Dir Gue Wtf?

[Sea-M]

Is DIR or GUE (think theyre the same) for non-tech divers too?

im not a brand new diver nor am i that experienced - but before coming to this forum id never heard of DIR.

yes - ive probably encountered DIR divers numerous times when ive see twinset divers at vobster etc... but around the local dive shop chit chat on a saturday morning, longhoses and all that have never been mentioned.

i have grown an interest in DIR and the next time one is run at vobster may well get me to come take a look - however despite reading that DIR can be used for all diving im having some trouble understanding how it would benefit me as someone who is - for example

1: dives a single 12 - no pony - and not likely to move to a twinset
2: would not penetrate a wreck or overhead enviroment without training
3: doesnt dive any other gas other than normal air

i understand the concepts of the longhose, for cave or wreck enviroments where space can be an issue, and being a trusted gas supply that is the correct mix for the depth etc, it makes good sense but how would it benefit me?

i kinda understand the kit config, but am a little lost why it all has to be a certain brand and black (maybe i made that black bit up - im not sure)

DIR/GUE are they the same or what?

either way do they offer training for divers as PADI or BSAC, or is it a case of -

"right now that youre a qualified diver, pop over there and see the DIR or GUE guys, and they will tell you how to "do it right"

please dont see this that im having a swipe at DIR - cos im not - i simply dont know enough about diving single tanks yet to worry about the way techies do it

im just curious about it all

PS - ive just noticed that ive posted this in the equipment forum - mods feel free to move

[Fiona]

Probably a pity you didn't get time to pop over to Vobster last weekend, you could have seem us crusty BSAC or PADI divers in action.

GUE is the training agency and can teach you the skills in a single wing setup.

Nothing to do with GUE but why do you only dive air ?

Black is slimming but where does the only one brand come from.

[Clare Gledhill]

Hello

It's not about teckie diving - it's just an approach to diving which covers single tank stuff, twinsets, wrecks and caves. DIR is a method, GUE is a training agency - of which I am an instructor. It is now possible to learn to dive with GUE but in the main we offer training to divers who have trained with other agencies - as I did.

There is no requirement to use any specific brand of kit at all - but equipment is chosen based on certain criteria whcih rules out quite a lot for various reasons.

How it would benefit you in your diving? Well that is for you to decide.

1: dives a single 12 - no pony - and not likely to move to a twinset
2: would not penetrate a wreck or overhead enviroment without training
3: doesnt dive any other gas other than normal air

Well single tanks are fine - great in fact if they suit the diving that you are doing.
I'd positively encourage you to get training before entering a cave or a wreck so we are on the same page there.
Only dive air? Well there are reasons why we don't believe that EANX 21 is the 'best mix' for diving.

Have a look at GUE.com, DIR Diver - Home, and DIR Diving Better still say hi to me at Vobster sometime and have a chat.

[Sea-M]

Originally Posted by Fiona

Probably a pity you didn't get time to pop over to Vobster last weekend, you could have seem us crusty BSAC or PADI divers in action.

yeah - i would have if i could... next time - i read the reports

GUE is the training agency and can teach you the skills in a single wing setup.

has to be a wing - not bcd???? any reason why that is?

Nothing to do with GUE but why do you only dive air ?

erm.. cos i dont have training for eanx, trimix as yet, and most people i dive with dive air not eanx

Black is slimming but where does the only one brand come from.

i like where youre coming from with the slimming bit -
as for one brand - i dont know - ive read on these very pages people talking about things like split fins are good but not DIR compliant etc

[SoggyFox]

Originally Posted by Fiona

where does the only one brand come from.

thats the perception that the rest of the world has of DIR/GUE.

[Sea-M]

Well single tanks are fine - great in fact if they suit the diving that you are doing.
I'd positively encourage you to get training before entering a cave or a wreck so we are on the same page there.
Only dive air? Well there are reasons why we don't believe that EANX 21 is the 'best mix' for diving.

