Diving "DIR" prior to Fundies

[ScubaFeenD]

So I am working out dates for taking fundies, but I will be diving a bit before I am able to take the class. I have read many of the GUE texts, including dress for success. I am wondering, would it be bad form to use some of the features of DIR gear config prior to training.

Now I know that there is BOOKS ARE NO REPLACEMENT for proper training, and I do not presume to call myself DIR until I pass fundies. However, the utility of the system is clear to me. So, as long as I explain to my buddies ( and perhaps practice with them) what to do in emergencies (such as air share), do you DIR divers think it would be acceptable to use the long hose, necklaced backup reg, etc?

Just trying to see how the community feels about this.

 

[Rainer]

Using the gear before the class is fine (it's even a good idea, assuming you know what you're doing). If you can get in a few dives with some local DIR divers, who might be able to give you some pointers on the new gear, I think that'd be best. The only "practice" one needs to do before Fundies is getting comfortable both with any new gear and being in the water (i.e. you need enough buoyancy control to sit still to watch and demo the skills).

Good luck!

 

[ron_cooper]

I took the fundies class last year, get in the practise and techniques before, but be sure that what you are learning is correct. The classes are to do the small things perfectly. I did not pass the course but left satisfied with what I had received and would recommend it to anyone. The trim and bouyancy is the most important to have so try to get that down pat first, then the skills for the basic five, kicks and value drills

 

[elan]

So I am working out dates for taking fundies, but I will be diving a bit before I am able to take the class. I have read many of the GUE texts, including dress for success. I am wondering, would it be bad form to use some of the features of DIR gear config prior to training.

Now I know that there is BOOKS ARE NO REPLACEMENT for proper training, and I do not presume to call myself DIR until I pass fundies. However, the utility of the system is clear to me. So, as long as I explain to my buddies ( and perhaps practice with them) what to do in emergencies (such as air share), do you DIR divers think it would be acceptable to use the long hose, necklaced backup reg, etc?

Just trying to see how the community feels about this.

Why would you care about what community feels about it That's you who is learning not the community , if you do not put anyone in danger go for it. And you do not have to get an approval to wear a long hose. Many of my buddies and me as well are not DIR divers but use the advantage of the long hose. And why is calling yourself DIR is so important for you ? I spoke to my instructor who I'm taking the course with and we agreed that being familiar with the equipment can do nothing but help in the class. So IMHO get your config in place and go diving ! You going to waste time in the class if you struggle with the rig balance and will be fighting the trim instead of working on the fining and other techniques. Trim, balance and buoyancy are the things you better sort out before the class as much as possible IMHO. Once you have it nailed down all other techniques become way easier and you can devote more time for them. Trim, buoyancy and the balance are not difficult to explain and are all explained in the books and easy to understand but it takes time to get the rig in proper balance and feel it.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

If you do this, the Scuba Police will come to your house, confiscate your gear, and lock you in an 8x10 cell with a hairy backed knuckle dragging mouth breather named Bubba who wants to be your "special friend"...

Or not.

It's your gear. Do what you want with it.

 

[TSandM]

I did about 20 dives in the Hog equipment configuration before I took Fundies, and I would HIGHLY recommend that anyone else taking the class do the same.

Practice getting in and out of your gear, trouble-shooting it, and doing a modified S-drill, until you're used to deploying the hose and restowing it. Your instructor will take your technique apart and correct it, but that's okay.

 

[stargost]

drdrdiver,

if you havent already, read this:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/dir/326408-gue-fundies-what-amazing-class.html


Mrs Kathydee practised 'dir' for quite some time indeed, and the scuba police let her, for the best !

I have the exact same plan of practising quite a bit before showing up at a dir-f class to avoid having to take it another time !

 

[kathydee]

drdrdiver,

if you havent already, read this:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/dir/326408-gue-fundies-what-amazing-class.html


Mrs Kathydee practised 'dir' for quite some time indeed, and the scuba police let her, for the best !

I have the exact same plan of practising quite a bit before showing up at a dir-f class to avoid having to take it another time !

When I initially swapped my gear I did have coaching from my mentor Don, who showed me how to rig & route the hoses, do an S drill (which is important for safety), adjusted my bp/w, taught me the basics on some of the kicks and the value of video review as a tool.

Being familiar with the gear will allow your attention to expand past the new gear to include other important detail in the class. But like others have cautioned, there is a real danger of developing poor form and then later having to break bad habits.

If you start diving the equipment on your own, be ready to make major changes in class. However, if you are like me, by the time Fundies rolls around you'll probably be so ready to optimize your equipment, you'll welcome the adjustments and changes your instructor makes!

 

[ligersandtions]

If there are other GUE/UTD/DIR divers locally to go out and dive with, that's your absolute best bet before taking the class. They give you a mental picture of what you should look like, can offer comments and critiques, and generally enjoy diving a lot!

However, I wouldn't recommend practicing skills all that much before the class. It's so much easier to learn a skill correctly than it is to break bad habits and re-learn the skill correctly. Make sure that you're able to hover in good trim and just hang out before you take Fundamentals....there's a lot to be said about being able to do nothing. It will be very helpful in that you will have the bandwidth to be able to watch a demonstration and repeat it....rather than feeling like you have to keep moving so that you don't faceplant into the ground or run into your teammate.

 

[H2O 70]

acceptable to use the long hose, necklaced backup reg, etc?

I've been using the long hose config with a necklaced 2nd since dive 15 probably. IMO this is the best set up. Don't mind octos and I hate inflator/octo combos. When diving with new buddies, just cover with them what air source they are to grab from you in the event of an emergency. The reality is they're likely going to grab the one in your mouth anyway in a panic.

Set you gear us as close as you can and start diving it. When you get to your fundies, the instructor can help you tweak. Also, find a mentor in the meantime.

When you get to Bainbridge in the Spring, you won't see many long hosed single tank divers, but you'll see a lot of double tank divers with a long hose.