Why not Fundies?

[TSandM]

I owned a can light when I took Fundies, but I never used it -- I had enough on my hands without that!

The new standards for the class require a can light and doubles for a "tech pass" which allows you to go on to technical training with GUE. But you are not required to have a can light to take the class, or even to take it in doubles.

 

[jonnythan]

I believe he was specifically asking about gear requirements for *the class*.

Interesting that the requirments for passing have changed so dramatically.

 

[JeffG]

might actually help.

What will?

 

[JeffG]

I believe he was specifically asking about gear requirements for *the class*.

Maybe...Only Dennis knows for sure.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Yes, just what was required for the Fundies class. I am scheduled for some Tech classes next month and a can light is required although the instructors will be lending me one.

 

[TSandM]

The requirements changed because the people presenting to take the class changed . . . Originally, it was a pre-tech class, but it's become much more popular with recreational divers who just want to improve their skills. So they broke the "pass" up into two categories, because they felt someone taking the class in a single tank, even if they passed, really wasn't ready to be passed on to their technical curriculum without at least further evaluation.

 

[JeffG]

Yes, just what was required for the Fundies class.

Well then...don't listen to what I am saying because I'm an idiot and not a mind reader.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

Interest... or more precisely... the lack of interest.

99.9% of OW divers have ZERO interest in taking such a class... and it has nada to do with the DIR image or whatever. In fact, most divers have never heard of DIR.

With very few exceptions, divers are perfectly happy diving the way they are diving. Sure... you'll hear divers on occasion say, "I need to work on my skills" or "I'd like to get better at this or that." But are they willing to put in the time, the effort, and the money? Rarely. All they really want to do is pay for a discounted, two weekend class and go diving to see the pretty fishes.

And that's what it comes down to... whether it is a DIRF, or Essentials, or any other training designed to improve basic skills... investing the time, effort, and money on one hand vs being perfectly happy doin' what they're doin'.

 

[limeyx]

The "only way to dive" comment is starting to get old, too.
I had a conversation with a WKPP member several months ago and he highly recommended not getting caught up in the "internet DIR crap", because it really isn't useful. He thinks it's pathetic that people argue over the smallest things, like whether or not the inflator hose is over the bungie or under..
He also said "DON'T do something one way just because JJ does it like that. YOU need to understand why we like it like that, before you use it."

Most people on the internet who push DIR seem to blindly follow the idea without thinking--I believe that those people are NOT DIR, because of that. They aren't thinking for themselves--and GUE's biggest push is to create thinking divers.

.

 

[Halthron]

The only thing you get out of passing DIR-F at the tech level is the ability to take Tech 1 / Cave 1 and to do so, you must take the class in manifolded doubles with a canister light. if you don't use that equipment but otherwise learn the skills and exhibit a safe attitude, you get a recreational pass, which allows you to upgrade to tech level at your own pace and/or take the TriOx class.

If Tech 1, Cave 1 or TriOx aren't on your list of classes to take then who cares if you pass at a certain level? If the object is to pick up what you can in order to be a safer diver, take the class in the gear you're comfortable with and plan on using.