First ever DIR class (UTD Essentials) in Las Vegas!

[randytay]

I just wanted to tell everyone that after many months of talking, discussion with my CD / Local LDS, I have finally convinced him to give DIR/UTD a shot. Jeff came to address the dive club and introduced some concepts like RB gas planning etc. My CD was very doubtful that anyone would shell out the money for some "Essentials" course that he thought was superfluous.

Fast forward one month. I got 3 person to sign up for it after diving with them a few times (although none of them are from the shop or dive club). They were totally convinced that the UTD Essentials course will help them in developing solid personal skills. My CD was very very surprised by the results of course and I am just happy that we are finally going to have a DIR team in Las Vegas!

 

[TSandM]

Randy, that's FABULOUS! Kudos to you for sticking to your guns, and for inspiring other divers!

 

[randytay]

Ok, now that the course is over, I guess it's time for a report. However, since I am not in the course but only assisting and facilitating it, I don't have a report. I do however, being the camera guy throughout the entire weekend, have a clip showing the highlights of it, so enjoy

YouTube - ‪UTD Essentials in Las Vegas‬‏

 

[leabre]

Your videos are always intrigueing. I may have to commission you for an Essentials of Video Production class. In any case, congrats on coordindating and I hope the divers post a report!

 

[randytay]

Your videos are always intrigueing. I may have to commission you for an Essentials of Video Production class. In any case, congrats on coordindating and I hope the divers post a report!

Glad you like it. Just wanted to lighten the mood after the intense training. I did ask them to write a report and thoughts of some sort but I doubt they will do it.

 

[TSandM]

Andrew should pay you for the advertising . . . a lovely, upbeat video clip! Did the divers come away with the same positive feeling that you had about the class?

 

[randytay]

Andrew should pay you for the advertising . . . a lovely, upbeat video clip! Did the divers come away with the same positive feeling that you had about the class?

One of them was extremely excited about the course and is still stoked after it, one of them really liked the course but when straight back to his console gauges, and one of them just thought that it was an excellent class on buoyancy but not sure what to think of "team diving". But I would say everyone was pretty positive about it. Me? I'm just ecstatic that finally there are at least 3 divers here who knows what the hell I'm talking about and they can help me practice my skills.

 

[leabre]

After my essentials class i went back to some of my old equipment, too, until i was able to completely reconfigure myself. It took about 4 months before i had all the right equipment. Some of my old technique also won out in practice for a while while i reached inside myself. In reality, i took rec2 6 months later which is the point where i gave myself wholly to utd/ DIR diving. At the point of rec2, for me the sysyem was all or nothing. That was where i saw the team approach truly and it was for me. Yes u see it in essentials but you are overhelmed. After u solidify your skills to the point that you are ready for more complex team building in rec 2, then you can more readily absorb the next step.Givr them time.

 

[rlynch]

Although i have not yet gone through a GUE course (I am Scheduled for Aug 6th for Primer in High Springs), I am suprised at that some of the students went right back to console's etc and percieved the class as as an advanced bouyancy class. I had thought the UTD essencials class was very similar to the GUE Primer class (with an added day of class?) and certification (UTD) vs non-certification (GUE) classes.

Anyone care to comment on the delta whom has been through both agiencies (i'm curious nothing more, but though others might be as well)

I reciently used my jacket BC, console, AIR2, old rig for the pool and well i don't like it anymore and will only use it to keep my nice gear out of the pool and to match up with any OW student requirements.

 

[randytay]

Although i have not yet gone through a GUE course (I am Scheduled for Aug 6th for Primer in High Springs), I am suprised at that some of the students went right back to console's etc and percieved the class as as an advanced bouyancy class. I had thought the UTD essencials class was very similar to the GUE Primer class (with an added day of class?) and certification (UTD) vs non-certification (GUE) classes.

Anyone care to comment on the delta whom has been through both agiencies (i'm curious nothing more, but though others might be as well)

I reciently used my jacket BC, console, AIR2, old rig for the pool and well i don't like it anymore and will only use it to keep my nice gear out of the pool and to match up with any OW student requirements.

I have not taken any GUE classes but from what I have read and told by AG, they are very similar. With regards to what the students do after the class, it is their own prerogative. Team diving is just not for everyone nor is it agreeable by everyone. As of now, it is still early to say what directions my team mates are going to take but I am pretty sure with more practice, we will be a unified team

If you are referring to the delta wings, yes I love it. I am actually going to get one next month. The main reason is that I can do both back mount and side mount with it