Technical Diving Solutions

Why I only teach divers for Global Underwater Explorers

Technical Diving Solutions offers exclusively Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) education. Why? In my opinion, GUE is essentially the Harvard of diver education. They are the only agency that is a nonprofit focusing on education, exploration and conservation. Further, they have objective standards for divers to obtain certification, mandatory qa/qc for every class and mandatory recertification process for both students and instructors. In short, they Do it Right. Having held the belief the past 15 years that one should either “Do It Right”, or not at all, GUE is the only agency that makes sense for my support.  As you can see, I am an ardent DIR practitioner and have applied that philosophy to my daily life including my business, family and triathlon career and plan to do so for my lifetime.  What do I mean by the term “DIR”? Let me try to explain.

My Doing it Right (DIR) Philosophy

When I learn a new hobby, I seek out the best to learn from. Want examples? Here are two: When I began triathlon I looked for the very best coach in the world, explained what I was looking for and he took me on as one of his only non world champion professional clients. Result, I am now one of the top ranked Clydesdale triathletes in the world. Another example is skiing, most ski instructors teach a non-skier to snow plow first but that is not how you ski as you improve. In this instance I would personally look forward the most accomplished ski instructor and racer and have them teach me the right way from day one. Does this cost more than the snow plow group? Yes, in the short run it costs much more, in the long run I am way better, quicker and have learned the right way from day one rather than acquire poor skills and bad habits that will be harder to discard as I try and progress. Result, I am now a comfortable Double Black Diamond skier. Make sense?

DIR Alternative to PADI and NAUI – Looking to Start Diving?

Are you, a friend, or a loved one a non-diver looking to learn the right way to dive from day one? If so, GUE Recreational 1 is the way to go. In fact, if you are not blown away by how much better you are in the water than non-GUE open water divers coming out of their class I will simply refund 50% of your money. How is that for believing in GUE!

What about Fundamental that I have heard so much about?

One of the best and most popular courses is GUE Fundamentals.

This class is not only a gateway into GUE further education and project involvement but provides the diver with the fundamental skills every diver should possess. What are those skills? They boil down to control and teamwork. Can you maintain horizontal trim, solid buoyancy and be able to propel yourself in any direction needed so you can maintain sight of your dive team and objectives? This class will make your dives much more fun as you gain control in the underwater environment. Is Fundamentals needed for experienced or technical divers? You bet. In fact, many “tough guy” experienced technical divers, who have been getting it done for years, but not very gracefully or effectively have opened their minds to this training and have come out grateful for how much they have improved and how much better they became in the water. Photographers go crazy for this class when they see they no longer have to circle around to take a shot, they can helicopter and back up while maintaining great buoyancy and trim so not to scare or hurt the marine environment. Newly minted divers non-GUE divers should do this class as soon as possible, before they engrain poor skills and or habits. Those that have taken the Fundamentals class gain simply a breathtaking transformation of skills where they look way better than many very experienced, but not Fundamentals trained divers who ask, how many dives have you ever done? The Fundamentals trained diver replies ...only (10, 15, whatever the number of their dives) Holy smokes! How do you do that? Fundamentals they reply with a smile.

To learn more about the specific classes offered, click on the Courses tab.