Is GUE right for me?

[kokanee]

If there is one thing that I have learned from my first 100 dives it is that there is so much that I don't know! Thank you Scuba Board for helping me to see this. I have been following the accidents and incidents thread to learn what not to do and the jacket vs BP/W threads because I was in the market for my first BC, which lead me to google DIR and GUE. I like what I have read, primarily the emphasis on skills and competence. Here's the thing: 1. I am a recreational diver and have no interest in tech or caves. 2. I recently bought a back inflate BC (Scuba Pro Ladyhawk) with the traditional set up (short hose, no air2) and I really like it. FWIW, I'm planning to do a rescue class soon.

So my questions are:
1. Is it worth the travel and cost for a recreational diver? (after all, practicing CESA, buddy breathing and other skills is much cheaper!)
2. Do you have to have the DIR configuration to take the class?
3. Does having a BCD vs BP/W really make that much difference as far as trim and streamlining? I find it difficult to imagine that a little extra padding will make that much difference. ???

ALL OPINIONS WELCOME

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

I believe much of the gear is required. Do check the course description at the GUE site for current requirements

Personally i do think a bpw is a much easier solution in cold water and somewhat better in warm water. All that padding is going to add buoancy variation during your dive. You can learn to manage that but it will take longer.

Is it worth the cost -- that depends on you comfort level and the size of your budget

 

[JamesK]

Check out GUE's website for all the info pertaining to their Fundies class.
http://www.globalunderwaterexplorers.org/content/gue-fundamentals

But in short, yes, you need to be in DIR gear.

Does that gear really make that big of a difference? IMO Yes. While I can dive in a poodle jacket (hehehe) and still do everything I need to including stay in trim, have good buoyancy, etc, it is that much easier in proper gear. Of course, only you can decide if it is worth it to you.

As for if it is worth it, only you can answer that!

 

[Teamcasa]

One way or the other, despite the gear, you will become a better diver if you take the course.

 

[kokanee]

Absolutely agree that Only I can decide on the value. I guess I should have worded it as follows: Have other newbies taken the GUE primer course and how did it benefit you?

 

[drydiver]

kokanee,

1. I believe fundies is worth the travel/cost for a recreational diver, there are things taught in that class not available in most other recreational classes.
2. You should be as closely configured as possible to get the most out of class, but I don't recommend you purchase anything additional. See if you can borrow or rent one from a buddy or instructor for the class, even better, before the class to practice a bit. If you agree with the philosophical choices in the configuration, then think about buying the equipment.
3. I found the BP/w to be much more comfortable to wear and easier bubble management. I don't believe it is the padding itself that makes the difference in trim and streamlining.

I recommend reading the information on the GUE website and the many Fundies class reports that have been posted here on SB to get a glimpse into what to expect. I have taken Fundies and would be willing to answer more specific questions via PM.

Donna

 

[drydiver]

Absolutely agree that Only I can decide on the value. I guess I should have worded it as follows: Have other newbies taken the GUE primer course and how did it benefit you?

Are you thinking of taking Fundies or the Primer?

 

[Hepcat62]

1. Is it worth the travel and cost for a recreational diver? (after all, practicing CESA, buddy breathing and other skills is much cheaper!)

IMHO - it's absolutely worth it. Most members of our local GUE-affiliated group are not technical divers. They're doing some very nice, very relaxed, and very FUN recreational dives. They're simply doing them in a team-oriented way, with a level of control in the water that let's them really enjoy and experience some of our fantastic ocean life up close (without damaging it). If you are interested in underwater photography, it's a FANTASTIC investment.

2. Do you have to have the DIR configuration to take the class?

For GUE Fundamentals/Primer, yes. There is an alternative if you're not willing to make that kind of change to your gear at this point, which is UTD Essentials of Recreational Diving. Certain procedures are slightly different, but the primary focus of the class is the same. You'll need a DIR regulator configuration and non-split fins (these may be borrowable), but your existing BCD would be fine for that course. The course is often a good bit cheaper than Fundamentals, as it is typically shorter and is not a pass/fail type of course.

3. Does having a BCD vs BP/W really make that much difference as far as trim and streamlining? I find it difficult to imagine that a little extra padding will make that much difference. ???

In my experience, yes. Your Ladyhawk is positively buoyant on its own. That means more weight you're carrying to sink and more material which compresses (causing intrinsic buoyancy changes with depth). The positioning of that positive buoyancy can make positioning trim weight more difficult, and you have very limited options for how to do so. Adjusting for a "custom fit" is a bit more flexible on the BP/W, though not impossible on the Ladyhawk for "standard" body shapes/sizes. All of that tends to make maintaining precise trim and buoyancy control more difficult than it needs to be. There are also some issues regarding gear placement on the Ladyhawk, in terms of the relative usability and location of mounting points (D-rings, etc.).

All that said, the Knighthawk/Ladyhawk platform is generally a very usable recreational rear-inflation BCD. I know several people who've taken UTD Essentials in that BCD, and while they've all moved to a BP/W since they still found the class really valuable.

 

[kokanee]

Are you thinking of taking Fundies or the Primer?

Primer

 

[Rhone Man]

ALL OPINIONS WELCOME

Based on that comment, GUE is probably not right for you...