I drank the koolaid!

[Leejnd]

We're on our way back from Hollywood Divers right now, feeling a little bit of sticker shock (but no buyers remorse). Charlie and I both just bought full Halcyon rigs, and I also purchased everything I need for GUE fundies, which I hope to start in November.

So y'all got yerselves an official convert!

I'd love to go diving this weekend to try out our new rigs, but I'm feeling a little foolish - I'm not exactly sure how all this stuff works! (Stop laughing!). I'd love to get some help from some knowledgable DIR divers...we're considering going to Casino Pt either Sat or Sunday, or seeing if we can jump on a dive boat. Gotta see what the weather is supposed to be like.

In any case, we just took the plunge. And you can chalk this up to the DIR dive day we did in Laguna a couple weeks ago. And Charlie is even talking about maybe doing a GUE primer. (Remember, he wasn't even interested - he just came that day to help me carry my gear! Haha!)

 

[kathydee]

Congrats! I'm sure you'll love diving the new equipment!

Good luck with your class !

 

[on_two_wheels]

Anytime you buy halcyon you'll get sticker shock. Personally, I'd never buy their stuff new. I have a bp/w but got it from another member here. Certainly quality stuff, though. My next one is going to be DSS.

What aren't you sure about as for "how it works"?

 

[Leejnd]

We haven't picked up our gear yet - some parts hadn't come in, and they have to change out our hoses etc. So we'll go down and try it all on and take it home on Friday. When I say I don't know how it all works, what I mean is - I'm changing from a console computer to an SPG, a wrist computer, things are supposed to be clipped off - I have no idea how it all comes together. Keep in mind, I've got almost 200 dives with my old gear - this whole set-up is alien to me. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but I haven't even tried it all on yet and I don't know what goes where!

 

[jenth]

I think you'll be very happy with your new purchases. And I'm glad the DIR dive day ended up being such a great success! Was great to meet you that day (though, I'm sure you don't remember me since there were so many new faces! )

I don't see any local shore dives coming up in my calendar, but if I do, I'll let you know. In the meantime, though, feel free to ask any questions on the boards or to PM any of us! If I don't have the answer, chances are I know someone who does.

Have fun with your class!! Who are you taking it with? All this talk about Fundies makes me want to take it again!!

 

[Leejnd]

I'm taking it with Steve Millington. He was kind enough to dive with me in Laguna, and I felt very comfortable with his instructional technique. I'm very excited (and a little bit nervous!) about getting started.

 

[on_two_wheels]

We haven't picked up our gear yet - some parts hadn't come in, and they have to change out our hoses etc. So we'll go down and try it all on and take it home on Friday. When I say I don't know how it all works, what I mean is - I'm changing from a console computer to an SPG, a wrist computer, things are supposed to be clipped off - I have no idea how it all comes together. Keep in mind, I've got almost 200 dives with my old gear - this whole set-up is alien to me. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but I haven't even tried it all on yet and I don't know what goes where!

Gotcha. I'm not DIR nor intend to be. I'll just keep diving DIRong (as my buddy says) even though my rig is essentially compliant. I just don't always carry a can light, extra mask, use an AI computer, etc. Thank goodness for excellent mentorship. Now I pay it forward any chance I get.

 

[Codyjp]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

That is exciting news. Halcyon gear isn't cheap but it is well built and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Your in for a completely new adventure but once the kinks are worked out I think you'll love it. What is even more exciting to hear is that your husband is also considering taking a course! After Steve, Karim and Bob put on their spiel at the GUE demo days last weekend I looked at my wife Leslie and said, "who could NOT be inspired by that?" It really will change the way you dive and also the amount of fun your going to have!

If at all possible see if you can get out with Steve or Karim to get your gear fitted properly. I think most of us tried to do it ourselves with only moderate success. I'm not entirely sure of the plans this weekend but I'd suspect that somebody will be able to get out for a local dive at least.

Also keep in mind that Steve M. and Bob will also be co teaching a fundies class just after Christmas. Talk to Steve about that one as there are still just a few spots left.

I'm glad we had a positive effect at the DIR day! We owe it to Nicole for putting that event together! I was also talking to some of the San Diego crowd last weekend and we thought about doing another one, this time maybe in the SD area... Stay tuned!

 

[kathydee]

Keep in mind, I've got almost 200 dives with my old gear - this whole set-up is alien to me. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but I haven't even tried it all on yet and I don't know what goes where!

I think you'll find the new set up very efficient and easy to adust to. I had logged about 100 dives when I switched to DIR equipment.

Immediately loved the bp/wing and remember being surprised at how efficient the placement of the back up reg, back up lights, spg, compass, wrist gauge, knife, etc. felt - they were exactly where I needed them and nothing was in the way or dangling .

 

[Kevrumbo]

LeeAnne,

I've got two plain "brass & glass" Scubapro spg's in imperial units PSI that I don't use anymore (switched over to the Metric System and now use the spg in bar units for both recreational & tech diving).

Let me know if you want 'em. . .