Right quick question...

[Philelmer]

TBH, it depends on your definition of 'better diver'. I certainly learned loads, and i consider my in water skills to be improved following fundies, but 'better diver'. for me, encompasses much, much more than individual in-water skills. If fundies (or, indeed any course) makes a person more closed to other ways of diving, then IMHO, it doesn't make you a better diver.

In-water skills were mainly what i was referring to as being a "better diver". Out of interest, what else does the term encompass for you?

[Morag]

.

[Kev]

In-water skills were mainly what i was referring to as being a "better diver". Out of interest, what else does the term encompass for you?

How about judgement and caring for other divers?

[Philelmer]

How about judgement and caring for other divers?

I seem to remember there was a thread about "what is a good diver" somewhere on here, a couple of years back. Good answer though Kev.

[John63]

If you are based in Korea and may want to do fundies in SE asia, have you been in touch with any of the GUE instructors out there?

A lot of the courses that they run are for visiting divers so it could well be that they have available or can arrange a rental drysuit.

There are 4 instructors in SE asia and AFAIK all have a good reputation.


Cheers, John

[Morag]

In-water skills were mainly what i was referring to as being a "better diver". Out of interest, what else does the term encompass for you?

OK - I like to have something to think about when i am in the shower....

The only way i can answer this is to think about the divers i know and what makes me consider them to be good people to go diving with - i.e what makes, in my view, 'a better diver'

For me, some of the best divers i know, naturally, have good inwater skills. They are controlled, and in control. The sort of control that comes with confidence in their environment. You know that if the poo hits, they will chose the right action.

Out of the water, they know their stuff. they have a good grasp of what diving is, and are prepared to question other peoples views. They are open minded to and have respect for other peoples views and opinions.

They may have a particular style of diving. They can stand and justify their style, but also accept that there are other ways of diving, which, although they themselves do not do, they can accept other peoples reasons for choosing a particular configuration, kit, or principles.

They understand that diving is not black and white, but has various shades of grey in between. They are not so blinkered in their view and understand that there is more than one way to skin a cat.

They are prepared to be flexible in their approach, and compromise, within certain perameters to other peoples needs. They prefer the most safe approach, but accept that something which may be (in their view) less safe does not necessarily mean the same as 'unsafe'.

I think



(other people may, of course, disagree with my view )

[Lou]

To be honest, it sounds like your mind is made up to do it, no matter what answer you get, so just do it and see what comes of it.

You can rent kit, you can do it in a wetsuit, you will learn why wetsuits are not ideal for "bigger" dives and you will buy a drysuit, no doubt