Well 99% of the divers I see in Mexico haven't even heard of DIR when I mention it.
DIR: God's gift to diving or Hell spawn?
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Boogie711:
Boogie pretty much hit it on the nose. The choice to name it "Doing it Right" in my opinon, was a mistake because it naturally implies everything else is "Doing it Wrong".
GUE may not have intended it that way, but the fact is that most people frequently think and classify things in opposing pairs which is why many behavioral and psychological inventories are constructed that way. So it is natural for people to think that "Doing it Wrong" is the natual and inevitable opposite of "Doing it Right".
The second part of boogie's statement highlights the other issue with DIR - the often stated presumption that "Doing it Right" is "superior for all types of diving, for a number of reasons".
A LOT of people would (and do) argue with that because it is very subjective statement and the arguments supporting it are based on a presumed set of conditions and values that not everyone shares. It sounds like (and in fact is) a post modernistic view but what is "right" is frankly relative and in large part individually defined. The problem many people have with true DIR is that it is, for the most part, an all or nothing philosphy and leaves little to individual choice.
Naming it "Doing it Good", "Doing it Better", "Doing it Different" or just plain leaving it as an offshoot, improvement, adaptation and/or extension of Hogarthian gear configuration and philosophy would have made it a lot less offensive and controversial.
nalfein
Contributor
If I mention DIR out this way, I find I get a confused look in response. It hasn't really made the rounds with the majority of recreationally minded divers on the east coast ( Canada ) anyway. The few tech types I know are familiar with it and tend to look favourably on the system.
I expect it depends on the type of diver who's confronted with the system. People who are seeking to expand their horizons and skill sets, seem open to it. The older divers I know don't seem too keen on it, and I find the newer folks who are maybe still sold on their initial training system don't seem very interested either.
If it weren't for forums such as this and one local diver, I'd never have been exposed to the system through the local scene alone.
I expect it depends on the type of diver who's confronted with the system. People who are seeking to expand their horizons and skill sets, seem open to it. The older divers I know don't seem too keen on it, and I find the newer folks who are maybe still sold on their initial training system don't seem very interested either.
If it weren't for forums such as this and one local diver, I'd never have been exposed to the system through the local scene alone.
netmage:
First of all, talking about this is always a good thing. Civil discourse and snappy conversation always rules.
My take is simply this: These guys (the early GI and most of the follow on devotees/adopters/kool-aid drinkers, like myself) had / have the courage to say there is one way - its our way or the highway.
In true DIR, there are simply some things on which there can be no negotiation.
Diving attracts pioneers, rebels, people with an adventursome spirit. This crowd simply doesn't respond well to that kind of line-in-the-sand thinking, and quite honestly (me speaking - I'm not affiliated with GUE, etc...) the tact with which a lot of this has been / is presented could use some refinement.
You're into it or your not. I looked around, it made sense, I'm into it. Many simply aren't. OK. If they're safe, aware, committed divers, I'll dive with them. If they're stupid or ignorant, or out of shape, or wacky self-absorbed hunters, I won't.
Whatever. Its simple. I'm here to dive safely - not to irritate, aggrevate or evangelize. If you think I got skills, and you're into the gear and into the focus and the commitment, we can talk about it. If you want to be an eggbeater down there, maybe its not for you. There is middle ground where we can simply agree to dive in the same ocean, but not together. I'm OK with that.
In what I do (open water recreational) the stakes are much lower than Irvineggor's cave hoopla. In his tight tollerance type of diving, I get the intensity.
Anyway - long answer. I think its cuz they (the early DIR types, and many of us late comers) are passionately convicted to a specific level of fitness, safety, set up, and standards. And if you're in, you're in. If you're not, you're not.
The anger and flames and boiling blood is all just so much macho crapola. People need to get over themselves.
K
DA Aquamaster:
I agree with this. I am moving toward the configuration and wonder why not call it a Tech Rig?
mike
DA Aquamaster:
I think it is named perfectly, and the intention and objectives have been perfectly achieved. This is not about being inclusive. And to your point, people put up their defenses and get all torqued. The opposite of inclusion isn't exclusion, its apathy. The sharp focus of DIR is what attracted me and keeps my attention even now.
Like everything, its not perfect - but the imprefections lie more in the human elements than in its structure, intent or systems.
K
quimby
Contributor
Lets just say I disagree. Just to cast my vote and agree with DA
ba_hiker
Contributor
DA Aquamaster:
My opion is that this is pretty much right on, anong with another aspect of the same thing.
I used to work with a guy, who dove with a local DIR club, dove doubles, and did planned deco dives. We were sent to Hawaii on business, suddenly. We didn't really ahve time to pack much.
He would not dive. Didn't have his gear. Didn't know any dive buddies. So he wouldn't go. I rented some gear, from a pretty reputable place, and went on some pretty sedate Hawaiian dives; 'dive guide', 'video camaraman', 3 other people, support boat, clear warm water, 40 to 50 foot max depths, lots of fish, mantas, turtles, etc. Still have the video.
I had a great time. He didn't.
Is that a great system gets hampered by poor spokesmen.
There is really nothing wrong with the DIR system as taught by GUE (and trademarked by Halcyon) but it is not the only choice.
Anytime anyone tells me they have the one and only true way then I know they are full of something that I don't want. This is true in politics, religion, science and especially diving.
The really good news about DIR is that it is a good, well thought out and tested system for recreational divers (including tech but NOT commercial) and you don't have to do the development of yourself while learning.
Please, when someone asks why something is done a certain way, don't say, "Because JJ, or GI3, said so." If you know and understand the reason then give it. If not, let someone who does understand give the reason.
In the begining you don't need to know all the reasons but you will eventually if you continue to train and progress.
Fortunately, I am noticing a serious decrease in the insulting tone and condescending attitude of late. That is a good thing because it just makes people stop listening even if the information is good.
Present the information and let people choose for themselves. They will anyway, no need to make people angry, usually.
There is really nothing wrong with the DIR system as taught by GUE (and trademarked by Halcyon) but it is not the only choice.
Anytime anyone tells me they have the one and only true way then I know they are full of something that I don't want. This is true in politics, religion, science and especially diving.
The really good news about DIR is that it is a good, well thought out and tested system for recreational divers (including tech but NOT commercial) and you don't have to do the development of yourself while learning.
Please, when someone asks why something is done a certain way, don't say, "Because JJ, or GI3, said so." If you know and understand the reason then give it. If not, let someone who does understand give the reason.
In the begining you don't need to know all the reasons but you will eventually if you continue to train and progress.
Fortunately, I am noticing a serious decrease in the insulting tone and condescending attitude of late. That is a good thing because it just makes people stop listening even if the information is good.
Present the information and let people choose for themselves. They will anyway, no need to make people angry, usually.
ba_hiker:
You mean he was so hung up on it that he wouldn't take in a bunny dive in paradise?
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