Why NOT DIR?

[Kingpatzer]

So before you know anything about something, you will automatically discount it.

Interesting Philosophy

But I do know something about it.

I know that the people involved think it is a good idea to call it "Doing it Right," and all that that implies. I know how the people who are involved handle and present themselves on boards like this one. I have a significant amount of observational data about what kind of people think DIR is a good thing over and above those who don't associate with that term. I know that they are elitists who have derogatory terms for those who are not DIR divers, for example.

I've never tried being a skin-head either. For all I know, it might be a wonderful way of life. But I can reject it due to the fact that observing how skin-heads behave leads me to believe that being one would not in any way enhance my life.

DIR is not any different in that regard.

 

[markfm]

Being a skinhead may make it easier to put a hood on, so it might actually enhance diving

For me, I just don't find DIR necessary for the diving that I choose to do. Certainly nothing inherently wrong with it, but as in most things the concept of shades of gray is handy.

It's the in-your-face types who annoy, whether DIR or anything else. Often it seems to be a lack of experience and self confidence -- people who need to validate their choices in life. Frankly, you get the same kind of radical polarization in other areas, such as pony use and methods of carrying one, it's just that DIR is an "easy" target.

There are a number of DIR divers, very experienced, who post often and without proselytizing, sharing knowledge on a wide array of topics. I'll always read their posts -- I may not agree on any one item but they are sharing knowledge rather than simply regurgitating things.

 

[cloudboy55]

I became a much better diver after taking the DIR-F class. The skills they teach are not taught in any other PADI class that I'm aware of. Better can be defined in terms of mastering buoyancy, trim, buddy awareness and doing skills such as valve drills, air sharing, mask remove/replace, shooting a bag all while maintaining neutral buoyancy and position in the water column. Another skill taught in DIR-F that I don't think is taught anywhere else is descending/ascending at 10 feet per minute. All of these skills lead to better safer diving and most importantly having more fun underwater.

Most of the posts in this thread only demonstrate the general ignorance of DIR.

There are other technical diving courses that teach the above skills very nicely, but without the DIR and GUE slant.

 

[markfm]

...Another skill taught in DIR-F that I don't think is taught anywhere else is descending/ascending at 10 feet per minute. ...

Curious (a learning opportunity) -- what's the rationale for a 10 fpm descent? Ascent I totally appreciate, I tend to run near there coming off of my safety stop, but why on descent (short of having an equalization issue)?

Thanks.

 

[Ben_ca]

It's more of a control issue.... Being able to stop anywhere in the water column without having to grab onto the anchor line ect....

The team sticks together for mutual support... None of this "meet you on the bottom" stuff

 

[markfm]

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[JeffG]

But I do know something about it.

I know that the people involved think it is a good idea to call it "Doing it Right," and all that that implies. I know how the people who are involved handle and present themselves on boards like this one. I have a significant amount of observational data about what kind of people think DIR is a good thing over and above those who don't associate with that term. I know that they are elitists who have derogatory terms for those who are not DIR divers, for example.

too funny.

 

[Kingpatzer]

too funny.

Yeah, it's hilarious to be the guy on the dive boat being told "sorry, but I don't dive with strokes."

It's the sort of experience that makes everyone just want to dive more!

To be fair, I'm glad DIR exists if for no other reason than that you get to read stuff like this:

http://www.keithl.org.uk/diving/dirfun/dirlfe/

 

[limeyx]

In this entire conversation no one has ever advocated ditching a rig underwater, what one earth is that all about?

Well, the only benefit I can see to having a diver and his rig separately neutral is for that case.

If you are strapped in tight, and your rig is balanced, and your weight is not going to come loose, who cares if its the diver or the rig that's neutral? Doesn't make any difference as far as I can see until you come out of it.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

I don't think he meant what you might think he means!

I think you guys are in violent agreement on what you both mean.

But hell, I've been wrong lots of times before....