How Long Have You Been DIR Certified?

[FMT]

The DIR community in MN is still a bit small but is growing every year (like with the upcoming DIR-F course in June). There is a bit larger community in the Mil-lee-wau-kay (As Alice Cooper would say) and Chicago-land areas. You can ask DeepBlue what they charge but a DIR-F course is typically around 300 to 350 depending on # of students and Instructor expenses etc.

[We're not worthy.. we're not worthy.. ] ;D
T

[Mark Y]

Thanks for the information. I did go to and was not able to order anything, kept getting 'page cannot be displayed' page. Tried amazon.com but they are out of stock; used/new are available but start @ $49.95, which is more than the book originally cost! Perhaps I'll try abebooks.com . . .

I did download GUE's 'Global Underwater Explorers - General Training Standards, Policies, and Proceedures'. Will read over the weekend.

FMT - thanks for the class information & $$$.

[Deep Blue]

At Deep Blue Adventures in Milwaukee, we are planning a GUE Fundamentals class June 18, 19 and 20. The cost will be $325. The instructor should be Michael Kane.

The following information is directly off of Andrew Georgitsus's website and describes the class much more completely than I can. If you have any questions, please email me or call the store at 414-964-3483.



The “Fundamentals of Recreational DIR” (GUE DIRF) is the first step (and usually the prerequisite) in a series of available classes/workshops that are designed to introduce students to the positive concepts associated with using a DIR platform to help reach your goals, improve your skills, competence and overall increase your enjoyment of diving.

Who this class is designed for?

The “Fundamentals of Recreational DIR” class is designed for any diver that desires to get the most out of their diving. Whether you are a newly certified open water diver or a seasoned veteran many divers have found that by incorporating DIR principles into their diving practices the increase both safety and fun. Photographers and videographers will especially appreciate the detailed training in propulsion & precision buoyancy control that assists you in getting that “perfect” shot!

Class Information

The “Fundamentals of Recreational DIR” class is designed to be taught over a three (3) day period with 4 dives.

Day 1. Typically the class begins with a 3 - 4 hour initial session consisting of introductions, a power point presentation including video tape of the skills to be introduced in throughout the workshop.

Day 2. Following the initial session, the student will then receive 2-3 hours of hands-on equipment fitting, review of gear configuration and a discussion of the pro’s and con’s of various equipment choices. Once the gear in properly fit and configured the class then focuses on the “dry runs” of the skills and some practice before entering the water. Dry runs, allow the student to practice the skills on land, before entering the water, under the watchful eye of the instructor(s). Skills include improving diver trim, proficiency and precision buoyancy control, perfecting propulsion techniques (including learning how to kick backwards), fine-tuning equipment configurations, refining underwater communication, utilizing a team diving approach, and effective dive planning. Students then have two dives putting these skills and concepts into actual practice while the videographer captures the in-water session for later review. We conclude the session with a video review and a few more hours of lecture.

Day 3. The third day is stylistically similar to the previous day wherein the student will commence with dry runs on land practicing additional skills and improving on the prior days performance, then two more dives which will again be video taped for subsequent review. The class will conclude with video review and a final lecture session.

All 5th D X classes are videotaped for educational and review purposes only as we believe this is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication, and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of the class. You will leave with a blueprint of what to focus and practice and not just a C-card. Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge & in water practice. You will be evaluated during the class or at a later date (After you practice) to obtain the GUE DIRF certification card. In our F.A. Q.'s section and our Learning Center you can find out more information about the class, the equipment and skills you will be learning about.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16
Completed 5tD X registration process
Open water certification
Participants must be nonsmokers
All participants must be able to swim at least 200 yards
All participants must be able to swim a distance of at least 40' (15m) on a breath hold
The use of prescription drugs must be authorized prior to the onset of diver training by a physician
Getting Started

Check the Schedule of classes in your area
(If you are interested in coordinating a Fundamentals of Recreational DIR in your area, please contact us)
Check the Pricing Schedule
Register Online (Click here for registration)
Submit your class deposit to reserve your spot
Click here for some helpful suggestion on getting ready for a class

Guidelines

All dives are to maintain a working PO2 of no greater than 1.4
No Decompression dives, with the average depth during class of 20ft (6m) - 30ft (9m).
No Deco or Stage bottle needed
Air or Nitrox
Single or Double tank configuration
Long hose primary, and necklace style backup regulator hose configuration
Instructor to student ratio maximum 6:1 in open water, adjusting downward for environmental conditions.
Equipment Specifications

DIR's equipment configuration is designed to be simple, efficient, and consistent. To get the most from your class it is advisable that you take the course in a complete DIR style system. To better assist you in preparing for class, we have listed below our suggested equipment lists for the class. Please check out our Learning Center or consult with us if you have further questions about your equipment needs.

Back plate BC System
SS or Aluminum Back plate w/ web harness and hardware
Back inflate style wing.
At least one depth-measuring device
At least one time-keeping device
Fins: non-split variety
At least one cutting device
X-notes or Wetnotes
One spool with 100 feet of line
One surface marker or lift bag
Exposure suit appropriate for the environment you will be diving in
Regulators & DIR Hose Configuration
5 or 7 ft. Primary Regulator Hose
22 or 24" Necklace Regulator Hose
24 or 26" SPG hose
Suggested Accessories (not required, just nice if available for you):
BC mounted canister dive light w/ Goodman handle or long hose catch such as a knife pouch.
Cylinders
Single tank configuration with K, H, or Y valve (need 2 per day of diving)
Double tank configuration (1 per day of diving)
No stage or decompression bottle is necessary for this class.

[Chris H]

I realize the 6+ hour drive to Milwaukee may not be the answer you are looking for, but Deep Blue has the DIR-F book in stock. I was looking at it today.

[Deep Blue]

Actually,

We would be happy to ship the book for our cost. We can also take a credit card over the phone. Shipping should be less than $5.00.

[Mark Y]

Thanks Gert, received the book today. Does DIR require that you make the shipping package bomb proof!?!?!? Two different colors of duct tape, pilfer proof tape, carton sealing tape, and clear packing tape! Not to mention bubble-wrap that weighed more than the book! ;D

Again, thanks.

[Deep Blue]

Those anti DIR forces can be pretty sneaky. You can never be too careful spreading the word you know.

Hope you enjoy the book and glad you got it in good order.

Gert

[Dirk Diggler]

Mark Y,

All that tape is from the many numerous times the book has been returned!


...relax Deep Blue, it's only a joke ;D

[Deep Blue]

Actually, I have been told that I am already pretty relaxed for a DIR guy!!!!