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DVD Review: 5thD-X Intro to Technical Diving
Its fair to say that one of the biggest changes to hit the diving world, particularly the technical diving world, over the past years has been the spreading of the Doing It Right (DIR) approach to dive. Based on a concept of simplification and standardisation of equipment, technique, skill and attitude towards diving, DIR emphasises streamlining, buoyancy control and precise skills.
Whilst I would not call myself a DIR diver, as I believe that title is best left for those who embrace the whole philosophy 100%, I do leverage many of the concepts, configurations, attitudes and approaches in my own diving. I guess in this sense, I could be classed as a hogarthian diver, but even then I am not necessarily comfortable in putting names onto something just for the sake of it....
Regardless of what style of diving, recreational or techical, DIR or other, you participate in, I believe that the hallmark of any good diver is a constant quest to apply critical thinking to your diving, and an approach that continuously learns from credible sources with something great to share.
It is in this class that I place this video, and others from the folks at 5thD-X/Break-Thru Diving. In the Intro to Technical Diving, the author's Andrew Georgitsis and Joe Talavera provide expert quality demonstrations of core DIR skills that will be required for a diver who is moving into twin-tank, technical diving. Skills covered include
- Buoyancy/trim
- Propulsion techniques
- Regulator and mask skills
- Manifold skills
- S-drills
- SMB deployment skills
- Deco stage deployment and stowing skills
Andrew Georgitsis is the former training director for GUE, the training agency that was founded on the DIR diving approach. Although apparently no longer associated wtih GUE, Georgitsis and Talavera demonstrate quality skills, that have been shot in clear water with much thought given to a viewer being able to see the fine detail of the skills. The skills are set to music, with voiceovers by the authors describing the skills demonstrated. The production quality is excellent.
Whether or not the DIR approach is your thing, I think every technical diver should consider having and referring to these quality videos. They will provide food for thought on key tec diving techniques, and can be an interesting asset to your library.
To be fair to the authors, they don't really talk at all about DIR at all. They really just show the skills as foundation skills for any tec diver.
Highly recommended for all considering getting into tec diving, or refining their tec diving skills.
Buy 5thD-x Intro To Technical Diving