where did DIR go

[ethanb]

As for DIR, some people at the shop dive DIR and some don't - it's a personal choice. I personally dive a long hose (even for recreational diving), but I use a Viking drysuit (not a DUI TLS350), dry gloves (can't handle the cold), and a Zeagle BC for OW (not a backplate and harness). I also dive solo sometimes, and I dive sidemount in caves. Other individuals at the shop are more DIR-oriented, and others are less. There are good and not-so-good divers on both sides - in WI at least, I don't see a significant positive correlation between "being a DIR diver" and "being a good diver."

My gear configuration has been continuously evolving since I started diving based on the environment and conditions in which I'm diving. I've also learned quite a bit from talking to other dives - in person and on the internet (thanks techdiver@aquanaut, TDS, and many other sites).

I've learned quite a bit from the DIR crowd, and I know there's quite a bit I still have to learn from them. From time to time I've even thought about taking a DIR-F class from a good instructor - some GUE instructors are very highly regarded and I am sure I would learn a lot. However, I've also learned many good things from non-DIR instructors and divers.

In any case, one thing I'm absolutely certain of is that the DIR "one size fits all" philosophy (that covers gear configuration, philosophy, team setup, etc...) does not apply to every environment and every dive.