Weight Issues & DIR

[Lorenzoid]

Hmm I dont think so... I havent heard of him much.

I don't know if he's in Singapore as much as he used to be--I come across articles mentioning that he's been here and there around the world, working on projects and teaching of course. But he's a big name in the GUE world. Apparently well liked. I have never met him. Most GUE instructors are glad to spend a few minutes chatting on the phone or replying to a written inquiry, so you would have nothing to lose by contacting him.

That said, if you don't feel like jumping into DIR at the moment, then don't. You seem to like that BC, like the way you have been diving, and have some future modifications in mind to test out. That sounds like a perfectable reasonable way to go.

 

[llTritaTutto]

Im not sure if this is the right question and right person to ask you, but do I need a GUE fundamental course now necessarily?

 

[Still Kicking]

Gideon assisted with my Tech 1 class as part of his IDC way back when. He is squared away and a nice guy. A great mentor.

It looks as though he's teaching all over the world but if he can't fit you into his schedule I bet he knows a good instructor who can.

 

[llTritaTutto]

How much was your course?

 

[Still Kicking]

Im not sure if this is the right question and right person to ask you, but do I need a GUE fundamental course now necessarily?

If you want to go down the DIR path, it would be a good logical step.

 

[johndiver999]

Scanned the responses and didn't see this mentioned. Wearing one weight on the belt, placed at the rear center of the belt is going to be uncomfortable, somewhat unstable, more easily trapped by the BC and a bad idea.

A better idea is (as mentioned by other - get a rubber belt) and place two pieces of lead on the belt. You can purchase weights down to the 1 lb size, so you should be able to accomplish this. Wearing small weights on a rubber belt with the weight located on your hip crest (or preferably just forward of it), will place ballast more below you improving stability, but it will also be more comfortable and won't have any tendency to spin or rotate around your waist. The rubber belt will cling to your body and allow you to comfortably wear it just below your waist harness straps NOT under it.

I wear my weight belt under the crotch strap. It will be slower to ditch, but much easier to put on. If you are wearing a belt with less than 3-4 lbs on it, ditching it super fast is probably not a safety issue anyway - more convenience. Try wearing it under harness and crotch strap and see how it feels. After several times of dressing and undressing, you will gain confidence that you will be able to open the belt and draw it away from your body when worn in that position.

 

[Still Kicking]

How much was your course?

Tech 1? I don't remember.

 

[llTritaTutto]

Ah I mean I just finished my AOW in June 2024, Im very fresh… I was considering doing more dives first before taking another class. I dont even know if I should take a DIR class, since I havent thought of it before

 

[Still Kicking]

Scanned the responses and didn't see this mentioned. Wearing one weight on the belt, placed at the rear center of the belt is going to be uncomfortable, somewhat unstable, more easily trapped by the BC and a bad idea.

I did bring up the discomfort issue near the top but it also occurs to me that it's not good for the wing either. There's a good chance the wing is going to get pinched between the weight and the plate and you'll end up with a bunch of pinch flats (cycyling term) in your bladder. Not good.

 

[Still Kicking]

Ah I mean I just finished my AOW in June 2024, Im very fresh… I was considering doing more dives first before taking another class. I dont even know if I should take a DIR class, since I havent thought of it before

Maybe put it on your long term calendar.

It doesn't have to be a GUE class but working with someone who really understands the philosophy and who knows how to help you develop the right skillset is a great way to progress in diving.

Better diving is a journey not a destination....enjoy the ride!