What’s tough about Fundies is learning new things, or new ways of doing old things, then having to demonstrate them right back within the performance requirements. Without a chance to go away for a few dives to get some practice and come back, it's hard. Which is why I think you have the option of doing Fundies in two parts now.
What isn’t noted beyond the list of performance requirements is how you’ll actually be required to demonstrate them. The basic 5 may seem trivial but may pose some difficulty when they have to be done trimmed and neutral and within a 3’ margin. Propulsion (frog, flutter, helicopter, back, and modified versions) will need to be learned and/or tweaked. Then there’s SMBs to be launched the GUE way, long hose donation, and especially ascents and descents. The ability to ascend and hold stops every 10’ for a minute, sliding up to the next stop, and doing that as a team without wobbling and while task loaded will be a huge asset. Work hard on controlled ascents and descents as that is usually what people don't get a lot of practice on unless they're technical divers.
And there's classroom work as well? Learning the GUE ascent (no 15' safety stop), gas management, EDGE, protocols, etc. The days are intense from start to finish.
Many students may have had a chance to practice with other GUE divers, as was the case in my class with one student (it was her second time doing it and she’d worked hard prior to the class with other GUE divers so she passed). I mention this in case you’re trying to gauge your progress against other students - don’t.
Do not expect to pass the first time if you’ve never dived a BP/W and long hose setup, never worked skills with other GUE divers, or haven’t done some technical diving already with a Hogarthian mindset. Expect every flaw in your technique to be exposed and discussed. So set your expectations appropriately - go for the training, not the pass, as they say. Practice lots and get re-evaluated for the pass when you’re ready.
