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.
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.