We had a ball with Aldora . . . Quality op.
In answer to the question of why take an "Intro to Tech" class, instead of going straight to Tech -- there are a number of skills you can easily learn that make it possible to take a better tech class with less stress. Having an instructor help you configure your doubles and get them properly weighted for balance can shortcut the learning process a LOT (and the answers are counterintuitive to many people). Being introduced to the ideas of positioning, line awareness, and basic drills, and going off and practicing them on your own before attempting a technical class, can make the tech class more efficient (as time doesn't have to be spent on these issues) and effective (because it can be focused on the actual skills and issues that are germane to technical diving). Expecting someone to come into a tech class with the skills of the average recreational diver, and be able to transform into a competent technical diver in four or five days, is more than optimistic.
Oh, and I haven't taken an Intro to Tech class, but I'm aware of the content and duration of two in our area, NAUI and UTD, and yes, they are similar to Fundamentals.
In answer to the question of why take an "Intro to Tech" class, instead of going straight to Tech -- there are a number of skills you can easily learn that make it possible to take a better tech class with less stress. Having an instructor help you configure your doubles and get them properly weighted for balance can shortcut the learning process a LOT (and the answers are counterintuitive to many people). Being introduced to the ideas of positioning, line awareness, and basic drills, and going off and practicing them on your own before attempting a technical class, can make the tech class more efficient (as time doesn't have to be spent on these issues) and effective (because it can be focused on the actual skills and issues that are germane to technical diving). Expecting someone to come into a tech class with the skills of the average recreational diver, and be able to transform into a competent technical diver in four or five days, is more than optimistic.
Oh, and I haven't taken an Intro to Tech class, but I'm aware of the content and duration of two in our area, NAUI and UTD, and yes, they are similar to Fundamentals.