Discover Tec - is it worth it?

[oreocookie]

I'm planning on taking a basic tech class sometime in the next year. My LDS is a running a Discover Tec experience in the pool in January for (i think) $99, which seemed like a lot until I considered that the going rate around here for a pool-only Discover Scuba is $40-50. For various reasons, it'll probably be at least spring before I can take the full course, so is doing a Discover Tec earlier worth it? Is there anything that may/may not be included that would make it a more useful experience? (eg trying out doubles)

Thanks for any input.

 

[kotik]

I'd advise finding out who the instructor is first, then go talk to them directly to get an idea about them-- how much experience, what kind of diving they've done, their attitude and approach toward technical diving... try to get a feel for how you'd like them as an instructor and whether you are confident in their credentials.

 

[chrpai]

Do you have more detail on what it is? With the right instructor, spending some time teaching basic skills and playing with cool toys I could see it being worth $99.

 

[oreocookie]

Here's what they say about it on their website (I've taken out the bits that aren't relevant to whether or not it's worth doing):

Interested in technical diving but unsure whether it is for you? Come out for a session in the pool with us to try out technical gear and get informed about the possibilities. You will gain experience using doubles and you will be shown skills used by technical divers under the direct supervision of one of our highly trained instructors.
The PADI Discover Tech course consists of two main parts:
• Knowledge Development briefing.
• Confined Water Dives: 1 Pool Session
[...]

What we include:
• Theory presentations.
• Technical gear will be provided.
What you will do:
• Learn Technical diving techniques including:
o Planning, organization.
o Gear setup
o Buoyancy
This certification counts toward the Dive 1 of the Tec 40 course.

I'll probably stop by the shop tomorrow to drop off my reg for service, so I'll see if I can get more info about what they teach and who's teaching it.

 

[SangP]

Personally I would question the purpose of this intro unless you are unsure about doing any tech in the first place. The DIR fundies is a lot more informative and the skills learn does aid a lot more. You'll also be able to find out more about elements of tech diving.

 

[japan-diver]

I would say that $99 for a pool session on doubles seems a bit much. If this is a full day of training with a couple hours in the classroom and a pool session maybe. Also what is the ratio of instructor to student. From the description it looks like 1 instructor and a few "technical divers" running the program. Tech diving is serious business and the instructor should be very experienced and the ratio to students should be low. I usually only work with no more than 2 teams in a class and usually one in the water at a time. Also the tech instructor should be very experienced and regularly do dives to a level beyond the one he/she is teaching. I would also find out where the tech instructor got his training from - it should show a wide range of training and expertise in the kind of diving you plan on doing. Not all tech courses are created equal - there is a huge variety of quality in instructors at this level and a poor one at this level can be very dangerous.

 

[randytay]

If you are doing valve-drills on your knees, look for a GUE or UTD instructor. Kneeling on the bottom is not a skill used by technical divers.

 

[kotik]

I believe TSandM on the board here may know a technical instructor in your area, you might ask her for a name or reference. It might just happen that it's the same instructor that does this class, since technical stuff can be a pretty small world. I imagine she would be a pretty good source for a recommendation anyway, whether or not it's someone affiliated with your shop.

 

[waterpirate]

If your shop offers the padei tec-rec program and that is the direction you are headed, I would pay the 99 bucks to find out how organised they are and if their instructor is a good fit for you. It allows you to spend 99 to save a thousand if you are not a good fit with their program.
YMMV
Eric

 

[Dive Bug Bit Me]

Tech diving is not about double tanks, a long hose and a dry suit. Its not about hanging a stage or two from your back plate. These are just small components.

To me it's about mindset and planning. Its about executing the plan without error. Its about being ready at any second for an unexpected failure and being able and ready to respond. Its about a focused clarity of thought without perception narrowing. Its knowing that if you screw up (or fate intervenes) you could get seriously injured or dead.

Sitting at the bottom of a crystal clear pool tinkering with unfamiliar equipment for a day will not give you this experience.

So if you want to know what a back plate and doubles feel like, go for it. It should be fun and I am sure you will learn something. If you want to know what tech is about, you are seeing the tip of the iceberg.

Also, $99 is the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you will spend on tech. Heck, a helium fill can run to a lot more than that out here.