Question Intro to Tech

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JMTX467

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Messages
19
Reaction score
3
Location
Richardson, TX
# of dives
200 - 499
I wanted to know if this course is worth the time money.
Would be a TDI intro to tech course. Is there information to be gleaned or is it appropriate to start at the advanced Nitrox level?
 
I wanted to know if this course is worth the time money.
Would be a TDI intro to tech course. Is there information to be gleaned or is it appropriate to start at the advanced Nitrox level?
IMHO it depends if you are already using a DIR setup with backplate wing/long hose setup and if you are already able to be in flattish trim.

The class is supposed to prep you so you can do the other technical classes without spending time fixing the basics.

I am only a random person who did ANDP, people who have more experience or are teaching the class may have a more accurate opinion.
 
I think the answer depends on your other previous experience and on your instructor. If you're semi-squared away with some kind of basic pre-tec-diving knowledge, then your instructor may be willing to teach you the configuration details.

For example, when I took my Tec40 course (yes, it's PADI, but bear with me), I'd been diving SM for a few years, and I'd taken the Self-Reliant class, so I had some intro-level skills already. But I'd never, ever used BM doubles before, and the instructor taught me how to configure and dive them, which introduced a handful of wrinkles that I'd never had to consider. Without that previous experience, the Tec40 course would've been much, much harder.
 
100% depends on the student and the instructor.

Are you familiar with doubles, manifolds, valve drills, all the different propulsion techniques?
Are your trim and buoyancy already dialed in, even while task loaded?

If all of these are a yes, then no, it wouldn't be worth the money.

If you have a competent instructor teaching it, you will learn a lot and your skills will progress rapidly.
Personally, I never took it, I thought I was squared away and it was pointless. I was a technical instructor when I took GUE fundies and kicked myself for the amount of tiny little nuances that I never picked up being self taught.
 
Mine was through another agency, but an intro class basically addresses you gear configuration and fundamental skills so the AN/DP class is about utilizing
100% depends on the student and the instructor.

Are you familiar with doubles, manifolds, valve drills, all the different propulsion techniques?
Are your trim and buoyancy already dialed in, even while task loaded?

If all of these are a yes, then no, it wouldn't be worth the money.

If you have a competent instructor teaching it, you will learn a lot and your skills will progress rapidly.
Personally, I never took it, I thought I was squared away and it was pointless. I was a technical instructor when I took GUE fundies and kicked myself for the amount of tiny little nuances that I never picked up being self taught.
Very helpful information. My trim and buoyancy are spot on. I’ve got that down pat. Do not have experience with manifolds or doubles, so it sounds like the juice would be worth the squeeze for this course.
Thanks everyone for the replies. I appreciate the insight.
 
100% depends on the student and the instructor.

Are you familiar with doubles, manifolds, valve drills, all the different propulsion techniques?
Are your trim and buoyancy already dialed in, even while task loaded?

If all of these are a yes, then no, it wouldn't be worth the money.

If you have a competent instructor teaching it, you will learn a lot and your skills will progress rapidly.
Personally, I never took it, I thought I was squared away and it was pointless. I was a technical instructor when I took GUE fundies and kicked myself for the amount of tiny little nuances that I never picked up being self taught.
Rich said he’d crossover to TDI and put a class on for you…

Op, check this guy out, he does videos on the ewe tube about tech diving and such.
 
Very helpful information. My trim and buoyancy are spot on. I’ve got that down pat. Do not have experience with manifolds or doubles, so it sounds like the juice would be worth the squeeze for this course.
Thanks everyone for the replies. I appreciate the insight.

If you don't have doubles experience take the course. It should only be considered optional if you're already diving doubles proficiently.

No matter how dialed in you are now, you'll need to spend time in the pool (and then a few dives) dialing in your doubles config and trim. You want to be really comfortable in the water and in control of the gear, not the other way around. Doubles are much heavier, have more drag, much slower to respond to breathing input (buoyancy adjustment), etc. You need to deal with the long hose, valves, your config needs to be customized for your type of diving, etc.

Again, since you don't have experience with doubles, I'd take the course. Alternatively, buy all the equipment, dial it in yourself (in the pool and not alone, to start) and put in a bunch of dives to practice. It's not rocket science, but only you know if you need someone to walk you through it, accelerate the learning curve and ensure you're ready for AN/DP or go DIY route.
 
My trim and buoyancy are spot on. I’ve got that down pat. Do not have experience with manifolds or doubles, so it sounds like the juice would be worth the squeeze for this course.
Sounds like you're a prime candidate for Intro-to-tech or an equivalent course. Don't be surprised if, when you gear up in your new double-tank rig (and possibly drysuit?) and get in the water, you feel like a newbie diver all over again. But soon enough, you will get your buoyancy and trim back to "spot on." The goal is to be able to perform all those skills you are familiar with, plus some new ones like a valve drill, in the doubles rig in the same sort of "spot on" way you're doing them now. Trying to do a stepped ascent, where you stop at a series of depths, or even just pushing a set of doubles through the water with a frog kick or tech-style flutter kick while maintaining horizontal trim and buoyancy, just takes practice. After Intro-to-tech, take some time to practice what you learned before signing up for the next course. And don't forget to have fun. :)
 
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