Dive instructors

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A note on gear set-up.

I was fortunate enough to take my open water with an instructor who subscribed to the DIR set up.  I took my open water in South Padre Island, Texas with Timothy O'Leary, who happens to be the head guy for technical diving operations of NAUI.  The gear was a little more expensive than I had planned on, but do not for a minute regret making the decision.  At the time, I didn't know how far my diving was going to go.  It has progressed into cavern and cave diving, wreck penetration, advanced Nitrox and stage decompression diving, ice diving, diving with doubles, etc. etc.

I have been able to use my initial gear set up for all these different diving activities and can regularly change back and forth the components to accommodate my level of diving.  The initial basic appeal of this set up was to streamline approach minimizing drag saving effort and air to get longer dives and enjoy them more. I do not follow all recomendations for this set-up, and have changed it a little to accommodate my personal needs. It is what works for me.

Even though Smith does not cater to this type of diving,  I have been very satisfied, especially with their commitment to training and would highly recommend them to anybody seeking to further their education.  They gave me the initial confidence to pursue the path I am now taking.  They have also trained or are training,  The other six members of my family 8)