Recreational Trimix Course

[Chuck_Northrup]

First of all, I would like to update some information on the EA3 course. The first class will be held Wednesday August 13th; dives will take place August 16-17th. Again I encourage anyone with specific questions, or a desire for more information to contact me directly.

Jon, thanks for your support. You can find the class information on our website under the Classes---Specialty Classes----Recreational Trimix category. For gas fills go to Equipment---Air and Gas Fills. We have done our best to keep the cost to a minimum but there is no way around the high price of helium. That has a nice poetic ring to it .

Chris, if you do not plan on diving below 100fsw do you need a helium mix? I can not answer that question for you. In my belief system a diver has to take responsibility for their own actions. What gear you use, what gas you dive, and what profiles you follow are not really for me to judge. Once a diver is certified as long as they are comfortable with their choices and accept responsibility for their decisions that is all you can ask.

The main reason Recreational Trimix has stayed out of the mainstream for so long is that many experienced technical divers and those in the industry believe that helium has no place on dives shallower than 130fsw. They are the biggest dissenters from the Recreational Trimix course. This begs the question of whether or not helium would be measurably beneficial in this range. Helium will primarily assist with reducing narcosis, some people like narcosis, it is a matter of your comfort level in dealing with it. Since it is a lighter gas it will also improve ease of breathing and reduce CO2 retention. Obviously the increased O2 content of EA3 mixes will have advantages as well. These are just a few obvious examples. To learn the rest, take the course.

Safe Diving,

Chuck Northrup
Going Under Dive Center