We took the new GUE Basic Fundamentals with Emőke Wagner (using GoDiveMex) between April 1st and 3rd, 2025. We did it diving wet and in a single cylinder configuration.
We used GUE's new learning platform to study most of the material well ahead of class. I liked it. It's based on more modern pedagogical concepts: adjusting the depth of the content to the skill of the student and testing first before actually providing the materials; drilling and spaced repetition; quizzes in multiple formats but tackling the same content. There are some things that may seem disorienting at first (since it's not a linear experience/read through these slides), but I think just approaching this with an open mind and going through the materials works great. It is also much better to spend the time ahead of class to cover the materials, both from a learning outcomes perspective, and the better use of time once on location with an instructor and team.
I'm sure they'll add more classes to the platform and I hope it keeps growing to encompass more of the curriculum—while still making those materials available for free to GUE members at the appropriate tiers.
The class in the new format is 3 days long. We got to the shop at 07:30 to go over the day's plans, analyze cylinders, verify gear, and load up the truck before driving to the day's diving destination. Usually a 30 - 60 minute drive each way. There's a cooler with water and space to keep a sandwich or some other kind of lunch.
First day we went to a pool and did skill refinement and drills both above and below water. As one might expect, this largely focused on buoyancy and trim, but we did get all the way through fin techniques and one repetition of the Basic 5 for each of the team members.
Days 2 and 3 were at cenotes, two dives per day. We progressed through additional skill refinement, including S-drills, more fining, mask-less swim / switch to backup, DSMB deployment, and gas-sharing ascents.
Both in-water and on the surface, Emőke provided clear, concise, actionable feedback and helpful tips on how to fix whatever issue we were facing. E.g., reminders to keep the head up when fining (forward or backwards), pointers on correcting trim (angle or leg stretch), and suggestions on how to make something like DSMB loading / deployment easier. Overall, she was one of the more effective dive instructors I've had the chance of working with, being candid with what improvements are necessary but helpful and accommodating all the same. I'm really glad to have had a chance to work with her.
Before
Emőke was really easy to communicate with ahead of class via email, whether about gear, logistics, or the material itself. She was prompt to respond and clearly answered our questions.We used GUE's new learning platform to study most of the material well ahead of class. I liked it. It's based on more modern pedagogical concepts: adjusting the depth of the content to the skill of the student and testing first before actually providing the materials; drilling and spaced repetition; quizzes in multiple formats but tackling the same content. There are some things that may seem disorienting at first (since it's not a linear experience/read through these slides), but I think just approaching this with an open mind and going through the materials works great. It is also much better to spend the time ahead of class to cover the materials, both from a learning outcomes perspective, and the better use of time once on location with an instructor and team.
I'm sure they'll add more classes to the platform and I hope it keeps growing to encompass more of the curriculum—while still making those materials available for free to GUE members at the appropriate tiers.
During
In terms of logistics, my review of GoDiveMex covers a lot of the lodging and travel details, so I won't rehash those here. In terms of gear, besides the GUE configuration one is expected to use (and which we cleared ahead of time via email with Emőke) I should mention I dove a Sharkskin Titanium 2 two piece + Sharskin Chillproof hooded vest, which was a good amount of exposure for the 25ºC cenotes; my dive partner had a 5mm wetsuit.The class in the new format is 3 days long. We got to the shop at 07:30 to go over the day's plans, analyze cylinders, verify gear, and load up the truck before driving to the day's diving destination. Usually a 30 - 60 minute drive each way. There's a cooler with water and space to keep a sandwich or some other kind of lunch.
First day we went to a pool and did skill refinement and drills both above and below water. As one might expect, this largely focused on buoyancy and trim, but we did get all the way through fin techniques and one repetition of the Basic 5 for each of the team members.
Days 2 and 3 were at cenotes, two dives per day. We progressed through additional skill refinement, including S-drills, more fining, mask-less swim / switch to backup, DSMB deployment, and gas-sharing ascents.
Both in-water and on the surface, Emőke provided clear, concise, actionable feedback and helpful tips on how to fix whatever issue we were facing. E.g., reminders to keep the head up when fining (forward or backwards), pointers on correcting trim (angle or leg stretch), and suggestions on how to make something like DSMB loading / deployment easier. Overall, she was one of the more effective dive instructors I've had the chance of working with, being candid with what improvements are necessary but helpful and accommodating all the same. I'm really glad to have had a chance to work with her.
