DIR

[Rick Huggins]

<font color='#0000FF'>Having read a few posts and visited a few DIR websites, I think I'm being drawn to the black side

I like a lot of the theory behind the practice, but how do they fit in with continuation training in the usual agencies?

Where can I learn/adopt skills from, is there such a thing as the DIR bible?

Appologies for my ignorance

[Davey Willo]

The first thing I'd suggest is to buy a book called

&quot;Doing it Right, The Fundamentals of Better Diving&quot; by Jarrod Jablonski

JJ is the founder of GUE which is the training agency for DIR and that particular book will help you understand what DIR is all about, from the mindset to the equipment, it's an excellent reference, although it only touchs on the fringes of serious DIR techniques it is without doubt the book to introduce you to the information you currently seek.

Secondly I'd try and link up with some DIR/GUE guys, YD has a fair few now and we're spread the length of the country so I'm sure that you can get a dive or two in with someone who can show you the ropes wherever you are in the country.

GUE has only one instructor in the UK at the moment, a guy called Andy Kerslake... Andy is an absolute gent and an excellent instructor, he's currently taking a couple of YD members through Tech 1 (Wetlettuce &amp; Mark Emery) so these guys can give you a good heads up on AndyK's capabilities if you're in the market for some GUE instruction.

Of course I'm sure that you've already found all of the relevant DIR/GUE links on the Internet but if not let me know and I'll post you some good ones.

HTH and welcome to the darkside...

Rgds
Dave

[Rick Huggins]

<font color='#0000FF'>Dave,

Thanks for the run down, much appreciated, i'm off to Amazon next

I live in Warwickshire Nr Stratford and dive the cove regularly.

Tanks

[tom]

Frogman, Amazon don't do the book (at least not that I could find), I had to order direct from the GUE website. That's not as much of a pain as it sounds though - it took less than a week for mine to come from the States.

[And]

<font color='#000080'>

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Frogman @ Feb. 07 2004,00:00)]I like a lot of the theory behind the practice, but how do they fit in with continuation training in the usual agencies?

Hi

I'm a BSAC Dive Leader and have been progressing through the Open Water Instructor Course. I also expect to go for Advanced Diver this season. As far as taking diving quals then there has been no conflict IME. I do tend to use a single cylinder for BSAC training stuff as there is a lot of heavy work involved in the rescue scenarios and it is better IMO to just keep it simple for the courses. You tend to spend more time out of the water than in with full kit on.

The BSAC instructor courses though, do not really support the DIR rig (for those who object, just read the instructor manual before responding) and although some try to bend the rules by clipping off the long hose and using the backup reg as primary, this isn't really practical as you tend to be vertical during the simulated lessons and dealing with divers who just don't know the system. There are also other issues, harnesses with no quick releases for rescue lessons etc. At my recent OWIC this was inconvenient for all and can detract from your enjoyment of the course. For the practical I intend to borrow some club kit just to keep it simple for everyone. Its only for the course after all.

I think PADI is more flexible in this regard but I have no experience of that.

As far as GUE courses then they have a structure all of their own. Starting really with ensuring your kit is up to it. I would recommend meeting up with some DIR divers, perhaps on 21st Feb and let them look at your kit. You need to get that right before you can go on the Fundamentals class. Some practice of the kicks and drills will also help. The GUE website can give you a more comprehensive rundown of the courses and requirements. This link downloads a pdf of the current curriculum.

GUE Current Curriculum

Hope that helps

Andy

PS Regarding JJ's book. Capernwray sell them as do Underwater Explorers. Both will do mail order.

[Chardy]

<font color='#FF0000'>PADI are more tolerant of the long hose for instructing, I use the long hose, wing, one piece harness etc, I called PADI first and the only stipulation was you had an alternate air source available - the fact that it was in your mouth was not an issue, for the HSE it's in my briefing for the students including a demo and we use it on Dive 2 (Open Water) for AAS drills and it works fine. The also get to use normal set up kit with my DM's and I think it offers them ideas.

[Rick Huggins]

<font color='#0000FF'>

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]PADI are more tolerant of the long hose for instructing, I use the long hose, wing, one piece harness etc, I called PADI first and the only stipulation was you had an alternate air source available - the fact that it was in your mouth was not an issue, for the HSE it's in my briefing for the students including a demo and we use it on Dive 2 (Open Water) for AAS drills and it works fine. The also get to use normal set up kit with my DM's and I think it offers them ideas.

This is the very man that has got me interested in the dark side

[Chardy]

<font color='#FF0000'>Least I'm good for something ! Still in Sweden ? Posted the video the morning. I was given a lot of links by Mark Papp when I started taking an interest , I'll try and find them and e-mail to you.

[Rick Huggins]

<font color='#0000FF'>

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Still in Sweden ?

Fly out to Gothenburg on Sunday mate

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Posted the video the morning.

Sound, Ta Paul..There might be a few others on this forum interested in the EANx, Angus (Not so Nasty) McNasty for one!

I'll drop you a line on my return and thanks again for the vid!

[Chardy]

<font color='#FF0000'>More the merrier, just let me know.