DIR Fundamentals Course, Portland, September

[And]

<font color='#0000FF'>Hi

One of the first steps in finding out more about DIR is to take a Fundamentals Class. Luckily we do have a GUE instructor in the UK, Andy Kerslake. Jarrod Jablonski, the president of GUE, will also be attending so this is a SPECIAL course. JJ, of course has accompanied George Irvine on the numerous world record cave dives and has also dived the Brittanic, and much, much more!.

Anyway those interested should email Andy Kerslake as there are some prerequisites.

akerslake@gasdiving.co.uk

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]All
I am please to announce that Jarrod Jablonski will be coming over to the UK
in September, as part of a global tour.
As part of the trip JJ has agreed to run two Fundamentals classes, one
starting on Wednesday 17th September and one on Friday 19th September.
Spaces are limited but will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
This represents a unique opportunity to meet and get training from the best
in the business, and should not be missed.
If you are interested in either of the dates please let me know by email
offlist.
Best
Andy

[Lanny]

See you there! &nbsp;Already booked on the course and can't wait to get instructed by arguably the world's best diver. &nbsp;Is anyone else from YD going?

[Davey Willo]

I'm already booked on the Fundy course being run by Adam at Capernwray (Andy Georgitsis and Mike Kane instructing) otherwise I would of liked to meet the great JJ

Have a good one Lanny

[Digger]

Now this has me tempted. Doing my first DIR course with JJ could be a very good opportunity to see what this is all about, and why exactly everything's going on how it is. Anyone want to lend me manifolded twin 12s? And a dive timer? And a suitable reg on 2m hose? I think I've got everything else.

Maybe I could be converted. I'm scared.

Anyone want to pay to laugh at what a world-record breaking diver thinks of my kit? If we all chip in a tenner, I'll turn up with my independant 300bar 7s, Cyklons, Mares fins, smoking, and about 15 minutes late. Only joking with you boys. I'm genuinely thinking about this.

Can I have a fag break between dives?

Anyone know where else he's going on his grand tour of the UK? I've got a bunch of students and a large conference facility at my disposal if you like! We could have a YD meets JJ group!

Can you try and get him to log onto YD? That would be cool.

[Digger]

Have you thought about putting this in the Planned Trips bit? The dates woud come up on the bottom of the main page that way. Could be useful for those who haven't noticed the new addition!

[And]

<font color='#0000FF'>Hi

You do need the correct kit, but I think that Underwater Explorers in Portland can help with renting or something, you'll have to ask. Its better to address Andy Kerslake with any questions, he is one of the most helpful and approachable guys I know.

I'm not going to be there while JJ is unfortunately. I'm on a Tech1 course later in the month with RobK hopefully and AndyK instructing (To be confirmed but 95% chance)

Andy

[Davey Willo]

You don't need twins Digger, a single rig is just as acceptable as long as it's on a BP/Wing configuration.

If you DO smoke then you'd have to deny it as it's a big no no with GUE training courses so asking JJ if he's got a light for your Embassy Regal wouldn't score you many points

I hope you go for it Digger, it will be the perfect opportunity to have any questions or doubts answered and who know's you just may be suitably impressed.

Best regards
Dave.

[Dominic]

But will it provide enough gas for all the in-water time this class seems to call for..?

[Davey Willo]

I would think so Dom as I believe they tend to do all of the skills in shallow water, I'm not sure if it's to make things even more difficult as far as boyancy control is concerned..

An example, I was diving with Wetlettuce last night and during OOA drills in the shallows just the fact that I was holding air in my lungs during the reg swap was sending me up higher than Wet and messing with my bouyancy... good practise though and I must remember to get my backup in straight away as I'm passing off and then breath normally... not so important at depth but I'm sure Andy G will be torturing us at anywhere between 3-6 m during his Fundy class at Capernwray.

I'm sure a singles rig will be more than adequate for the class, although it's highly recommended to be familiar with whatever one you use so that you can concentrate on the actual class.

Best regards
Dave.

[Digger]

Hmmm... Dunno....

How much is this course likely to be? Isn't it about the £250 mark?

I could do it on a single, and that would be dead easy for me, as I find strapping on a single is so simple now, but I'd still have problems with my regs, and various other bits. I'm still extremely tempted though.

You realise if I do this course, I've then got all the backup I need for not diving DIR, having had one of the best divers in the world try and convince me! This could be a mixed blessing for you guys. How many people do a Fundamentals course and decide it's just not for them? I wonder if there's many. I get the feeling I'd end up being in some half-way house, which is not DIR at all. Probably closer to it than I am now, but it's still not going to keep everyone happy, is it now?

As for the smoking, it's high time I give up anyway.