Questions: Essentials of Rec

[spc751]

I am planning on taking Essentials of Rec later this year want a little more information.

Do I need the UTD Student and Diver Procedure Manual and the UTD Essentials of Recreational Diver Manual or just the UTD Essentials of Recreational Diver Manual?

I have heard that this course certifies to 60 Feet but if I am already Nitrox trained it certifies to 100 feet. Is this true?

- Must be able to swim a distance of at least 50 feet/15 meters on a breath hold.
Am I allowed to wear fins?
Can I use any swim stroke?

-Must be able to swim at least 300 yards/275 meters in less than 14 minutes without stopping.
Am I allowed to use different swim strokes?

 

[coldsmoke]

Hi,

Do I need the UTD Student and Diver Procedure Manual and the UTD Essentials of Recreational Diver Manual or just the UTD Essentials of Recreational Diver Manual?

No, you do not need either manual for the course but they are excellent as a supplemental reference or if you're more comfortable with a book than the online lessons.

I have heard that this course certifies to 60 Feet but if I am already Nitrox trained it certifies to 100 feet. Is this true?

Essentials of Rec isn't a depth or gas certification course. If you are certified to 100 feet with another agency then you will remain certified to that depth. Essentials of Rec focuses on skills that will benefit you at whatever depth you dive.

- Must be able to swim a distance of at least 50 feet/15 meters on a breath hold.
Am I allowed to wear fins?
Can I use any swim stroke?

You must be able to complete the swim but it's somewhat up to the instructor as to how you must do it. We are actually not required to make you demonstrate it, but I personally will have all of my students do it - In full scuba gear and underwater as it really reinforces good buddy proximity. 50' isn't far, but without a recent breath it can seem like it. It really drives home just how far away from your buddy is acceptable.

-Must be able to swim at least 300 yards/275 meters in less than 14 minutes without stopping.
Am I allowed to use different swim strokes?

Again, for this class you may not be required to demonstrate it. However, if you feel like you may have problems I would recommend hitting the pool. 300 yards in 14 minutes isn't difficult and should be considered minimum fitness for pretty much any water sport. You can do whatever stoke you like, but I would recommend the freestyle stroke, the breast stroke, or a side stoke if you're not an active swimmer.


Who are you planning on taking the class with? Where in BC are you?

Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions.

Hunter

 

[spc751]

Thank you for the info. I have no problem doing 50 feet underwater with fins on. Without fins is more difficult. I can do 300 yards within 14 minutes but I switch between freestyle and backstoke.

I am in Kamloops and am in touch with Todd Powell. He is about 3 1/2 hour drive away.