Intro to Tech, to make a better Rec?

[Lorenzoid]

get in touch with @boulderjohn , ask him to "fix you"

Ah, I hadn't noticed that the OP is in Colorado. Yes.

 

[DevonDiver]

There tends to be two approaches towards 'Intro-To-Tech' courses:

1) Introducing multiple cylinder, complex gear and key drills. Jump in a pool with doubles and a deco and do some quick shut downs and air shares... i.e. a tech 'DSD'.

2) Introducing fundamental skills at the appropriate level, to enable development of core competencies as a precursor to technical training.

I think the first approach is quite negative. The second approach is very beneficial for both prospective tech divers and recreational divers seeking a stronger skillset.

 

[Birddog1911]

Yea, but then I'd have to go to New York!

 

[Trace Malinowski]

That is the downside. Even worse, cross the border and dive in a very pretty socialist nation. I'm a Pennsylvanian from the country. We like our freedom 'round here.

 

[decompression]

If you are unable to source a GUE or UTD course near you the intro to tech course might fit the bill. As DevonDiver describes it can be 1 or 2 or a mixture of both. When I teach it, I analyse the composition, skill set and goals of my students and gear the course to that end result. Certainly it can focus on trim, buoyancy, situational awareness and team protocols. All of these will make you a better recreational diver.
I'm pretty sure boulderjohn (John Adsit) can help you out there.

 

[Doby45]

GUE Fundies aren't an option for everyone due to location/time/cost.

While it may not be an option for YOU, that does not mean it is not an option for others based on the exact criteria you mentioned. Others may have no issue at all with travel, time or cost.

EDIT : And for the record I am not a huge GUE promoter but it sounds like it would be exactly what the OP is looking for. Now that the OP is aware of "Fundies" he can make a determination based upon his needs. Thanks.

 

[Lorenzoid]

. . . When I teach it, I analyse the composition, skill set and goals of my students and gear the course to that end result. Certainly it can focus on trim, buoyancy, situational awareness and team protocols. All of these will make you a better recreational diver.

And don't forget gas planning, which I understand PADI only recently starting getting more serious about.

 

[tbone1004]

all of this is part of why I'm advocating to just get in touch with @boulderjohn and ask him to "fix you". It may not be a certification card, it may be. What it is going to be is a workshop where you get to tell John what you're looking for, he will evaluate if that makes sense and may advise you to steer in a different direction, and he provides you with the tools that you want and need.

GUE Fundies with intent for rec pass is ideal for doing this if you have access to it. It's expensive and will require you or your instructor to travel which makes it more expensive. An "intro to tech" course through a shop may not give you those skills if it is focused on teaching you doubles or sidemount or whatever. That said, it may well focus on that depending on the instructor. You have a good one locally that is known for adapting courses to the exact needs of the student. I recommend leveraging that

 

[Marie13]

While it may not be an option for YOU, that does not mean it is not an option for others based on the exact criteria you mentioned. Others may have no issue at all with travel, time or cost.

EDIT : And for the record I am not a huge GUE promoter but it sounds like it would be exactly what the OP is looking for. Now that the OP is aware of "Fundies" he can make a determination based upon his needs. Thanks.

It wasn't even about me, it was a reminder to the SB universe in general. I looked up the cost once because I was curious. A couple grand for a class, add airfare, hotel, meals, a week off work...how many people are going to be able to afford that? I know a lot of divers who scrimp and save to be able to afford gear, quarry fees, additional training. A regional trip for a few days of diving requires more budget shuffling around.

By comparison, Intro to Tech is a weekend and maybe $400 including site entrance fees.

 

[Birddog1911]

I did see that there is a GUE instructor in Denver, which is about 80 miles from me. Tbone, I will likely look into BoulderJohn's classes. He mentioned in the other thread about a class that he teaches, that is probably just what I'm looking for.

Thanks for all of the advice!