Buddy Dive now has GUE training

[kafkaland]

I can't tell if you are joking or not? They can't rent out a left handed valve tank as a single?

No they can't. Someone will turn the left-handed valve the wrong way. I dive sidemount, and I had captains turning my air off on that valve when they "checked" before I was to splash.

 

[Wookie]

I can't tell if you are joking or not? They can't rent out a left handed valve tank as a single?

Never seen anyone do it. Confuses numpties, the valve is on the wrong side. Remember who Buddy Dive caters to.

I never ever rent my left hand valves to recreational divers.

 

[divezonescuba]

German Arango, Mr. G. has actually been a GUE instructor for years. He has been teaching GUE there for a while, but apparently not publicizing it until recently.

I took PADI TEC 40, 45, and 50 from him there. He incorporated quite a bit of GUE philosophy and techniques into those courses which made the courses brutally rigorous, which is a good thing, as long as you are up to it.

One guy was more interested in partying out late than in his training. He must have thought he was on vacation. He didn't finish his course. Another guy didn't have his fundamental skills down properly, so he wasn't allowed to progress to the next course even though he already had a TEC 40 certification.

So, Mr. G. is the guy you want for your instructor, if you want to get serious and comprehensive TEC oriented training of any type at Buddy Dive. If you want take a higher level course from him, you had better hope that your other instructors did a good job with you.

 

[Compressor]

I think you hit the nail right on the head Divezonescuba when you said this.

He must have thought he was on vacation.

I wonder how many vacationers take this course? Most going there will stay at Buddy for a week or so. If I was going to take the course there, it would be all business. The course is hard enough, I would not take any family or friends unless they were in the class.

 

[Compressor]

BTW: I am waiting for buddy to answer me on the doubles question. I'll let the group know.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I wonder how many vacationers take this course? Most going there will stay at Buddy for a week or so. If I was going to take the course there, it would be all business. The course is hard enough, I would not take any family or friends unless they were in the class.

I would think Fundies or any other GUE course would be a hard sell on Bonaire, except perhaps to residents.

 

[Wookie]

I would think Fundies or any other GUE course would be a hard sell on Bonaire, except perhaps to residents.

I wouldn't guess there is enough demand to make a living, but I'd sooner go to Bonaire than go to cave country....

 

[Lorenzoid]

I wouldn't guess there is enough demand to make a living, but I'd sooner go to Bonaire than go to cave country....

A Florida trip is a lot cheaper for most US residents. Given my limited budget of time and money, I'd rather do training closer to home, keep the costs down, and then enjoy a dive vacation in Bonaire.

 

[_Ralph]

Buddy Dive now has a GUE instructor teaching Fundis as well as 2 other course.
I post for those interested. Cost is very reasonable @ $650.

Hopefully one can start renting doubles soon.

Mr G has been a GUE instructor for many years (an instructor isn't born overnight in GUE). Buddy Dive, however has recently become a GUE Affiliate


Tech gear is available from Buddy Dive (and has been). Just need to arrange ahead of time to make sure that it's ready to go with the gas(es) you need.

As for why tech on Bonaire? Why not? Stay longer and/or go deeper on the wrecks and reefs (and remember them) .......



_R

 

[divezonescuba]

Bonaire is great for TEC training. You have 140+ feet right off of Buddy Dive's dock for example. The rock has 180+ with an easy entry unlike oil slick. I chose it over Florida as you don't have to worry about the boat dives, weather, etc.

I am surprised that there are not more TEC training facilities there. I think there is Buddy's, VIP, and Technical Dive Services. Mr. G has a shipping container full of doubles. KOB at VIP is also a TEC instructor trainer. You can rent doubles from any of them, plus Dive Friends Bonaire. I have used doubles from Buddy, VIP, and Dive Friends. Bring your own threaded rod and nuts as there is no standardization in diameter nor length.