jhnsndn:
How does one become a DIR-F instructor? I've been wanting to take the DIR-F course for a while, but the wife won't let me go on anymore diving trips (at least until after the baby is born) and there is no DIR instructor in the Chicago area. So I have become a little disappointed in the lack of DIR support here in Chicago. So, since I'm a PADI instructor, I thought maybe I could eventually become a DIR instructor and spread the DIR word.
Thanks.
Duane
Brandon Scwhartz and I have taught several classes in the Chicago area, and we're in the process of setting up another class in your area, PM me for additional details on the class. But as to the larger point about becoming a GUE instructor, it's very much a mentorship type paradigm. Generally speaking you'll need to first take and pass the DIR-F class. Prior to attending the Instructor workshop you'll want to attend as many DIR-F classes with as many different DIR-F instructors as you can. Bear in mind that only some instructors are "official" mentors for purposes of attending the minimum required number of classes, but you'll quickly see that DIR-F instructors aren't about "minumums". The bar is set high and we want to keep it that way, so many instructors who have tried to crossover are slow to understand that the crossover process is much more then other agencies.
It has very much to do with fully understanding the DIR philosophy, fully understanding how to teach our methodology and in many respects fully understanding that GUE is desirous of changing the way we educate divers and changing the way the industry approaches training. We are diametrically opposed to faster, shorter and cheaper classes. We aren't looking for instructors that are willing to compromise our core values, in order to "positively reinforce" a student. We fully acknowledge that there are many other agencies out there that cater to a market that is more willing to require less, rather then requiring more. We are looking to be an alternative to that approach. The mindset and understanding is equally as important as demonstration quality skills.
Once you take and pass the DIR-F class, you'll need to attend an Instructor workshop and that after that, at a minimum you'll need to attend 3 additional DIR-F classes under the supervision of a "mentor", and then after that you'll need 2 of 3 of either JJ, Andrew G and/or David Rhea to sign you off. Every instructor candidate is different, so in other words, there is no specific structure, inasmuch as it depends on your skill level, your ability to adopt our philosophical teaching methodology, and your ability to preform at the level GUE requires. It's a long road, but I promise you that once you travel it, you'll never again approach diving instruction the same way.
Hope that helps.
Michael Kane
GUE Instructor 5027
