Not Halcyon but DIR OK?

[Ben Harris]

<font color='#8D38C9'>I hope, Mr Tim that you are not in some way suggesting that I am either a stroke, dangerous, cavalier, etc,

well .......... looks like somebodys gonna be spending 2004 picking up the soap for Mr Big in strangeways

think I look daft in my climbing helmet.... you should see me in a riot helmet...... whats going on ....

Did anyone get any photos? Would love to see a shot of gav, andy and I all suited up with enough gear to walk in space..... to do a 3m dive!
Watch out extreme sports, here we come!!!!!!

[And]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Mark Davies @ Dec. 22 2003,16:24)]Well, Wetlettuce came to Anglesey with us a short while ago. He was the only DIR diver but still got wet, so I'm sure not all DIR divers follow the code that strictly. Perhaps Andy could give his point of view on this? Do DIR divers always travel in pairs for instance?

<font color='#000080'>Hi

Firstly, even if I wanted to, at this moment in time based where I am in the UK it is virtually impossible to dive with only DIR divers. There just isn't enough of them.

Secondly, I enjoy YD and it is nice to meet some of the members on dives. I enjoyed meeting members at the Dive Show and I enjoyed the dives at Anglesey. Enjoyment is more important to me than sticking to what others think are prescriptive rules. Those that meet me hopefully see a slightly different WL than is portrayed on the boards.

Thirdly, we all interpret 'safe' divers in our own way. It was fun to take the pi$$ out of Bens helmet, (which by the way is called 'Petal' ) and, although I disagree with his reasoning he has been trained properly by a much recommended instructor (who was DIR) and is a good diver with whom I have dived before (my first ever YD dive TBH), same as Gav, who has the same config as I, with very few differences (except when equipped with wings his twins really do fly ).

Fourthly, there are levels. For the forthcoming season I've lined up some deeper dives to 50 mtrs or so. For these my buddy is DIR. It makes it easier. Same kit, same methods, same gasses, same gas rules, same deco. Team based.

For recreational dives, rightly or wrongly, I will dive with most but I probably prepare myself to be a little more independant, and at the same time, watchful of my buddy, much the same as an instructor does when taking in a novice. I guess most people will do this with an unfamiliar buddy, and they most likely do this when diving with me.

Lastly, although others on the board call me DIR, I am still learning to DIR. When I am as good and have done the same dives as the AndyK's and AndrewG's of the world, then that may change, but for now it is just a path I am on, so to speak.

Merry Christmas

Andy

[Gavin Yates]

<font color='#000F22'>The reason why YD was always a nicer place that Handbagnet was the posters knew that they might - on any given weekend - be diving with the people that we converse with online.

Once you've met someone you'll often form a different impression of them from the online one.

My advice to those who may not agree with different ways of diving is to spend a shallow bimble and maybe learn something or at least see what it's all about.

This could mean DIR - it could mean helmets or even trying a membrane or neo drysuit.

It was great fun having a dip with Andy and Ben in Anglesey and TBH we found we had more in common that we had differences.

Watching Andy do his delightful horizontal ascents in water you could stand up in showed both skill and a desire to practice essentials.

I still can't come to terms with Ben's Petal tho'

Note to self - next year remember to tie twins down properly.

Happy Christmas and and Merry New Year to all divers - and for the DIR divers the turkey should be exactly 67 degrees Celsius. &nbsp;

[Hogloop]

Dominic, thank you for the link to your information, very good reading.
I think I will be getting this item as I cannot afford Halcyon on my income, I do not mind if others snigger, I do not think they will be able to understand my replies to their mocking

Andy, you are DIR diver yes? &nbsp;could you &nbsp;please exlain why must I had to get a metal plate? what is the problem with the plastic one? I will only be diving with one tank as I can in &nbsp;no way can afford double tanks
&nbsp;Also for travelling abroad I think a metal one would cost me extra with airlines.
Also you are DIR but dive with non-DIR divers ? I thought this was not allowed by GUE. Also do you dive abroad and if you do is it a problem if you are DIR , or do you travel with your DIR friends from england?

Salut!
Pierre

[And]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Hogloop @ Dec. 23 2003,16:03)]Andy, you are DIR diver yes?  could you  please exlain why must I had to get a metal plate? what is the problem with the plastic one? I will only be diving with one tank as I can in  no way can afford double tanks
 Also for travelling abroad I think a metal one would cost me extra with airlines.
Also you are DIR but dive with non-DIR divers ? I thought this was not allowed by GUE. Also do you dive abroad and if you do is it a problem if you are DIR , or do you travel with your DIR friends from england?

Salut!
Pierre

<font color='#000080'>Hi

Learning to DIR yes. The metal plate is part of the weighting system and is virtually indestructible. I travel with my SS backplate and have no problems keeping within the baggage limits. Take your regs as hand luggage.

I thought I explained in my previous post about diving with non-dir divers. At no point in my GUE training has any instructor or documentation stated I must not dive with anyone other than a DIR diver.

Andy