Preparation for DIR-F

[Northeastwrecks]

I'm taking my DIR-F course in a couple of weeks. I was hoping that those of you who have completed the course, or other courses offered by GUE, might pass along anything that you found particularly useful in completing the course.

My rig is largely (excepting only fins and straps, which are on order) set up in accordance with GUE's standards.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Dan

 

[tombiowami]

Kick back and enjoy the class. Be rested as it is quite long and a lot of information. Be aware of your buddy team at all times, even if that is not the focus of the present drill or skill.

Bring lots of water and snacks to stay alert through the day.
Make a list of questions beforehand.

Listen...

Tommy

 

[sillygrendel]

How much experience should I have before taking DIRF so I can get something really useful out of it??

 

[wetman]

Do a couple dives before then at least and try to envision what your legs are doing when you're doing different kicks. Then when you watch the videos of yourself, see if that jives with what you think is going on. Several people in our class thought they were doing one thing and were doing very different things - they were quite surprised when they saw themselves. Also, if you're not horizontal now when you dive, you might want to get a few in trying to achieve that posture because thats what you'll be doing on that weekend - and you'll be in a bit of back pain (not a lot, but noticable) if you're not used to that posture. Other than that, enjoy the class. It was an excellent course and we had a fun time with it. Just watch your instructor in the water - you'll quickly appreciate the goals you're striving for.

steve

 

[large_diver]

- Get food logistics worked out ahead of time. Our course was rather time constrained. On Friday night at 10PM they informed us that we should be ready to go the next morning at 8AM and to bring lunch along to save time. Like any dive trip, come prepared with lunch, snacks, drinks, etc.

- Stretching -- if you are prone to leg cramping, stretch out just before the dives. Stretching your back out is also a good idea, given that you'll be arching that back over and over and over....

- Gear -- bring your "spare gear" inventory along (hoses, bungee, etc.). You may be making changes, so it's nice to have the spare parts if you have them.

- Get your money's worth -- not sure who your instructors will be, but the GUE folks are incredible resources. Ask lots of questions (I like Tommy's idea of writing down a list beforehand). Make sure you get multiple "opinions" on both your techiques and gear configurations......i.e., solicit feedback from each instructor. This is one thing I wish I was more aggressive about during DIRF.

Enjoy -- where are you taking it and who are the instructors?

 

[Cave Diver]

I second what Large Diver said about getting logistics straight beforehand. If it is not local to you, try to stay at a motel instead of driving back and forth, etc. For more information, I posted several links under the 'who is the final word' thread about the experiences of three of us that took the class. Reading those will give you a better idea of the class structure and what to expect.

Re: the question about how much experience, that is kind of a tough one. On the one hand, the sooner you take it the less chance you have of developing bad diving habits. On the other hand, experience helps your comfort in the water so any sort of 'changes' are not as stressful.

In my opinion, DIRF is not for a new diver still struggling with basic bouyancy control problems or who is still not comfortable clearing a mask, etc. If you feel you have a good mastery of your basic skills, then I would encourage anyone to take DIRF, as it offers a lot of information.

 

[Northeastwrecks]

Thanks, Everyone. I'll take your suggestions.

Both of my instructors, and many of my dive buddies, are DIR divers. One of the instructors has taken DIR-F, Tech I and II.

I've been taught to dive horizontally and I dive in that position. I have often wondered what, exactly, my feet are doing. I look forward to seeing that on tape. Moreover, it has only been recently that I learned to arch like I'm skydiving in order to maintain my position. That made a world of difference.

We are taking the course from Bob Sherwood in Watertown, NY. There is no question about staying over as this is at least 6 - 7 hours away. We've rented rooms in a nearby hotel.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. In the meantime, thank you again for your comments.

Dan

 

[detroit diver]

One thing I might add: Do your skills SLOWLY.

I saw a lot of people (including myself) rushing thru the skills. It does 2 things. 1-Messes up your bouyancy due to rushed breathing rates. and 2- May possibly forget a step.

Also, if you can, practice hovering without finning beforehand. If you're good at this, much of the rest will follow in line.

Most of all-have fun!

 

[O-ring]

...a good point that I still catch myself messing up sometimes with valve drills. If I rush it, I end up moving around or losing my buoyancy. Slow and steady...methodical...should be your watchwords.

Our class got cut a little short on the final video review because the instructors had to catch a plane. One of my dive buddies wrote to Marc Singer and he sent us a copy of the tape. We got a case of beer and watched it over at my place last weekend...man was it hillarious. I think we gave each other twice as much crap as the GUE instructors did when they were reviewing it..

 

[otter-cat]

Northeastwrecks once bubbled...
My rig is largely (excepting only fins and straps, which are on order) set up in accordance with GUE's standards.

Is is required to have GUE-approved (DIR?) gear in order to take DIRF, or can more common, recreational-style gear set-ups be used?