back to PADI/BSAC or would he say "do fundies". I'd like
to think that it's down to the individual, but again personal experience
has said that once you go black, you dont go back.

This is not an anti-DIR post and both PADI & BSAC Instructors arent
immune from promoting there agency as THE one, but its more of a plee to
both instructors and DIR officianados alike, to consider that fundies is not
THE solution to any problem. Yes I understand your passion and aligence to
your agency, but that should never be at the expense of the individual.

I think that's an excellent post, and I'd only pick up on one thing. with regards to the "cry for help" you describe, I don't think it's still the case that the cry is then "do fundies". We've tried to open it up to get rid of the old perception of elitism and funny handshake bollox by having these experience days for anyone interested. I also probably spend a couple of days a month (not a lot I know) 1 to 1 all day in a quarry with people who are curious about DIR but doesnt want the flak on the boards. DIR definitely is not as open and accessible as the other agencies, but we are trying...