A list of instuction going over and above the minimum training standards...

[D_B]

I'm going to venture out on this limb and recommend Ian Martin at Ocean Enterprises ... Ian Martin - Ocean Enterprises
His classes are challenging and rewarding, taking your skill into account and extending that to include more time and training if he thinks that you need it to be a safe and comfortable diver

 

[HenrikBP]

I'll try to address the OP's request for a list ... in this case for the NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver class I teach, which is above standards.

<snip>

It's a challenging class. I've been teaching it this way for about eight years now and have yet to hear anyone complain that they didn't get their money's worth ... the class currently costs $400.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Where were you in 2007 when I was looking for a good OW class ... ? (oh, yeah. The other side of the country, but still )

 

[nimoh]

Wait - I thought that GUE's charter was that they all taught to a standard, and that standard was higher than most others. However, the OP asked who taught above the standard. My understanding is that none of the Fundies instructors are teaching above the Fundies' standards - rather that they are teaching exactly to the Fundies standard - that would violate the whole idea, no?

Since I am signed up for GUE Fundamentals next September, and just finished reading the GUE Standards, I'll post a quote


1.2.1 Education
GUE maintains that a good education is vital for the safe enjoyment of recreational and technical diving,
and must include both a strong academic component and a rigorous practical one. This is achieved by:


1. Standards: GUE’s curriculum maintains the highest training standards, combining strong
academics with exacting practice (in-water training). Additionally, GUE requires diver and
instructor currency and a gradual building of experience.

2. Classes: GUE classes are lengthy and rigorous, demanding preparation before they begin.

3. Instructors: GUE instructors are encouraged to exceed minimum training standards when these
safely contribute to a participant’s learning process. Instructors are also actively encouraged to
deny qualification to students who are not completely prepared for the level pursued.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Since I am signed up for GUE Fundamentals next September, and just finished reading the GUE Standards, I'll post a quote


1.2.1 Education
GUE maintains that a good education is vital for the safe enjoyment of recreational and technical diving,
and must include both a strong academic component and a rigorous practical one. This is achieved by:


1. Standards: GUE&#8217;s curriculum maintains the highest training standards, combining strong
academics with exacting practice (in-water training). Additionally, GUE requires diver and
instructor currency and a gradual building of experience.

2. Classes: GUE classes are lengthy and rigorous, demanding preparation before they begin.

3. Instructors: GUE instructors are encouraged to exceed minimum training standards when these
safely contribute to a participant&#8217;s learning process. Instructors are also actively encouraged to
deny qualification to students who are not completely prepared for the level pursued.

That third point is what, I believe, sets most GUE instruction apart from most other agencies. Of the GUE instructors I've had personal interaction with, they shared one thing in common ... if you achieved the bar easily, they'll raise the bar. If you don't achieve the bar, they won't pass you. You don't go into a GUE class assuming you'll pass ... you go in assuming you'll be challenged. It's what most folks like ... and some folks hate ... about those classes ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[lowviz]

...//...Instructors are also actively encouraged to deny qualification to students who are not completely prepared for the level pursued. ...//...

So what if I would wish to pursue incoming level zero? Please explain "completely prepared"?

 

[nimoh]

So what if I would wish to pursue incoming level zero? Please explain "completely prepared"?

well, without posting all of the course documentation, and based on my limited understanding since I haven't taken the class yet, I will add that in GUE classes, part of the grade is on attitude.

So, it is my understanding that if you meet the minimum requirements, and the instructor wants you to go a step further but you refuse without a good reason, you could fail based on attitude. However, if you try going that step further, and can't quite do it, this likely won't result in a fail.

 

[TSandM]

Obviously, if you are "level zero", you are taking the GUE OW class, and the only preparation required for that is a degree of fitness.

 

[lowviz]

well, without posting all of the course documentation, and based on my limited understanding since I haven't taken the class yet, I will add that in GUE classes, part of the grade is on attitude.

So, it is my understanding that if you meet the minimum requirements, and the instructor wants you to go a step further but you refuse without a good reason, you could fail based on attitude. However, if you try going that step further, and can't quite do it, this likely won't result in a fail.

nimoh,

I read the OP as a diver looking for courses/instructors that are "above average" rather than taught above posted standards. Where I was going with my post, was to point out the potential downside of starting something at too high of a level for his level of preparation or skill level. I've been in this situation before. The OP may be much better served by looking for an instructor who routinely elevates his students from incoming standards to graduation standards.

I would not want you to have a bad experience in your fundies course. So I really recommend that you practice holding depth to a foot either way while maintaining horizontal trim (up to 15 deg off horiz) without any hand sculling and a minimum of fin motion. I would expect that you will have a wonderful experience in fundies if you present yourself in this condition. And the reason for the silence in reply posts is that it is no secret that what I just described is what I believe should be the first GUE course in its entirety.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Why would you not want to try something the instructor wants you to do? They're not doing it just to be a hard-ass, yanno ... they're trying to get you to learn something. Presumably, that's why you signed up for the class in the first place ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Moonglow]

OP,

Most instructors that post on this forum know where to find the best trainers. Some of the best trainers have found a class level niche where they add to standards. Many of the best classes are taught by those instructors that "wrote the book". Literally-- those instructors who took the time to write out a syllubus that suppliments agency standards. You will find instructors all over the country that put education at the fore of their diving work, them's the ones you want.

First pick a class that you want to take. Look at the agency offerings and then look for what an instructor adds. Example: Bob, who posted above, has a well written suppliment that he incorporates into his NAUI Advanced Open Water class; look for others that do similar.