DIR-F Class

[SeaJay]

MHK once bubbled...
First off...

<snip>

Regards,

Michael Kane

Uh-oh...

...So the actual instructor who will be teaching the class has read this thread?

Oh man... Hope I didn't tick him off too badly. After all, he could make my life hell that weekend.

Of course, I'm kidding. In all clowning, though, I certainly hope he has a sense of humor.

Oh boy. ;-0

 

[MHK]

SeaJay once bubbled...



I can't promise anything other than an open mind and a worthwhile try at what is taught to me. I can't promise that I'll go completely DIR... But I can promise that I'll listen. And I can promise that I'll keep an open mind. I can promise that I'll pursue what's right for me... Which remarkably, thus far, has been very DIR.


And you can bet your huevos that I'm gonna tell y'all every excrutiating detail.

I'll ask for nothing more from you.. If you come in with an open mind I'm confident that you'll get a lot from this class, and as I've noted if you honestly believe we didn't teach you anything I'll trust you and give you your money back..

But most importantly, what we've found since we've been traveling the country is that those that want to experience DIR first hand, rather then on a scuba forum, or pleasently surprised at what we teach..

For certain DIR has had its fair share of growing pains, on and off the various scuba forums, and for sure how or what we say can very easily be misinterpreted over a internet newsgroup, but I suspect this class will be a refreshing taste of candor because you are correct we do try to exhibit our passion for raising the bar, not for haanding out c-cards.

We struggled internally for quit some time on whether or not to make this class a *certification* class, such as the term is used, but at the end of the day we felt strongly that if we really are intending to change the face of diving one of teh boldest steps we could take was to offer you what we have without the patches or c-cards generally associated with progress or credentials.. We want what we teach to stand on its own, and we want the student to focus more on what we teach rather then focusing in on what they need to learn just to *pass the class*.. Absent the attention to passing the class, you can focus more on what we are saying..

Let me know if you have any other questions and we'll see you in a month..

Later

 

[detroit diver]

Mike? He's one of the nicest guys you'll meet. And he's got a great sense of humor. (I've already taken the class!!).

After your last post, I don't think you'll have any worries! That was pretty forthcoming!

I certainly don't speak for all of the DIR folks out there, but we don't mind taking some bashing because we know that, as you said, the message will get thru (eventually) to those that really want to learn. For the others, well.....

I think with people on this board like MHK, the message is VERY clear, undistorted, and directly from the source. That will eliminate the "I heard that DIR was..." or similar. We are fortunate to have him around.

 

[SeaJay]

I can't wait.

Too cool.

 

[Cave Diver]

jepuskar once bubbled...
I think taking the DIR class is a great idea. It will help you improve your skills and make you aware of the areas you need improvement. Hopefully one day I will be able to take a DIRF class.

Safe diving.

jason

WOW! Who are you and where are you hiding the real Jepuskar?

 

[Cave Diver]

SeaJay once bubbled...
And I thank you guys for being patient with me in the meantime. Forgive me for calling you guys "Nazis." That's how many newbies see DIR guys, because of the flat, blunt, hard message that they deliver.

It has been my experience that most of those that rail the loudest about DIR, have no actual knowledge of it. It's just a cool idea they read about on the 'net.

These are the people that generally come across as fanatics, going as far as to say that certain colors are not DIR. It isn't about any one thing, and certainly not about color. It's a totally encompassing approach. Those that don't see the big picture are the ones that make all the noise about little issues.

I personally like to think of myself as a DIR Fundamentalist diver. I am neither against DIR, nor wholly accepting of every thing they advocate. I have taken the course, and applied the fundamentals of it to my diving.

Until I decide I want to try to dive at the level of the WKPP tho, that is sufficient for me. My skills have improved, my knoweldge has improved, and my attitude has improved. As far as I am concerned THAT's what it's all about.

If I can help someone else understand the message of DIR, I will do my best to do so. But I won't force anyone to listen to me about it, and I won't degrade them if they choose not to. I think that you will learn that most of the people who truly advocate a DIR style think in a similar manner.

Best of luck in your class and I look forward to your report!

 

[crazyc]

What I took away from my first and subsequent exposure to DIR is that it is not a blind "my way or the highway" system. It is a constantly growing and improving system for making diving safer and as such bringing back the enjoyment of diving. Everything is done for a reason, every reason is explained. The cool thing is, DIR wants you to question "why" it is recommended you configure your equipment a specific way, "why" you practice s-drills and valve drills a specific way, "why" you are concerned with establishing your CG and basing all movement around that, "why" getting your system "tuned" to your body is so key to comfort, confidence and competence in the water. Participation in your own diving both physically and mentally are the keys to success. I applaud the folks that travel their brains out bringing DIR to as many areas of the world as possible.

Have fun in your Fundamentals class and let us know what you think.

"C"
Okinawa, Japan

 

[Rice]

Can one wear a plate with a polartec skin?

I'm sure it's comfortable and all with a thicker suit but in florida waters I'm usually very comfortable with the thick skin.

Here in Gainesville there are a few divers that use this gear, I'm intrigued.

(halcyon and Dive Rite are both within an hour of here)

thanks,
Rice

 

[Fetch]

Yup. You can even wear a plate with a T-shirt.

Give it a try, of course. Some people have stated that they find plates less than comfortable without more exposure protection *shrug*

Rice once bubbled...
Can one wear a plate with a polartec skin?

I'm sure it's comfortable and all with a thicker suit but in florida waters I'm usually very comfortable with the thick skin.

Here in Gainesville there are a few divers that use this gear, I'm intrigued.

(halcyon and Dive Rite are both within an hour of here)

thanks,
Rice

 

[Uncle Pug]

Rice once bubbled...
Can one wear a plate with a polartec skin?

The plate will be fine... however you might want to get the padded wraps for the shoulder straps... or not... just depends on how tender you are.