Why Are Wing Comfort Harnesses Frowned Upon?

[Lorenzoid]

Interestingly enough, the DIR guys have been doing specimen and sample collection for years with their configuration, so to say it doesn't work is a little disingenuous. And unless your IDC friend is a member of the WKPP, I'd be hard pressed to believe that his specimen collection has been done under quite the same rigorous conditions.

Not to mention that part of the DIR philosophy, as I understand it, is to use what's needed to get the job done and not use what's not needed. DIR-minded people would have no objection to adding some special item of gear to the standard configuration if it is truly needed to accomplish some particular goal. However, I suspect that DIR-minded people could come up with something to aid sample collection that doesn't involve extra D-rings.

 

[boulderjohn]

Except Bob decided that because this site had labeled me a DIR practitioner I must be, When it's actually a label attached to me by this site which I never asked for and don't actually like - given I've never ever suggested I'm DIR nor intent to be

We are still learning about the new ScubaBoard site. In the old one, that label was purely voluntary. If you had "DIR Practitioner" under your name, it meant you wanted everyone on ScubaBoard to know that you fully adhered to DIR principles. I am going to report your situation so we can discuss this among the moderating staff.

 

[Diving Dubai]

Okay get all that about caves and where it all came from. Fully understand No arguments.

So although I'll use GUE as an example, I have no axe to grind. Ive just read a lot about them as I have an interest.

So I turn up for fundies at a normal location. Drysuit, (or thick neoprene) a DIR compliant rig of a wing and plate with steel tank (I presume you provide your own tanks?) All good, add weight and dive adjust as necessary.

The same course here in the Middle East. Exposure suit is a skin (in my case a lavacore suit) so no buoyancy, Wing Ali plate and steel tank. No additional weights but still we start off overweight. How does the system (and standards) overcome that? How does the instructor get you to the correct buoyancy?

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I would think a heavy steel plate and a heavy steel tank and no buoyant suit would be more of an issue than D-ring count. A cornerstone of their system is to avoid excessively negative rig.. (I think anyway).

I dove with George III a few times. I distinctly remember noticing the neoprene wetsuit shoulder pads he had on his harness (and he was wearing a dry suit). I figured good enough for him, good enough for me and added pads to my harness as well.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Except Bob decided that because this site had labeled me a DIR practitioner I must be, When it's actually a label attached to me by this site which I never asked for and don't actually like - given I've never ever suggested I'm DIR nor intent to be

As I understand it, in order to get that label you had to have joined the DIR Practitioner's group ... so I still have to ask, given your position on the topic ... why?

Nobody's forcing you to take a DIR class, to act DIR, dress DIR, or even support DIR. Just go diving. If a comfort harness makes you happy, enjoy it. There's nothing wrong with them ... they just aren't part of the DIR "uniform". Since standardization is one of the tenets of DIR, that should be all the answer you require ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[PfcAJ]

Okay get all that about caves and where it all came from. Fully understand No arguments.

So although I'll use GUE as an example, I have no axe to grind. Ive just read a lot about them as I have an interest.

So I turn up for fundies at a normal location. Drysuit, (or thick neoprene) a DIR compliant rig of a wing and plate with steel tank (I presume you provide your own tanks?) All good, add weight and dive adjust as necessary.

The same course here in the Middle East. Exposure suit is a skin (in my case a lavacore suit) so no buoyancy, Wing Ali plate and steel tank. No additional weights but still we start off overweight. How does the system (and standards) overcome that? How does the instructor get you to the correct buoyancy?

Use a lighter tank. Easy.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Okay get all that about caves and where it all came from. Fully understand No arguments.

So although I'll use GUE as an example, I have no axe to grind. Ive just read a lot about them as I have an interest.

So I turn up for fundies at a normal location. Drysuit, (or thick neoprene) a DIR compliant rig of a wing and plate with steel tank (I presume you provide your own tanks?) All good, add weight and dive adjust as necessary.

The same course here in the Middle East. Exposure suit is a skin (in my case a lavacore suit) so no buoyancy, Wing Ali plate and steel tank. No additional weights but still we start off overweight. How does the system (and standards) overcome that? How does the instructor get you to the correct buoyancy?

Steel tanks are not mandated for DIR compliance. Go to MX ... they use AL80's. Go to the Red Sea ... they use AL80's.

Right tool for the right job ... it'd be helpful to comprehend what the standards actually are before complaining about them ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Diving Dubai]

I never said steel tanks are mandated for anything. I don't know why you keep accusing me of complaining about the standards. Am I not allowed to question?

As it happens Steel is the most prevalent tank in our region few owners bother with Ali I happen to own 10 steels and the only Ali would be 30 or 40 CF. So what your telling me is to attend a course I'd need to go rent/buy inferior Ali tanks and train in a config I don't normally dive with. Genuis

 

[kelemvor]

I dove with George III a few times. I distinctly remember noticing the neoprene wetsuit shoulder pads he had on his harness (and he was wearing a dry suit). I figured good enough for him, good enough for me and added pads to my harness as well.

Well that really says a lot, doesn't it! Maybe he's one of the DW² guys instead of DIR. With GUE ditching the DIR moniker it makes sense.

My experience with GUE divers has been wholly positive in person. Almost enough to entice me to take one of their classes someday. Kind of the opposite experience with GUE folks on scubaboard (that's a generalization, not relating to this thread).

 

[Diving Dubai]

As I understand it, in order to get that label you had to have joined the DIR Practitioner's group ... so I still have to ask, given your position on the topic ... why?
... Bob (Grateful Diver)

FYI I opted in at one point because I had a question to ask but never bothered. I happen to enjoy browsing the technical forums because there are some topics which have interesting points from which I gain good information - rather than those on topics covering types of diving I don't participate in.

The fact that I am made to defend myself because a title imposed upon me rather than one of choice attracts such negativity by that community is a sad state of affairs.