fundamental schedule

[OldNSalty]

I am just wondering, I understand that fundamentals is about a 4 day course. Does anyone ever split it into 2 weekend courses or would that just ruin it? I ask because my family does not like me taking vacation without them but I am close enough to some springs that i could probably drive for a couple of 2 day courses?

Thanks techie people

 

[decompression]

UTD essentials is 3 days, usualy done on weekends and best on a long weekend.

Essentials Class Information

The Essentials of Recreational Diving class is designed to be taught over a three day period with a minimum of four dives.

Day 1. Typically the class begins with a 3 - 4 hour initial session consisting of introductions, a power point presentation including video tape of the skills to be introduced in the class.

Day 2. Begins with hands-on equipment fitting, review of gear configuration and a discussion of the pros and cons of various equipment choices. Once the gear in properly fit and configured the class then focuses on the “dry runs” of the skills and some practice before entering the water. Dry runs allow the student to practice the skills on land under the watchful eye of the instructor(s). Skills include improving diver trim, proficiency in precision buoyancy control, perfecting propulsion techniques (including learning how to kick backwards), fine-tuning equipment configurations, refining underwater communication, utilizing a team diving approach, and effective dive planning. Students will then conduct two (2) dives putting the skills and concepts learned in the morning session into actual practice while the videographer captures the in-water session for review after lunch. We conclude the day with a 1-2 hour video review.

Day 3. The third day will commence with practicing additional skills and improving on the prior days performance, during two (2) more dives which will again be videotaped for subsequent review. After lunch the class will conclude with the video review, final lecture session and student performance review.

All UTD classes are videotaped for educational and review purposes only. We believe it is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication, and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of the class. You will be evaluated during the class to obtain the UTD "Essentials of Recreational Diving" Certification. This Certification will allow you to continue within the UTD Recreational Training curriculum. Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge & in water practice.

 

[ucfdiver]

Just ask the instructor, fundies can be split into multiple weekends to accommodate schedules.

 

[elan]

Yes they split them, I have seen that many times. It does not ruin anything and actually helps as you have some time to fix the issues pointed out in the first part. And Fundamantals are not for techy people It's a rec level program.

 

[rlynch]

Yep, splits are possible, ask the instructor, if you plan to take in high springs call Doug murdy at EE.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

 

[kathydee]

Yes they split them, I have seen that many times. It does not ruin anything and actually helps as you have some time to fix the issues pointed out in the first part. And Fundamantals are not for techy people It's a rec level program.

I loved my split class. It allowed plenty of time to practice weak skills both independently and as a team, to study the material and bring questions back to the second weekend, and to sort out any equipment issues.

There are plenty of single tank recreational Fundies divers with exceptional dive skill !

 

[OldNSalty]

Cool beans! Thanks all. Kathdee leads into another question, if I am thinking in the back of my mind that someday I would like to get into wreck diving but...don't have the funds for all the cool gear or the time right now to get all the training...would it make sense to do the fundies with the intent of doing it in rec gear now and then....what? Come back and do it again in a year or so when I have some doubles? I mean, maybe I never get around to doing the wreck thing...

How would that work?

 

[rlynch]

you can do it in a single tank NP, but only with a REC pass possible. A tech pass requires doubles. just something to consider.

 

[ucfdiver]

Cool beans! Thanks all. Kathdee leads into another question, if I am thinking in the back of my mind that someday I would like to get into wreck diving but...don't have the funds for all the cool gear or the time right now to get all the training...would it make sense to do the fundies with the intent of doing it in rec gear now and then....what? Come back and do it again in a year or so when I have some doubles? I mean, maybe I never get around to doing the wreck thing...

How would that work?

Just get the skills now, you can always upgrade to a tech pass later.

 

[kathydee]

Cool beans! Thanks all. Kathdee leads into another question, if I am thinking in the back of my mind that someday I would like to get into wreck diving but...don't have the funds for all the cool gear or the time right now to get all the training...would it make sense to do the fundies with the intent of doing it in rec gear now and then....what? Come back and do it again in a year or so when I have some doubles? I mean, maybe I never get around to doing the wreck thing...

How would that work?

I think the best bet is to take Fundies in single tank now to learn the skills sooner than later.

At the beginning of the class, share the possible intent of upgrading to tech pass with your instructor, and ask for advice.

Perhaps there will be time to demonstrate the additional skills needed to earn a tech pass.

Ask your instructor the policy for a tech check off.

Polish the fundies skills after the class.

Once you've nailed the skills, you can either take a GUE "Doubles Primer" or find a GUE mentor to help you into doubles & help prep for the tech check off.

It might be useful to take Fundies using a light can (if you have one) and learn the extra skills.

Have fun & good luck!