Looking for 3rd Teammate For UTD Tech 1 Maryland/ N. VA area

[Rand]

Looking for anyone interested in taking UTD Tech 1 with Submerged Dive Center in Rockville, MD. We have 2 of us taking it so far, but there is 15% off the price of the course if we get 3 of us to sign up as a team.

Details and prerequisites are in the link above.

We haven't committed to a date yet, but are shooting for a June or July timeframe for taking the class/doing the dives. We're also going to take some time to brush up on skills in May/June, and the 3rd member would definitely be kept in the loop so we all could practice together.

Shoot me a PM or post up here if you are interested or have any questions.

 

[DennisC]

So I'm guessing that you have already taken the essentials of tech class?

 

[Rand]

So I'm guessing that you have already taken the essentials of tech class?

Yes, the two of us who are going to take Tech 1, took Essentials last year. Are you looking for teammates for Essentials? I have some friends that are taking Essentials of Rec sometime this year (haven't firmed up a date yet). I think they have paid for their course already, so I don't know if the team discount would apply in your/their case. But I can pass your info on to them or vice versa and you guys can figure it out. It doesn't matter if the students in the class are doing rec or tec, except for the doubles, the skills/materials are all the same and Jon teaches a combined class of both tec and rec in the course.

If you are looking to do Tech 1 and want to jump in with us after your Essentials, that would work.

Let me know if you have any questions about the training.

 

[DennisC]

I have been thinking about taking the essentials soon but I'm not sure if I can fit it in this summer. If they get a date figured out I wouldn't mind knowing when to see if I could work it into my schedule.

How was the essentials class tho? I've been looking for a review of it.

 

[Rand]

I have been thinking about taking the essentials soon but I'm not sure if I can fit it in this summer. If they get a date figured out I wouldn't mind knowing when to see if I could work it into my schedule.

How was the essentials class tho? I've been looking for a review of it.

The friends I know taking the class are a couple and I want to say June or July is when they anticipate taking it. Submerged is always running Essentials classes, so there are other opportunities to take it. If you do sign up, tell them I referred you (I'm Geoff Rand). You get $50 off your class and I get a $25 store credit.

Essentials was challenging, even after being a working divemaster for 3 years. I really got to hone my buoyancy control and trim. And it wasn't bad to begin with.

Essentials is a basic skills class where fin techniques and maintaining a steady position in the water is the bulk of the course. If doing Ess of Tec, you will learn doubles and a stage bottle. You also practice SMB deployment, team formations, light use, toxing diver rescue, and learn ratio deco.

There is a lot of material covered and you should plan to do some practice outside of the scheduled course to pass it. On their schedule, it usually is set up to have a classroom/pool portion, followed by a quarry weekend. I delayed my quarry weekend so I could practice with teammates in my class before our skills were evaluated. That made a huge difference.

Essentials and most UTD courses aren't cheap, but there is a lot presented in them and the instructors are committed to working with you to perfect your skills. You will find the money well spent when you have rock solid trim and buoyancy and complete control of your movements in the water, even while tasked with skills. It is a real eye opener to see what you weren't taught in standard scuba courses.

I would suggest getting the Essentials and Diver Procedures manuals now if you are serious about taking the class. Get familiar with the Basic 6 and valve drills, and read up on ratio deco. Watch the included videos.

Also, be aware that you will do better in the class if you are in a DIR rig with Jet fin-type fins. That may mean buying or renting gear. Stop in the shop and talk to them before buying anything. Gear is either DIR or it isn't. Jon at Submerged can help guide you in what you need, so you only have to purchase it once.

Let me know if you have any other questions or want further details on the above stuff.

 

[DennisC]

Well that just made me want to take the class even more! Thanks alot that was a great review. Ill make sure to let them know you recommended me although I dont think I will be taking it until next summer. Hopefully that wont matter with the discount lol. It seems like it is a great course and will teach me alot of the things I want to know. I may get the book early too that seems like a good idea and then I can practice a few things before I take the class.

Luckily for me I bought my gear with the intention of going into tec diving so I do have Jet fins already! Hopefully the rest of my kit will be adequate for at least the first couple tec classes.

Thanks again for the advice. I dont currently have any questions but if I come up with some I'll let you know

 

[Rand]

Cool. Yes the referral thing is ongoing, so use it whenever.

Stop in Submerged sometime. It is an awesome shop. You won't see any crap like retractors and rattles like most shops stock for your standard vacation diver. Everything there is geared towards DIR diving and even their entry level divers are in back plates and wings.

One thing I forgot to mention was that your pool and open water dive skills are video taped for later review. You spend a good amount of time looking at your position in the water during the skills on the video. It is invaluable to improving your trim and buoyancy control. I wish all scuba courses were able to show students what they look like in the water.

Sign up when you are ready. They are constantly running Essentials classes and can set one up even if it's not on the official schedule.

My only regret is that I didn't take Essentials sooner. It has really improved my enjoyment of the sport. Take care and I'm always around if you have questions about the classes.