'New man' DIR

[Fathoms Down]

Originally Posted by db8us

What i do not like is draining of our safety-stages, because this is life-threatening and goes a bit to far i think.

Thats just simply disgusting behaviour. Thats like cutting your neighbour's car's brake lines simply because he dosn't read the same paper as you. I'd be tempted to find out who it was and have strong words with them it I was in your shoes.

[Neil M]

FFS we are all in the same sport..... we may all bugger around a bit, but messing with a piece of life support kit is beyond a joke...

I have adopted some DIR techniques (from my reading on the web) into my kit where I think that there is benifit to me.

I especially like the no metal to metal connections (common sense really). Personally, I tried a single piece harness as described on the web, and found that I was not comfortable for the 18 months of use no matter what I did or who I asked.... So I went back to my orignal CD Harness. This works for me, and until I can figure it out so that I am as happy, that is how I will keep it.

Perhaps I should look at the fundimentals course..... however I am put off a little by the "Thou Shalt....." approach that some of the DIR ppls put over..... This is just my observation... I can understand it, but dont agree with it....

Just my 2p,
Neil

p.s. if anyone knows of a good single point rig desc, then please could you post it? Either I cant get on with that style, or I've been doing it wrong (sorry )

[Neil M]

BTW, I was shown a 1 piece harness configuration (and had the config explained to me in great detail), and how to use twins/stages on my ADV ND/deco course..... I didnt just go out and buy the kit!!!

Just thought I'd say that before the barrage of insults!!!

ATB,
Neil

[Andrew H]

Definately considering GUE for further training. I am put off by the zealot community, but I am very attracted by the approach to diving. There seems to be huge benefit in being able to say 'why isn't this working for me?' knowing that thousands of other divers have the same kit config and presumably not the problem you're having. I can't see myself only diving with DIR divers, although I fully understand the point made, an entirely DIR expedition must be a special experience in that repect.

I do think that if the concept were not so American, it would be more accepted. People like GI3 can be both the best and worst spokesman for a concept, being both objectionable and right is a very rare combination, he might well be the marmite of the diving world.

The DIR/Yorkshire diving thing seems to pop up periodically. Having given it some thought, I realised that the DIR solution says "if you can't dive the cave this way - it isn't safe. Don't do it. " It's kind of hard to argue with that. As all the English cave divers say you can't compare WKPP with an English pot. The very open nature of much american cave diving is the reason that they have had such a huge influence on the nature of technical diving. I'm not sure that we can say the same for english cave diving which is really more underwater caving than cave diving. That said, I would lean towards the english style if I ever undertake cave training. I think that viewing it as underwater caving is probably safer. My own (limited) caving experience has been quite an eye opener - while rock climbing noone ever says "now stand on my back and climb up there"!

Andrew

[NotDeadYet]

Hi Andrew,

the thing to remember about a lot of the "zealots" (maybe even most of them) is that they have very limited diving experience and base their views on what they have read or been told, rather than what they have done. For some it is hard to believe but you really can dive in a DIR stylie without ramming it down the neck of everyone else, wearing stupid t-shirts and prattling on about the benefits of Halcyon rebreathers when still trying to master a single cylinder. On the other hand there are many very experienced DIR folks who don't yell and scream so you don't really hear much from them. Just do what most mortal divers do, go out, dive, have a laugh and remember, it's only a hobby

I dive in a Hogarthian stylie when it suits what I'm doing. I dive differently when necessary. UK cave diving skills are useful in harsh caves, Florida style skills are useful in that kind of cave. Neither are the only way to dive, nor is DIR the only way to dive. It's a good way to get a leg up because it is so prescriptive (i.e. you don't have to think too hard) as opposed to experimenting and discovering for yourself. That's what I did and ended up settling on Hogarthian diving for O/W and big, open caves, but I got there through trying many other things. I'm not DIR by a long chalk -- I like a pint, I don't suit a crewcut, my sense of humour wasn't lobotomised... oh yeah, I like to go diving now and again too

In the end it comes down to one skill, the ability to keep breathing until you are back on dry land.

Cheers,

Stuart

[turbanator]

You won't find that Andy K is one of the diving zealots, he's BS-AC trained and held posts within his branch, so was pretty experienced before he became involved with DIR, like most of us.

BTW, I designed one of the DIR-UK t-shirts

r
Paul

[NotDeadYet]

Oh well, we can't all be talented