Is anyone interested in taking UTD Essentials? 10/9-10/11

[ae3753]

The gear requirement for Essentials is purposely kept to a minimum. We want to make this class as readily available to recreational divers as possible. The majority of what is taught and practiced during class (individual skills, dive planning, and team diving) are not equipment dependent.

The two equipment requirements are as Kathy posted:
1. 5' or 7' regulator hose (and a 22"-24" hose for bungee back-up)
2. Paddle fins

Everything else is recommended/optional.

As Ben wrote, if you want to try a backplate/wing or other gear, I have enough to outfit at least one more person (or possibly more).

However, it's best to dive gear that you're comfortable in during the class. For example, transitioning to a bp/w from any BC is often very straight forward, since the diving mechanics are the same. However, it's always easier to go into any skills class with familiar gear. Less task loading on equipment allows for better attention on other things.

 

[masterof0]

Pacificgal, This is a great class. Please don't be intimidated by it. It has a lot to offer divers of all skillsets (not to imply anything). Don't get caught up in gear requirements as this is only a small piece of what this course is all about and the requirements for this class are very minimal. I will actually be auditing this class to continue to work on my skills. If you do take the class and need anything, such a light, please let me know. I have plenty of gear if Don or Ben do not have anything available.

 

[pacificgal]

Aww, you all are sweet. Who wouldn't want to be a better diver?
For me, I want to be a smarter, safer diver, and I really don't think I got that out of my AOW class. Let me look into it, I know you need to find someone soon as the class is in a couple weeks. I'd love to meet you, Kathy, have already had the pleasure of diving with Mike G. By look into it I mean the schedule for my son and location of the class. I know it's 3 full days. I kinow I'm probably in the sweet spot with more than 50 dives but not too many I can't be taught.

 

[mikeguerrero]

Aww, you all are sweet. Who wouldn't want to be a better diver?
For me, I want to be a smarter, safer diver, and I really don't think I got that out of my AOW class. Let me look into it, I know you need to find someone soon as the class is in a couple weeks. I'd love to meet you, Kathy, have already had the pleasure of diving with Mike G. By look into it I mean the schedule for my son and location of the class. I know it's 3 full days. I kinow I'm probably in the sweet spot with more than 50 dives but not too many I can't be taught.

Kristina,

I wanted to let you know that one of the reasons I decided to dive with Don and Kathy is quite easy; the buddy system...

Long story short, when I first dove with Don he restablished how important the buddy system is; I don't like diving alone.

Diving with Kathy was an instant attraction because of her diving skills, she is totally aware of her soroundings and holds the buddy system as one of the top priorities.

When I dove with you, you had excellent buddy skills and you didn't leave me at all. You stayed attentive throughout the dive, from pre-dive to exiting the ocean you were there.

I didn't have to worry trying to find you and you made diving enjoyable and safe. I hope you will think about how good your buddy skills are and see if you can join our team.

You exhibit the qualities that I like in divers; very safe buddy system. I will dive with you anytime you want in class or out of class...

MG

 

[pacificgal]

You're awesome, Mike, thanks. I didn't want to turn this into a Kristina UTD intervention, lol, but I appreciate everyone that offered to help. I am going to make my next step a PPB specialty though, once I have the bouyancy mastered I think I would get more out of a UTD class. Mike, I know this is the class for you and that you're more than ready for it! I haven't had the pleasure of diving with Kathy yet, but I'm glad you found great people to do the class with, I've heard only great things about her, and not just from you.

IMO,the sign of a great diver is trim, the sign of a good buddy is awareness of others. I want to be both. I'll get there, practice, practice, practice, and dive with people I want to emulate.

 

[dannobee]

Don, can I bring my stab jacket and a spare air? What about my split fins, can I just tape them up with duct tape?

The gear requirement for Essentials is purposely kept to a minimum. We want to make this class as readily available to recreational divers as possible. The majority of what is taught and practiced during class (individual skills, dive planning, and team diving) are not equipment dependent.

The two equipment requirements are as Kathy posted:
1. 5' or 7' regulator hose (and a 22"-24" hose for bungee back-up)
2. Paddle fins

Everything else is recommended/optional.

As Ben wrote, if you want to try a backplate/wing or other gear, I have enough to outfit at least one more person (or possibly more).

However, it's best to dive gear that you're comfortable in during the class. For example, transitioning to a bp/w from any BC is often very straight forward, since the diving mechanics are the same. However, it's always easier to go into any skills class with familiar gear. Less task loading on equipment allows for better attention on other things.

 

[pacificgal]

I'm still a maybe, looking into a long hose tho, can't find it on LeisurePro using the search term 7' hose. Anyone suggest a better search term?
And I feel weird replacing my $130+ split fins with $30 ones, will I really continue to use them?

 

[Peter_C]

Long hose from Dive Sports Regulator Hose - Low Pressure - Black

Scuba Toys should have something too.

Both stores offer a 10% off for Scubaboard members.

http://caveadventurers.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=44_61&products_id=470

Having owned both a Halcyon and a hoses like the ones above I prefer the Halcyon for it's thinner size and therefore flexibility.

 

[Ben_ca]

Go see Frank at Any Water Sports in SJ... He'll even help you swap it out if you want him to.

 

[pacificgal]

Thanks for all the encouragement and info everyone. I slept on it last night, and just can't do it this time due to financial reasons. It will still be there once I get a few more months away from this divorce. I have to concentrate on being a little more financially responsible before I get myself into real trouble, there are some one-time expenses right now I have to finish paying before taking the plunge to do something for myself.
Sounds like a fabulous class, and would be great people to do it with, but I have to regretfully decline for now.
Don, I would seriously consider doing it after Christmas, please keep me in mind around that time.