SSI/TDI v PADI Tec Training

[mockney]

Thanks very much for the response, its been really helpful. I guess tstormdiver is correct it does really come down to the instructor and my LDS does have one guy that I think is excellent and he's very much into his Tec diving. But now I have read the various comments PADI vs TDI I am leaning toward the PADI courses I like the fact they front load a lot of the knowledge into the Tec 40 course... I have another LDS that offers the PADI Tec courses I have dived with them a few times so maybe I will go and sound them out regarding the courses and the progression through the levels, do they include doubles in Tec 40 training etc etc. But again thanks for all the top quality advice its very much appreciated.

 

[phoenix31tt]

This is what i've been told by a few instructors who teach both:

1. Padi materials are easier to understand and seems to be their strong point
2. It really does depend on the instructor because the certs themselves mean nothing, a good instructor would help you to get where you need to be.

For me personally, I have no problem understanding theory and material and I like the TDI course structure so i may end up with them... but i have some time before i decide and it;s still just a toss up.

 

[mockney]

Went and had a long chat with one of my LDS yesterday. They offer PADI Tec courses. After a long discussion around how the courses will be run and the equipment that will be used I have booked my Tech 40 course starting in April. They advised that doubles will be used as part of the course and have suggested to put me in their pool for a couple of sessions to get used to diving with doubles and how they work etc. Also having seen a snapshot of the materials I need to learn and process prior to the actual 'in water' elements I am impressed with the amount of learning I need to do so I had better put some actual time aside to make sure I can take it all in. This is one course I don't want to rush. I don't know how is compares to SSI because I didn't go to this level of a conversation with my other LDS but anyway for now I am happy with my decision. Cant wait to get started, but its looks as though my orange fins may have to go into semi retirement as I don't think that fits with the Tec diving mantra of wearing all black kit... But hey maybe I will just use them anyway and be different

 

[WarrenZ]

I like a bit of color to identify/make a diver stand out. Id still use my bright yellow fins except that I got some knockoff jets that only came in black for travel and they have become my go to fin.

 

[toby43]

Went and had a long chat with one of my LDS yesterday. They offer PADI Tec courses. After a long discussion around how the courses will be run and the equipment that will be used I have booked my Tech 40 course starting in April. They advised that doubles will be used as part of the course and have suggested to put me in their pool for a couple of sessions to get used to diving with doubles and how they work etc. Also having seen a snapshot of the materials I need to learn and process prior to the actual 'in water' elements I am impressed with the amount of learning I need to do so I had better put some actual time aside to make sure I can take it all in. This is one course I don't want to rush. I don't know how is compares to SSI because I didn't go to this level of a conversation with my other LDS but anyway for now I am happy with my decision. Cant wait to get started, but its looks as though my orange fins may have to go into semi retirement as I don't think that fits with the Tec diving mantra of wearing all black kit... But hey maybe I will just use them anyway and be different

Wear what colour fins you like ! It doesnt matter. Just a lot people find their rec fins are not heavy or powerful enough especially with a couple of stages. And they need to be trad full fins not split as you need to learn to reverse kick for which these are unsuitable. The LDS may be able to loan you some for the course so you could try them out. Jetfins are not the only option.

 

[toby43]

This is what i've been told by a few instructors who teach both:

1. Padi materials are easier to understand and seems to be their strong point
2. It really does depend on the instructor because the certs themselves mean nothing, a good instructor would help you to get where you need to be.

For me personally, I have no problem understanding theory and material and I like the TDI course structure so i may end up with them... but i have some time before i decide and it;s still just a toss up.

Instructor is everything. I would choose an instructor who can teach either (or iantd) even if you do PADI, it shows a level of commitment to technical diving and is an indicator of experience.You end up in the same place with either agency. I liked the TDI approach too. Less BS.

 

[mockney]

Wear what colour fins you like ! It doesnt matter. Just a lot people find their rec fins are not heavy or powerful enough especially with a couple of stages. And they need to be trad full fins not split as you need to learn to reverse kick for which these are unsuitable. The LDS may be able to loan you some for the course so you could try them out. Jetfins are not the only option.

I was kind of joking about my orange 'gorilla' fins not being Tec suitable, but you make a good point regarding split fins not being powerful enough and the 'reverse kick'... I hope the reverse kick is not a requisite of passing the course because I have tried it out on a few occasions and basically I have been rubbish!!!.

But I was thinking of dusting off my old split fins (in black) but I will think again.

 

[toby43]

I was kind of joking about my orange 'gorilla' fins not being Tec suitable, but you make a good point regarding not using split fins not being powerful enough and the 'reverse kick'... I hope the reverse kick is not a requisite of passing the course because I have tried it out on a few occasions and basically I have been rubbish!!!.

But I was thinking of dusting off my old split fins (in black) but I will think again.

Dont worry, you will get it, its just practice, lots and lots of lovely practice....

 

[DevonDiver]

Back kick doesn't feature on the syllabus of Tec40, but it's a very good tool to develop; as it helps you hold position in a team. For instance, when conducting deco in proper neutral buoyancy (assuming your instructor doesn't just let you hang off a line.....) and during skills demonstration and practice (again, assuming your instructor wants you neutral and in proper trim throughout....). Otherwise, you'll be doing 'pat-a-cake' with your team mates (pushing away from each other to arrest unintentional forwards movement)

 

[mockney]

Hmmm sounds like I need to master this skill, so any advice on how?. I'm proficient with the frog kick and generally use this style for the majority of my dives.. But reverse frog kick, I just feel like i'm pushing my legs straight back and when I try to bring them forward (fins outstretched) to give me the reverse momentum I just go nowhere... well ok as mentioned earlier I need to practise... I will make it my new safety stop activity and forget about my normal practise of blowing water rings