where did DIR go

[Deep Blue]

Guys, now I would be happy to pick up the conversation, I can't be on the internet all the time though, I gotta work to keep the payments up .

I agree with Chris H. on pretty much everything that he said so far. Just a couple of points that I would like to make.

There are more of us (DIR divers) out there, I just don't think they all have time, or are always willing to put up with the abuse that the more vocal proponents such as myself and Jon have to take to get the word out.

I myself, searched for a "system" for my diving for several years, before being exposed to DIR during my cave training. I firmly believe that it IS a better system for diving, provided you look at it in a holistic manner, (the way that is supposed to be taken by the way)

I have never seen anyone who really understands the entire system and has integrated it into their diving, that hasn't been an excellent diver. In fact, most have said that the concepts dramatically improved their diving.

I also want to state unequivocally that DIR is not halcyon. Ask anyone that has sat through any of the classes that we have held at Deep Blue, the name never even comes up!!!!

Halycon equipment does fit well into the sytem, as that is what it is designed to do. Originally no one wanted to make the stuff to their specs, so they created a company that would. Now just look at how much equpment is beginning to look exactly like what they make. I bet that isn't a coincidence.

Is someone who doesn't follow that DIR phylosophy automatically a bad diver? Possibly, possibly not, I do know that every diver that I have come across that really follows the system has dramatically improved their diving.

Would I never dive with someone that wasn't "DIR"? As an instructor, I really don't have an option, but I can tell you that there are a lot of dives that I wouldn't dream of doing without a diver that practiced the system. That is a personal choice that I make.

Have I in the past dove in situations that I shouldn't have with people that I perhaps on reflection should not have? Yes, all I can say now is that I have a different perspective when I look at my 5 year old and my wife and I promise them that I am coming back and that I will be careful. DIR is, for me, a central part of that promise.

As anyone that knows me will attest, I have always believed in a "kinder gentler DIR". After all, the old saying is true, you attract more flies with honey than vinegar.

I dive that way and I encourage all of my students to move in that direction. I know very few 100% DIR divers, but I know many divers that are moving that direction, to the betterment of their diving might I add. In the spirit of the holistic nature of DIR, understand that it is a destination that few will ever completely get to, but I strongly believe that the closer I get, the better a diver I become. I am sure that not everyone will agree with me, but for what it is worth, there it is.