What determines a diver to be DIR?

[polkster13]

First, I am very familiar with the DIR philosophy and I have read JJ's book on DIR from cover to cover. I dive with a lot of the DIR equipment and I follow a lot of the life style requirements as outlined in the book. I was diving a BP and wing with the 7-foot hose before I even knew what the letters DIR meant (literally and figuratively).

So on to my question. What, or who, defines a diver as being a DIR diver? Obviously, at least to me that is, anyone who takes and passes the fundies class and who lives by the philosophy would be considered a DIR diver. What about the people who have not taken the fundies class? Can they claim to be DIR divers? And if not, then can George and JJ claim to be DIR divers? Of course they are, they developed the program. But what about the other divers at WKPP? Did they all take the fundies class or were they given a different type of instruction?

In other words, if someone truly believes in and dives the complete system, even though they have not taken a formal class (and I am not talking about just using specific pieces of the equipment configuration), would they be considered to be a DIR diver?

I am not advocating that anyone should not take the fundies class! I am just wondering if someone can become a DIR diver without taking any formal classes.

 

[Boogie711]

Polkster - I think it's clear you understand that DIR is more than just an equipment configuration. A lot more. But I would argue that there are many people who may think they are "DIR" but if they don't take a class or get tutelage from someone who truly is, they may be missing the boat on a whole lot.

However, like Karl said - it is a label. I guess in theory, you could be the worlds best diver with the worlds best team, be DIR and have never received any formal DIR training... IN THEORY.

But I would argue, there are a lot of people who merely THINK they are good. I used to be one of them.

 

[db8us]

In other words, if someone truly believes in and dives the complete system, even though they have not taken a formal class (and I am not talking about just using specific pieces of the equipment configuration), would they be considered to be a DIR diver?

DIR was there before the classes...
that should answer that question

Michael

 

[detroit diver]

As Boogie said, it's theoretically possible, but (my words) highly unlikely that you could just "happen" to be DIR.

It's a complete system, and missing one piece means missing the whole package. Short of being trained by the WKPP, I wouldn't know how one would amass the information and skills without taking a DIR class. It certainly won't be learned on the internet.

edit to add: And taking the class is not a guarantee that you're DIR either.

 

[VTernovski]

I don't know how would anyone become a member of WKPP unless they take some formal training from GUE. JJ and GI is an exception since when it all got started there were there among the first, so obviously they were doing things the DIR way before there even was a DIR-F class.

For me personally, even after taking 2 DIR-F classes, I don't think I am still up to the level to call myself DIR diver. I am working on it though... but, IMHO DIR-F graduates are not yet DIR, and probably won't be until they take and pass the level I classes, such as Cave I or Tech I...

 

[Snowbear]

... but, IMHO DIR-F graduates are not yet DIR, and probably won't be until they take and pass the level I classes, such as Cave I or Tech I...

Why not? Seems a DIRf graduate who practices and applies the knowledge, attitude and skills to his or her recreational dives should be allowed to claim the label if s/he wishes, even if that diver never desires to "advance" to more complicated diving?

 

[VTernovski]

Why not? Seems a DIRf graduate who practices and applies the knowledge, attitude and skills to his or her recreational dives should be allowed to claim the label if s/he wishes, even if that diver never desires to "advance" to more complicated diving?

could be... but I just can't claim that for myself yet... perhaps I am a perfectionists or super critical of myself, but I can't claim that status yet because I know I am not up to the bar yet... I see it, but I am not there yet. when I reach the bar, then I will claim I am DIR. DIR-F class does not make you a DIR diver, it merely shows you the bar, and the way to get to it...

 

[Snowbear]

DIR-F class does not make you a DIR diver, it merely shows you the bar, and the way to get to it...

True, the class does not, but I still think the bar can be attained by recreational divers without taking tech or cave level classes.

 

[VTernovski]

I am just wondering if someone can become a DIR diver without taking any formal classes.

The answer is no. you can't learn from the Internet .. sooner or later you will need to take the class to learn DIR system... better sooner than later, of course.

 

[VTernovski]

True, the class does not, but I still think the bar can be attained by recreational divers without taking tech or cave level classes.

I agree with this one. DIR is not about just doing tech diving in doubles. One can be DIR and still dive a single tank. Of course you will be limited to 100ft, but that's not a bad thing for recreational diver. Unless you take the TriOx, which is still not tech, but rather Advanced Recreational class, then you'll be good to go to 120ft., however there is a file line there since you are n a borderline with your bottom time at 120 given the proper gas management, which may speak itself for doubles.