DIR info in the Frozen North

[Groundhog246]

I read much on here on the pros (seem to be many) and cons (not so many?) of DIR. Most of what I've seen to date about DIR has been online, here and a couple of websites and it leaves many questions unanswered. Is there a DIR agency? Get a DIR c-card? Are there actual training manuals? Where do you get them? Is there anyone "doing" DIR here in Ontario? For example, I can understand the logic of the 7' hose, but from the info at hand, I still can't figure out the hose routing. I've been cruising the internet for quite a few years and have a basic mistrust of info from a web site. Now if there are 100 web sites, and 95 say the same thing, then I start to accept, but I'm just not finding that to be the case where DIR is concerned.

Most of the DIR crowd here and elsewahere seem to know each other and expect everyone to know who they're talking about. The drop names and acronyms like "GUE" and I still have no idea who or what GUE is.

On the diving side of DIR, from the conversations here, it appears every dive requires several OOA drills, along with whatever other drills. Or is it only training dives that get discussed here. I did a single 23 minute dive today, max depth 28 feet. Water temp was 34F. We did not do any air sharing or other drills, nor could you have pried that reg out of my mouth as long as it was working.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Groundhog the websites www.wkpp.org and www.gue.com are reliable... not to say that others are unreliable... just that DIR as a formalized system started with the wkpp as they brought together what they felt were the right equipment, methodology, and mindset for their cave diving project. GUE (Global Undwater Explorers) is the *Official* training agency for DIR and issues certifications for technical and cave diving. The DIR fundamentals class is not a certification class but rather a prep class for the others.

I should add that the WKPP did not invent all of the elements that have become DIR... many things such as backplate/wing BCs and the long hose are used by non-DIR divers. DIR (an acronym for doing it right) is the motto of the WKPP and GUE. It represents a holistic approach to diving and is far more than merely equipment.

You can purchase the training manuals from GUE and they are valuable but really do not contain all then information that is taught in the classes.

You will find hoses routing descriptions on the listed websites or I can explain it to you in a subsequent post.

We do practice OOA as well as other drills often... but not all of us do it on every dive. In fact the most effective OOA *drill* is the un-announced one that Shane and I pull on one another... when least expected... cold, dark... scootering along at 100' and he flashes he light rapidly at me.

Shoot.... 34F is Colddddddd!

 

[joens]

You do have a GUE instructor in ontario Dan Mackay in Kingston ,I know that is awaysfrom where you are but he does have an excellent website www.northerntechdiver.com
Chris Joens
formerly of Manitoba Canada now living in Texas

 

[Groundhog246]

Thanks for the response. It's the most 'to the point' bit of info I've had yet. I see the new manuals at GUE, and will consider buying Doing It Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving.

I must say, much of what I read (and your comment about scootering at 100 feet) make it appear more applicable to the tech oriented diver, than those of us who like the shallower depths. I am always open to learning and new ideas though, so will investigate further.

Uncle Pug once bubbled...
Shoot.... 34F is Colddddddd!

Cold hardly describes it. Did I mention we dive wet? I'm very happy with my new 7mil one piece semi-dry and my new Oceanic 7mil booties (the stiffer sole is sooo much better than what I had). Now, If I could just keep my hands warm.

 

[ckharlan66]

The Fundamentals book does not really get into tech diving. It covers the gear, skills and ideas behind DIR. I think you will find it to be interesting reading.

Good luck in your research.

Chad

 

[wb416]

joens once bubbled...
You do have a GUE instructor in ontario Dan Mackay in Kingston

Dan co-taught a DIRF class I was in last summer in the Detroit/Gilboa area. Definitely a class act. Also, the Detroit area is attracting quite a bit of GUE attention in the last year, and rumor has it that 1 or 2 people are attending a GUE ITC soon so they can possibly teach the DIRF class within the next couple of years.

What part of Ontario are you in?

later, wb

 

[Northeastwrecks]

Everything you do in DIR-F will have an application in OW diving. Most of the course involves performing various basic drills while trying to maintain perfect trim and buoyancy and while acting as an integrated buddy team. The rest discusses gear and diving philosophy.

There is a gentleman near Watertown, NY who teaches DIR-F. That is also a haul, but he is quite good. PM me if you want more info.

 

[Groundhog246]

cwb once bubbled...

What part of Ontario are you in?

later, wb

About a hour West of Toronto.

 

[wb416]

Groundhog246 once bubbled...


About a hour West of Toronto.

It sounds like Dan McKay in Kingston is your best bet then.
www.northerntechdiver.com

later, wb

 

[wetman]

Dan was a great instructor. He also mentioned that he'd bring the DIRF course to you if you can get enough people together. Since you're on the other side of Toronto, that may be a great option. Buy the DIRF book for sure. It was excellent and a quick read. It just exposes you to a new way of thinking compared to what you've likely seen to date. It all just makes sense once you've read it and you'll likely not look at some of the things you do the same way again. My primary buddy and I completely switched over to that approach this year. We get comments on most dives we do with people that aren't configured our way. If they're interested, we tell them a bit about why and they are usually quite receptive.

steve