fundies in the north east?

[jefffalcone]

I've been reading a lot about DIR over the past few months. I'm not yet convinced that I am type a DIR guy, but fundies seems like a great course. I havn't really heard of any other course like it. I want to improve my skills and fundies seems like the best way to do it. I'd like to advance towards technical diving, and fundies seems like the best first step.

How do I find a fundies course? Does anyone teach one in the north east? How much experience should I have before I take fundies? Right now I'm padi AOW certified, and I have about 65 - 70 dives. I'd like to think my skills are pretty decent for someone of my experience. Am I ready for fundies. How much should I expect to pay for a fundies course?

 

[medic001918]

Scuba Shack in Rocky Hill Connecticut teaches GUE-Fundies through Ed Hayes. As far as experience, it's subjective. You can't go wrong taking the course and you'll take something out of it either way. I'm not sure on the cost. Call them at 860.563.0119 for more information.

Shane

 

[jefffalcone]

thanks shane.

 

[rjack321]

If you can hover 2 or 3 ft off the bottom in 25ft with only a modicum of kicking and without corking to the surface just sign up for the class. The worst that can happen is you learn alot but don't pass.

If you don't have the gear and aren't sure, many instructors/shops will rent you a backplate etc. for the class for very little $$, sometimes free. Definately ask if this is a potential barrier.

 

[jefffalcone]

Thanks rjack. Hovering is no problem.

Since I plan on eventually getting into tech, do you think it is worth waiting until I get a doubles setup before I take the class?

 

[medic001918]

I would recommend not taking the class in new gear. You can take the class in doubles, but I would suggest that you do some shallow dives to learn to manage them. You want your gear to be as familar as possible to you so that you're not task loaded more than the class requires. Once you are comfortable with your gear, you'll find the required skills much easier as you can focus on them instead of new gear and the skill.

Shane

 

[TSandM]

Take the class in a single tank, if that's what you dive now. You can upgrade to a tech pass, should you decide to continue with GUE, at a later time. I did the class at 60 dives -- I think it's about optimal. Ed Hayes has a fantastic reputation as an excellent educator.

 

[jefffalcone]

Does anyone know about how much the class generally costs?

 

[rjack321]

Personally I would not wait for doubles and all that stuff (that's what I did). Just take it in a single tank and start to integrate the skills into your everyday recreational diving. When you are ready to dive doubles you'll have the foundation to figure out what is working and what is not (e.g. trim, static stability, weighting, etc.) so you'll be able to get some doubles and get familiar with them easily (at least more easily). Then just ask Ed for a tech-pass checkout to confirm that you're ready for Tech1.

Not really knowing the elements of doubles, but trying to dive them, then showing up for a class that you may or may not be prepared for (hard to know from here), is not the smoothest educational path. Faster maybe try not to be blinded by bright shiny gear Its really about "basic" skills which are universal across all OC platforms.

 

[Steve R]

Does anyone know about how much the class generally costs?

Since no-one has yet answered you, I have seen typical pricing in and around the $450USD range.

I think you are in a perfect position to make the most of your course.