DIR- GUE Fundies in Mexico

[NothingClever]

Takeaway here is 3D is excellent training but you should be tough skinned and able to handle difficult personalities. Personally, I'll be checking out a different GUE-influenced shop next time I'm in Tulum.

I appreciate your candor.

I have a question for my personal edification.

Did you by chance watch any of the ‘Dive Education & How To’ and ‘Dive Gear & Tips and Tricks’ videos from GUE.tv to help prepare?

This is not intended as a PASS / FAIL question but rather a barometer check to help me gauge my own preparation.

 

[jborg]

I think this is one of those things that people will feel different about depending on their background and attitude to critique of their physical performance. I have been practicing various martial arts for several decades and am very used to taking instruction and critique on how to correct bodily movements with precision. I’ve never been happier during a diving course than when we were going through my finning videos frame by frame and getting every error pointed out to me. This may not be for everyone.

 

[NothingClever]

my finning videos frame by frame and getting every error pointed out to me.

Well, anybody can review a video and point out faults. That requires very little talent, IMO.

In my instructional role with Yamaha Champions Riding School, we “coach to a solution”. We reinforce things that are going well and then re-direct their attention to gaps in skills. We highlight in practical terms how that shortcoming will increase risk(s) as the pace picks up and then physically work with the individual (on their bike on track stands or at pace on track) to get them competent with the correct practices.

I’d have to fire an instructor who just wants to point out deficiencies. I’m paying for a TRAINING service, not a series of micro skill tests to help someone feel like an authority.

 

[Lorenzoid]

The feedback I recall getting in reviewing those videos with my instructor generally came in the form of the instructor first pointing out what I did well, and then, with the inevitable "but," pointing out in a constructive tone where I could improve. If I recall, one of the questions on the course evaluation sheet has to do with whether the instructor berated (my word--I can't recall the form's wording) the student. I hope that if @ScubaSamScubaStevesFather did not receive feedback in a constructive (though predictable) form like I believe I did, he mentioned it on the course evaluation form.

 

[jborg]

I’d have to fire an instructor who just wants to point out deficiencies. I’m paying for a TRAINING service, not a series of micro skill tests to help someone feel like an authority.

As would I, and this was maybe 15 minutes of a two day course. Why would you assume differently. Come on.

 

[Nosmosis]

I'm interested in taking a GUE Fundamental course this winter and love that there are so many options in Mexico.

My goal is to be a better diver and learn, not to start down a tech path. I'm coming from PADI/AOW with just under 100 dives, about a third of which have been backplate wing and long hose primary. I'd be doing the class in singles with wetsuit if possible since I'm not certified for drysuit or experienced with doubles, and since I don't plan to go the tech route where I'd need those skills. it makes more sense to me to train in the gear I'd be using most.

I also don't have a buddy coming along so would also need to find an open slot in a class.

It sounds like from the feedback here that pretty much all of the GUE Instructors would work but wanted to see if anyone here has any specific recommendations for instructors/facilities/lodging that is near the training area/etc.

Thanks!
Pat

I don't want to beat a dead horse here as there are lots of good posts here. I did Fundies with Emöke Wagner and definitely recommend her. I first took Fundies, earning a provisional, with Danny Riordan. Not sure that he teaches Fundies much, as it was kinda a unique situation where he came into to pick up the class from another instructor. Danny was also great, if he is available, but everytime I see him he is teaching Cave 2 or something higher up in the curriculum.

 

[sparragus]

I don't want to beat a dead horse here as there are lots of good posts here. I did Fundies with Emöke Wagner and definitely recommend her. I first took Fundies, earning a provisional, with Danny Riordan. Not sure that he teaches Fundies much, as it was kinda a unique situation where he came into to pick up the class from another instructor. Danny was also great, if he is available, but everytime I see him he is teaching Cave 2 or something higher up in the curriculum.

I took fundies with Emoke last month, and it was a very good class. I also recommend her.

 

[Barefoot_Lawyer]

I took fundies with Emoke last month, and it was a very good class. I also recommend her.

I took fundies from Emoke and Francesco in Ohio this summer. It was also a very good class. I got honest, direct feedback and encouragement. But nobody except me is going to keep my knees up. We practiced kicks floating on the surface with no equipment and a DSMB under our arms. It helped a lot, but 30 years of diving like a seahorse is hard to train out of a guy.

 

[bradStyle]

It's been some time since the OP chimed in on this post, so hopefully they found their Fundies instructor and I hope it went well.

In the meantime I just want to put in another +1 for Third Dimension. Those are my people and I really like all of the folks under that roof.

 

[Pat S]

It's been some time since the OP chimed in on this post, so hopefully they found their Fundies instructor and I hope it went well.

In the meantime I just want to put in another +1 for Third Dimension. Those are my people and I really like all of the folks under that roof.

Haha. OP here.

I did decide to take Fundies from Laurent at Zero Gravity and will be there next week for the class.

I’ll follow back up with my thoughts after. Thanks to all for the advice and recommendations.