New Diver seeking GUE in Bonaire

[Lorenzoid]

Did you intentionally miss the part of my post (that you deleted where you quoted me) where I said if I were in his shoes, taking GUE’s AOW (formerly Rec 2) should be the goal? That DOES give you a card operators care about.

No, counselor, I didn't intentionally miss it or inadvertently miss it. I agree with your suggestion to take AOW and for the reason you stated, and that is why I didn't bother including it in my quote. But if I understand correctly, GUE's AOW can be taken after Performance Diver or after Basic Fundies. So my question was whether to take Performance Diver first and then take AOW or take Basic Fundies and then take AOW. And I'd be interested in knowing what a GUE instructor, such as Mr. G, recommends in this case.

 

[wateraddiction]

You need to speak with Mr. G. as to progression after Performance Diver course. Maybe going from PD into Fundamentals Basic might be recommended. The GUE AOW is what used to be Recreational 2 and isn't a 5 dive sampler like PADI. Eight days of GUE might be too much. Heck, your husband might take Performance Diver and decide GUE isn't even for him.

Mr. G hasn't been on correspondence and I believe Douwe is focusing on filling their late Jan class so we are just waiting for more info (or a 2nd diver before something can be scheduled). Based on the threads we've read on the Fundamentals experience, GUE sounds like an ideal fit and he's happy to begin with PD and hope that a group class can be scheduled as well.

 

[SpeedyJ]

Your husband should look into local GUE communities where you live. There are local communities all around the globe that can open the door to a lot more diving. Fundamentals is a great class, but communities are where the real magic happens.

 

[wateraddiction]

If anyone has a direct email for Mr. G, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[JoeTPhilly]

If anyone has a direct email for Mr. G, it would be greatly appreciated!

mr_g@area9.dk

 

[tursiops]

mr_g@area9.dk

Also maybe mr_g@gue.com
He is also on Facebook as MrGerman Arango

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[wateraddiction]

If anyone is interested in taking Fundamentals, Feb 18-21, 2025 at Area 9 in Bonaire, please reach out!

 

[crofrog]

If anyone is interested in taking Fundamentals, Feb 18-21, 2025 at Area 9 in Bonaire, please reach out!

You're going to love it at area 9. There are a lot of great AirBNBs right around there as well that are inside walking distance. I'd highly recommend staying close to area 9 because being over to walk over there for the class makes the days a lot shorter. I spent 2 weeks diving out of area9 in September.

 

[wateraddiction]

You're going to love it at area 9. There are a lot of great AirBNBs right around there as well that are inside walking distance. I'd highly recommend staying close to area 9 because being over to walk over there for the class makes the days a lot shorter. I spent 2 weeks diving out of area9 in September.

Thanks, I booked a nice-looking 2 bd Airbnb (in Caribbean Club) right across the road from Area9 since it was the same price as a 1 bd. I read that people like to practice certain skills between sessions -- did you find that you had time to do this or were you pretty much done after course days?

 

[wateraddiction]

This. I don't think many of us have a good handle on the newly revamped GUE course progression. Performance Diver first or Basic Fundamentals first?

They suggested Fundamentals first and then if he's ready AOW (which can't practically be scheduled during the same trip since courses aren't avail on demand). They didn't embrace my husband's preference for Performance Diver (solo) followed by AOW. This means he'll probably end up doing AOW with another agency since he needs the depth certification for insurance purposes (we're diving Coz in May) and he has another 7 nights after Fundamentals is over. But I'm imagining that if the Kool-Aid is potent, he may no longer want to go with another agency even for practical purposes and AOW will happen with GUE on another trip?

I'm now looking into Performance Diver for myself since I'm anticipating it may be challenging (i.e. intolerably patronizing....) to dive together if I don't. We also have 2 newly certified Jr divers so it would be ideal if we're both consistent with them. I'm curious if GUE/DIR divers have their kids dive with a backplate/wing as well or is the gear not available in such small sizes?