back from GUE Fundamentals

[nimoh]

Just got back from taking GUE Fundamentals in Mexico. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their diving skills.

I had a few issues. Firstly, I was diving in much lighter underwear, and was very foot heavy. I am used to my legs being a little more positive, and I found myself struggling to stay in trim. Also, my rock boots now were about 2 sizes too big, and my feet were flopping around inside. I got the boot issue resolved for the next day by switching to neoprene boots and smaller fins, but still was foot heavy. However, with suggestions from Fred, I was able to overcome this and get much better with my trim.

Another issue was my back kick. I'll be the first to admit it wasn't that great going in, and I only move backwards on about 50% of my kicks. Add in my trim issues and it was a complete disaster. The helicopter turns went fine to my right, but not so great to my left, although I was able to turn around...mostly staying in the same spot.

My last major issue was that I was rushing through the s-drill, valve drill and smb deployment (partly because I wanted to get through it before my trim fell apart lol) but mostly because I was trying hard to do everything perfectly, and was a little nervous. With more practice, I'm sure I can do it at a very relaxed pace.

So, I have some work to do. My first plan is to work on my trim issues utilizing the tips I received from Fred (my instructor), and get to the point where I can sit motionless in trim for and indefinite period. Then, work on doing some nice slow demonstration quality valve drills, s-drills and smb deployments. In hindsight, I should have practiced these things much more before taking Fundamentals, in order to get more out of the class.

So, for anyone that has taken Fundamentals, you are probably already aware based on my issues, that I didn't receive the Tec rating. I was able to get a Rec pass, and a provisional Tec rating. After working on my issues, I am planning to return to Mexico in February or so to get my Tec pass.

 

[TSandM]

Fred's a great guy, isn't he? Very patient and very low-key. And what beautiful settings you had to work on fundamental skills!

Most of the value of Fundies is learning what to work on, and how to work on it. Even if you pass the class the first time through, you don't see the total value of it for at least six months, I think. Have fun polishing your performance!

 

[nimoh]

Fred's a great guy, isn't he? Very patient and very low-key. And what beautiful settings you had to work on fundamental skills!

Most of the value of Fundies is learning what to work on, and how to work on it. Even if you pass the class the first time through, you don't see the total value of it for at least six months, I think. Have fun polishing your performance!

I agree, Fred is awesome, and very patient. Some other words I would use to describe him would be fair and supportive.

We did our first two days at Cenote Eden, the third day at Carwash, and then the experience dive was a reef dive new Puerto Aventuras, so yes, the setting for the class was incredible

The best part of this is that I have a great reason to return to Mexico in a few months

Lynne, I think I remember reading before that you normally recommend that people take GUE-F Rec first and then go for the tec rating later. I know now where you are coming from when you say that. The doubles and the primary light added quite a bit of extra task loading that I probably could have done without, however I can't blame my backwards kick issues on task loading

 

[ADeadlierSnake]

Congratulations!

 

[chrpai]

Congrats. Still waiting for my fellow swampers to get the TX class put together.

 

[TSandM]

Yes, I think people rush too much into doubles. It's so much easier to develop that stable platform in a single tank setup -- and once you have it, the transition to maintaining it in doubles is much easier.

All the tech diving in the world will still be there when the student is ready to do it. Although if you're into caves, I can understand the desire to hurry

 

[eelnoraa]

..... It's so much easier to develop that stable platform in a single tank setup -- and once you have it, the transition to maintaining it in doubles is much easier.

Maybe off topic here, but I do think diving double is quite different from single. I admit I am new to double, started a few monthes ago, maybe 10 dives. So far, I think maintaining trim and buoyance at depth aren't issues, but ascent without reference/blue water, I am all over the place. I can't seems to control the ascent rate like I can with single. When I try to slow down or stop the ascent, I found myself over dumping the wing or the suit, making me sinking back down. Overall, I think I looks like a new diving in ascent. Tec pass is a long way for me.

 

[HenrikBP]

Congratulations on taking the class and the Rec pass.

I hope you don't feel too frustrated by the things that didn't quite work the way you'd like No worries - we've all been there. And as what you've learned starts to settle, and you have some time to practice, you'll feel less task loaded and things will fall into place.

 

[BluewaterSail]

Congradulations on your Rec Pass! As was said above, the greatest value of Fundies is knowing what to work on. Thats 90% of the way to success.

If you ever get frustrated at not reaching perfection in your drills and back kick, take a look over at a group of normal average divers. That will remind you of where you once were, and the higher standards that you have already met.

 

[kathydee]

Fred Devos is a great instructor, an amazing diver & such a nice guy!

Congrats on earning a rec pass! Well done!

I agree, don't be too hard on yourself, we all had skills to practice from Fundies.

Good luck with your practice and nailing your Tech Pass!