just coming in here to kiss your *** a bit :D

[Bob Sherwood]

many instructors will provide backplates wings and harness for people who want to take the class but do not want to purchase up front for free. there is a reason why the equipment is mandantory<G> After class you can make the equipment choice best for you. best, bob

 

[LiteHedded]

how much is the class?

 

[rollerboi]

You're in Florida. You won't have a problem finding a local instructor, so your fees probably won't be including travel and lodging for the instructor. Someone mentioned to me that the classes themselves run about $500, but I could be wrong.

 

[LiteHedded]

an expensive proposition indeed

 

[TSandM]

Well, $500 is the cost of a new back-inflate BC, or a good regulator . . .

When I took Fundies, I calculated that my instructor made about $10/hr per student for teaching the class (assuming all the money went to him, which I actually doubt). For the quality of instruction and the amount of work he did, I didn't think that was unreasonable at all.

 

[coldsmoke]

best $500 you've spent to date.

Hunter

 

[LiteHedded]

I don't think it's unreasonable, just out of my price range ATM
I just graduated from college and the money ain't exactly rolling in yet
if it was just the class without all the gear it wouldn't be as bad. in the meantime I think I'll just keep diving and trying to get better on my own
do you have to have jets or would my mares quattros work? I love these fins and jets don't fit me very well.

 

[DIR-Atlanta]

do you have to have jets or would my mares quattros work? I love these fins and jets don't fit me very well.

Any non-split fins are acceptable, according to the course standards. However, the Jetfins are preferred, and I think it does make it easier for people to perform most of the kicks, at least initially. The back-kick in particular seems a little easier to get the hang of, if you are using Jetfins.

However, it should be understood that the kicks are more about technique than gear, and it is certainly possible to do them with most any paddle fin. It's just that certain fins make it a lot easier to do the kicks well.

My biggest concern with the Quattros would be that funky fastening mechanism that they have - too many interconnecting parts (all made of plastic). To me, it looks like something that is just waiting to fall apart.

 

[Rick Inman]

do you have to have jets or would my mares quattros work? I love these fins and jets don't fit me very well.

You can take the class in the quattros. But the instructor will discus the differences between the various non-splits and the advantages of a more jet-style fin.

You should be able to find a jet that fits. The XXX is huge, and there are Turtle fins that are somewhat different, and then XX SP jets and so on.

What size shoe do you wear? What kind of boots?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

... if you feel like taking the class in the Seattle area, it's not that difficult to find some kind-hearted soul who will loan you gear for the class ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)