Recommendations for GUE tech 1 instructor anywhere in the world

[San Diego Climber]

Did T1 in Mexico (Puerto Aventuras / Zero Gravity) with David Watson + Guy Shockey (it was a T1 IE). Fantastic experience, they're both wonderful instructors. Also highly recommend traveling for class to have an even more "enriching" experience; will be doing the same in February for CCR1.

 

[mer]

Can one go to Tech 1 directly from fundies (with tech. Pass) without requiring a number of dives in between?

Yes, no dives are required between tech pass and a level 1. But you do need at least 100 logged dives.

I'd also strongly suggest 25 dives in the configuration (exposure/tanks) in which you plan to take the next class.

 

[BoltSnap]

I'd also strongly suggest 25 dives in the configuration (exposure/tanks) in which you plan to take the next class.

In other words, I should have comfortable experience with doubles and drysuit prior? Makes lots of sense. Thanks!

 

[DivingEnthusiast1]

Really appreciate all the help! I think I need to post one more public message to be able to DM people. Hope I am able to after this

 

[sunshower]

Kelvin Davidson in Tulum is another good option.

 

[Dallas Edwards]

Throwing in another vote for @mer. She ticks all of your boxes IMO: she's super supportive, her pre-recorded guides/videos/lectures are the definition of "going the extra mile", and she does a good job exuding positive vibes even when things aren't going as well as you'd hope.

 

[rddvet]

In other words, I should have comfortable experience with doubles and drysuit prior? Makes lots of sense. Thanks!

Yes absolutely. I’ve been diving drysuit and doubles for close to 15 or more years. I took tech 1 at the beginning of the year and have to go back and finish. I do almost 100% of my diving in caves, so open water deco is not something I’m great at. I took tech 1 specifically for that reason. I didn’t finish (instructor gave us options. We chose to do more training rather than do the experience dives). I plan to finish in 2023. I had been out of the water for almost a year due to having my pfo fixed. I had maybe 10 dives since being cleared by the pfo dr before moving to tech 1. Even that one year break was enough for me to know my skills weren’t fully up to snuff to pass. Gue’s classes are hard. If it was a regular trimix class I would have passed. But that’s also why I chose gue. I would rather fail and have to continue in another class than just buy a cert card

Kelvin Davidson in Tulum is another good option.

Would be my suggestion. He’s who I took my class with in the above post. Mer, John Kendall, and Bob Sherwood would also be on my short list. I’ve known kelvin for many years so I chose him because he already knew my weaknesses before I signed up for the class

 

[jadairiii]

I took t2 with Gideon and he’s fantastic. John K is of course great, as well.

I'd second Gideon. Never had the pleasure of taking a class with him, but have done a few dives (and dinners) and his such a great person.

 

[vladodessit]

Hi everyone,

I have a Fundies tech pass and am looking to progress into tech 1 in GUE. I am aware that there are so many incredible instructors: Guy Shockey, Mario Arena, Gideon Liew, Richard Walker, Bob Sherwood, John Kendall and many, many others. Wanted to tap into this community to get recommendations from people who've actually taken a class with some of them.

One thing is that they are legendary divers and quality instructors, but would love to know things that are not readily apparent in their CVs such as how patient/ supportive they are, do they go the extra mile to help students get it or follow a more sink or swim approach, do they keep a positive vibe or easily show frustration/ anger. I am flexible to travel anywhere in the world, and may even prefer it for a "full immersion" diving experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

First thing, make sure that Helium is available wherewhere you are planning to go All the names you mantioned, plus the couple others mentioned, are great instructors. There are 4 GUE Tech 1 instructors in Los Angeles alone, all great instructors, I'd recommend any of them though I like some more than others. Not all of them can get helium for the class at this time, though. So, this is an important detail, factor this one in. Logistics are critical for Tech 1 class.

For very patient, very calm instructor, I'd highly recommend Steve Millington in Los Angeles. I might be biased but I love his approach. From what I know, Bob Sherwood has similar style but I haven't had class with him. Helium in Los Angeles would be a huge issue at this time. Don't know how Bob is doing with Helium right now. You could always arrange any instructor to fly to tropical destination but that usually means expensive gas. Few instructors would even be willing to use their miles for flights. Aruba is great for Tech 1 if you ignore the cost of helium (and you gotta make sure it's available).

 

[ginti]

To the OP, sorry if I arrive a bit late.

I doubt people will not recommend their instructor I would do it another way: what are you looking for in an instructor?

Some instructors teach in a very structured fashion, which is very good for some people; some are not structured but flexible, which may be better for other kinds of people.

Some instructors love to answer many questions, and if you have too many, they will go together with the class for dinner, answering all the doubts not strictly related to the course. Others may prefer not to go too off-topic to avoid confusion among their students.

Some have tons of experience with specific subjects, and some with others.

Lastly, it's a holiday, so if you want, you should consider other factors such as location, food, logistics, etc.

NOTE: there is always a basic structure behind any GUE course, as any instructor will tell you - so "flexible" vs "more structured" is not something like "a mess" vs "rigid": both approaches follow a basic structure and instructors ALWAYS give students a dose of flexibility. It's just that some instructors will stay more on one side of the spectrum or the other.

About Mario Arena: crystal clear and straight to the point when teaching, relatively flexible in managing the course, he loves discussing ANYTHING related to diving and will literally answer any question you have. He has infinite practical examples to discuss decompression issues (I asked TONS of questions).