Intro Tech

[DwayneJ]

I think you will find the need to replace some gear no matter what agency you go through. Getting rid of my splits was the best thing I ever did. YouÃÍl find back kicking 110% more efficient when not using splits. Keeping in mind that a few agencies require a good back kick before you can advance.

You're a member of the solo-divers group. If you plan on doing this type of diving solo, you should go with TDI since GUE is very against solo diving.

You should look into Karim at Hollywood divers or Andy H who is at Ocean Adventures (I think heÃÔ there, not 100% sure)

Thanks. I will talk to Hollywood Divers and start the process of swapping out my gear. I really like my mask - I hope they can put up with it.

 

[orange_diver]

Another vote for Andy Huber at Ocean Adventures. Great instructor and he "does the dives" as well, not just teaches, which is extremely important.

Ocean Adventures number is: 310-578-9391

Andy becomes a mentor not just an instructor. His philosophy is that he trains students because he need good dive buddies. When he's willing to place his life in your hands then you know he's done a good job and you're ready.

 

[ppo2_diver]

I would also recommend Mike Kane. He's in Beverly, Hills that is.

 

[texdiveguy]

Can't be of help with your selection of tech instr/shop in Ca., but just wanted to suggest looking at an Intro to Technical Diving class such as offered by TDI. This will give you a big step toward easing the learning curve down the road. I have not taken the class (I understand it is good) as it was not avalb. when I started my technical dive training, had it been I would have considered it. Good luck and have fun..$$$$

 

[DwayneJ]

Can't be of help with your selection of tech instr/shop in Ca., but just wanted to suggest looking at an Intro to Technical Diving class such as offered by TDI. This will give you a big step toward easing the learning curve down the road. I have not taken the class (I understand it is good) as it was not avalb. when I started my technical dive training, had it been I would have considered it. Good luck and have fun..$$$$

Thanks! Lived in Dallas 10 years before moving to California and have lots of friends there. Although I had a number of friends diving in DFW, I personally did not get certified until I arrived in California.

 

[Tortuga68]

Tech diving is an expensive activity to do safely. The OP listed only about $1500 in gear he was worried about replacing. Which in the larger picture of tech diving is not that much

Agreed. But IMHO there's no point spending money replacing gear you already have if you don't need to; and by 'need' I don't mean to satisfy instructor/agency requirements - unless you feel they're hands down better than whatever other choices are open to you - I mean that will be benificial to you and your diving

If he was a new diver with no equipment, then I would think differently

 

[fnfalman]

Okay, guys, I'm stumped. Why the black mask for tech diving? I know why black masks are favored by photographers. But I don't understand the need for it in tech diving. Would somebody be kind enough to explain to this noob? Not that it matters to me because I already have a black goggle to go with my clear one, but for my own increase in knowledge.

 

[ppo2_diver]

I've never heard black masks for tech diving. I like black because it makes me look like Darth Vadar. Yes, I'm a Star Wars nerd.

 

[TSandM]

Having gone back and forth between black and clear mask skirts, I think it is true that you get more stray light into the clear skirt, and it can be distracting (make you think you're getting signals, when you aren't). But it's not a deal breaker, and if the mask that fits has a clear skirt, then it does. Low volume masks are more important, simply because they are so much easier to clear. Nobody is going to throw you out of a class, even a GUE class, for having a clear skirted mask or one which isn't optimal for volume. They'll simply point out why other choices might be better.

Anybody interested in getting into technical diving in Southern California has a lot of good choices.

 

[ligersandtions]

Okay, guys, I'm stumped. Why the black mask for tech diving? I know why black masks are favored by photographers. But I don't understand the need for it in tech diving. Would somebody be kind enough to explain to this noob? Not that it matters to me because I already have a black goggle to go with my clear one, but for my own increase in knowledge.

I picked a mask with a black skirt because all the older ones with the clear skirts turned a yucky yellow color when they got old. I don't know if it was a matter of not properly cleaning it or whatever, but I figured I'd simplify the situation by picking a black skirted mask.

Now I need a new one cause I donated my last one to the ocean last weekend....just gotta find a replacement that seals better than the last one. It will probably be black as well, unless I find a clear one that fits best.