Have a look at GUE.com, DIR Diver - Home, and DIR Diving Better still say hi to me at Vobster sometime and have a chat.[/quote]


thanks Clare - i get to vobster a fair bit, its my training puddle for my new (and first) drysuit... if i ever spot ya ill come say hello

[Sea-M]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

thats the perception that the rest of the world has of DIR/GUE.

tis true - im reporting it from an outsider lookin' in

i think neilh's web page describes how the great unwashed see DIR.. if i can find the link ill post

/edit found it - this came from the thread "DIR eh?"

Diving Rant

[Mark Chase]

They are trying to drop the DIR tag but i doubt if it will work. The proper name is GUE. Globle Underwater Explorers. DIR (Doing It Right) is a concept and is synonymous with GEU but definitely not exclusive to them.


GUE are trying to get an entry level diving program off the ground to avoid the present need for divers to do some other training before going GUE. I don't believe this is available yet.

They have adapted their existing entry level training "GUE Fundamentals" (formally DIRF). And I think the new course can take on air divers and train them in nitrox but you would need to check that as i am not sure.

If it doesn't then you will need a nitrox certification to do a GUE course as they never dive air.

You can get a recreational pass from GUEF is single tank on a single tank wing.

I did the old DIRF course and I think its a fabulous way to dive OC. I would strongly recommend the course to anyone who wants to dive in a teem and likes working in a disciplined environment.

If your more of a maverick with your own ideas on whats right then avoid it like the plague as its strictly for team players.

If there is a problem with GUE diving it is that you need to always dive with other GUE qualified divers for it to truly work. Obviously you can dive with other divers but its compromising your own safety to do so and its no longer a GUE dive.

As for the rig? IMHO The long hose just works no mater what environment your in, so just go with it.

If you do a LOT of quarry diving and want something to make it interesting? Then practicing and perfecting the DIR set of skills is an excellent way of passing the time. One of the big problems i have with doing it the GUE way is I just don't have the time to commit to the level of practice required.



ATB

Mark Chase

[Clare Gledhill]

Originally Posted by Mark Chase

And I think the new course can take on air divers and train them in nitrox but you would need to check that as i am not sure.

You think correctly Mark. Fundamentals covers nitrox, basic decompression and limited rescue techniques now.

[neilh]

Originally Posted by Sea-M

Is DIR or GUE (think theyre the same) for non-tech divers too?

Yes

Originally Posted by Sea-M

im not a brand new diver nor am i that experienced - but before coming to this forum id never heard of DIR.

Well that's good - part of the purpose of the Discover DIR sessions is to raise awareness and answer questions for people like yourself. If you don't like what you find out, that's fair enough - but at least you know

Originally Posted by Sea-M

i understand the concepts of the longhose, for cave or wreck enviroments where space can be an issue, and being a trusted gas supply that is the correct mix for the depth etc, it makes good sense but how would it benefit me?

Clare's already cover off some elements and as Mark says the long hose is not exclusively DIR and is useful in open water too. It's nice to have room to sort out any issues when you're sharing gas and not to be in each other's faces.

Other elements that would benefit you are trim and anti-silting kicks. Again nothing exclusively DIR but they all come with the "package" if you like. Being able to move over a silty or sandy bottom without destroying the vis is handy.

Originally Posted by Sea-M

i kinda understand the kit config, but am a little lost why it all has to be a certain brand and black (maybe i made that black bit up - im not sure)

A common misconception, but black does look cool

Originally Posted by Sea-M

please dont see this that im having a swipe at DIR - cos im not - i simply dont know enough about diving single tanks yet to worry about the way techies do it

im just curious about it all

I'd really recommend either getting along to one of the Discover DIR sessions, or if you're heading to an inland site put a post up asking if anyone will also be there to have a chat to.

Originally Posted by Sea-M

has to be a wing - not bcd???? any reason why that is?

A wing puts the buoyancy in the right place for a horizontal swimming position and also keeps it out of the way helping to keep your front and sides uncluttered.

Originally Posted by Sea-M

as for one brand - i dont know - ive read on these very pages people talking about things like split fins are good but not DIR compliant etc

Split fins aren't that great for some of the kicks that we use, but there are a number of brands of rigid fins out there.

Originally Posted by Sea-M

i think neilh's web page describes how the great unwashed see DIR.. if i can find the link ill post

That would be nigelh rather than me