Talk by Clare Gledhill

[Gav]

I had the pleasure of attending a talk last night at Ocean View Diving in Lancing, the extremely helpful Dive Store and Halcyon dealer that repaired my dry suit in less than 24 hours. (That’s enough of a plug for Den!)

The talk was by Clare Gledhill and was an introduction to GUE and DIR. The audience was composed of recreational divers whom Clare quickly established had little or no experience or knowledge of the subject. (Probably why they went along!)

Clare went on to give an extremely informative and interesting talk around the principles of GUE and DIR and illustrated the talk with practical use of equipment and the use of an appropriate model (me!)

The talk also used videos of various techniques, such as fining, buoyancy control and trim.

Having done some research into the whole DIR thing myself, culminating in signing up for a Fundamentals course with John Kendall later this year, I had more awareness than the rest of the audience, but it was easy to appreciate the logical and well thought out approach that was offered as the reason for the DIR system.

Clare also made the point that the DIR system didn’t just apply to twin set technical divers (in fact the equipment she had me modelling was a single cylinder and wing – just as well because I doubt I could have remained standing that long with twin 12’s!)

In my opinion this sort of talk, bringing as it does, GUE and DIR out to a wider audience can only be good and it was spooky to hear Clare echoing my own private thoughts as to why I am taking Fundamentals “because when I know that I can dive in the best way that I can then I’ll start to enjoy the diving for what there is to see whilst I’m down there”.

That for me is the motivation for taking Fundamentals, I want to end up in a position where I can hold position, in total control of trim and buoyancy and be confident in the knowledge that I have the skills to deal with that and any issues that may arise.

I know from speaking to both Clare and John that they are more than happy to visit clubs and talk about GUE and DIR. Having met them both they are great ambassadors for diving in general and GUE in particular.

This talk was an excellent introduction into the world of GUE and DIR and gives a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more if they’re interested, so I would urge you all to contact Clare or John and get them along for a chat.

[David]

I enjoyed Clares talk to. I just went along to see how she would deal with a room full of non Dir style divers or GUE diving as they are calling it now.

I think the evening went very well and Den laid on a small feast for us to eat too.

David

[StephenT]

Clare's great aslong as you don't whack her on the head with a scout /o/

[Clare Gledhill]

Originally Posted by StephenT

Clare's great aslong as you don't whack her on the head with a scout /o/

Oi!

Thanks for your help as model Gavin - trust me to end up with my smallest harness on the biggest guy in the room, but you did great

It did mean that I had to miss what appears to have been the best Dover dive for half a century - as no doubt Howard/Janos/Paul will continue to remind me for a while yet. But it was worth it - I had a great time

[Howard Payne]

Only half a century? Has Janos put the pics of the recovered gold bars up yet or are we saving those for later

[Gav]

Originally Posted by Clare Gledhill

Oi!

Thanks for your help as model Gavin - trust me to end up with my smallest harness on the biggest guy in the room, but you did great

And I thought I did a superb job of making it look as though it wasn't at all tight on my highly toned physique

Always glad to help Clare, and as I said, a great talk!