dressing for tech diving? (was in What the Heck is DIR?)

[DiveCaptDean]

I have heard that there are severeal instructors in the area that make you jump through some unnecessary hoops to get the cert. What can you do, but do what they ask. You got through it. Its just a bummer that you need to go through some of that crap to get what you want.

Being that this is a DIR section, i have a couple of comments and maybe some questions. I am not DIR, even though alot of the practices of DIR make alot of sense. I do configure my gear MOSTLY DIR as a great deal of the equipment configuration makes sense to me. I have not taken any DIR classes, and have only read JJ's DIR book. I think that the general principles of DIR make good sense. ie. better health, better planning makes for a better diver..safety above all else..etc. These prinsiples are great. I am the first to admit that i could get into better shape, but dont need DIR to tell me that. I am concerned that DIR has forgotten what recreational diving is all about. I know that its policy is something along the lines of one basic equipment configuration for all types of diving with specific modifications for more demanding environments, and that a back plate and wing setup is to be used on all types of dive environments. Thus keeping your equipment in a familiar location. But, this still does not make a great deal of sense to me. I think it works great for our local diving, and i dive it happily, but when i go to mexico or the bahamas, and am diving in 40 ft with my wife, i cant see the necessity for such a rig with a 5 ft hose when an AIR2 and a bc will be very adequate. I also find this to be a great time to use a dive computer. Yet here at home i see no problems with using a bottom timer and tables. If for some reason my computer fails, ( air integrated) i am confident enough in my knowledge of my consumption and my dive watch/computer to get me back to the surface safely. At that time, if my computer is still down, I can use my RDP to let me know where i am at with Nitrogen. A concern that i have. I find that people that dive DIR tend to be very sure of their diving skills..so sure in fact that often they seem to be very boisterous with their strong beliefs in the system. While I am confident that there are many very good divers that believe in the DIR philosophy, i still have concerns. Are they ALL really that good, or are they just trained in a way that gives them a great deal of confidence, maybe not deserved. Also, it sometimes seems that DIR divers have little or no regard for other divers or their beliefs. I hope that this is not true as it would be a shame. I think that this is one reason why DIR diving is so controversial..not because of its techniques or configurations, or even its philosophies, but rather the way that some of the divers carry themselves. Please keep in mind..i am not accusing anyone, nor am i wishing to start a big argument with DIR followers. Like i said..alot of it makes sense to me..but some just doesnt. I have heard some people on this site mention that people that dont follow DIR are "clueless"..I dont think this is a fair assessment. I dont follow DIR 100% and I am confident that I am not clueless. There is one word that i just cant stand...I dont look down upon anyone that says it, but i really wish it would go away.."Stroke" Everyone needs to start somewhere, and each of us has his or her own agenda when it comes to diving. I know of several people that are just terrible in the water. I have no doubt that everyone on the planet would see them as a "stroke" But there agenda is to enjoy themselves. They dont go deep, they dive only with someone that knows their ability or lack of ability, and dont get involved with a diving situation they think they cant handle. Yet, they are out of shape, have poor boyancy skills and poor consumption rates. But what they are great at is putting a smile on their face. They enjoy nothing more that going someplace that not everyone else in the world goes to. They enjoy, over and over again the very simple things that first got all of us so excited. They just chose not to follow the path that some of us followed. Why should they be labeled a "stroke" . Once again gang, i am not trying to pick a fight...there are several people on this site who's skills and knowledge of diving are FAR superior to my own. I look to you people to enlighten me on some of my concerns. Maybe i have some things wrong...if so, i would appreciate any input. A thought that I have is, because of the bad press and controversy that surrounds DIR is probably not really based on its philosophies, maybe its divers should consider an action plan that would hlep promote DIR in a positive manner as opposed to the negative "stick out my chest" manner that is occasionally seen. Any intelligent input is welcome.

Jon, i realize that you just used the dreaded "S" word on the site. I promise you, I am not picking on you...that would not be wise on my part. But if I had to pick on someone on that topic maybe it should be you as i am confident that you will give an intelligent response and explanation.

happy diving
Deano