Well, I managed a nightly report the first time: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/dir/119285-nightly-f-report.html
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As a former ski professional and DM, it my feeling that skiing and diving are not that similar. The ski racing analogy is not appropriate - it takes much talent, ambition, and lifetime of full- or near-full time training to reach national or international level of skiing. If one learns to ski at 45 years old (similar to my wife, a talented athlete), that skier will never learn the necessary muscle memory or skills to ski in all conditions, terrain or weather. That said, the bulk of the skiing public still has fun. Few ski instructors, at a PSIA Level 3, are not really able to ski steep slopes with marginal conditions or effectively ski a challenging or technical course. But they are still effective ski instructors. Most skiers do not need instruction at a national coaching level. Similarly, many divers do not need training from Danny Riordan or JP Brewster or even at a GUE standard.
Scuba is a way more accessible sport than skiing. As far as I can tell, GUE was designed to support underwater exploration within the farthest reaches of the aquatic realm (adapted and modified from the GUE mission statement). Most recreational divers can learn a lot from this training, but I am not sure that one needs to take Fundies in order to dive with grace and skill.
I think that the DIR/tech community might give more credit to mainstream dive instructors. Some instructors have decent dive skills and have the ability to teach those skills. A few weeks ago, I was a DM for a group of four, with two divers that just purchased a new kit (everything was new, including a BCD with an integrated inflation/deflation system). They had very poor buoyancy, trim, and gas consumption. After five dives and a bit of coaching, they had much better buoyancy and were beginning to work on their trim. With more time underwater and coaching, I suspect that they will begin to get the feeling of effortless diving, better gas consumption, and proper trim. Many divers are not interested in tech diving, nor learning how to perform delicate frog kicks. Perhaps, mainstream agency dive instructors or DMs might benefit from a Fundies class.
Hey all, my name is Ryan and I am the third diver that Guy was referring to earlier. I am very much looking forward to getting in the water with you all and learning some new things. This should be a lot of fun!
Cool! Now all we need are dates. And it's a good thing you're okay with scheduling out a ways, because I just broke my hand, and I'll be out of the water a while . . .