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So last month I started a new journey in my diving career. I took a couple of ANDI technical diving courses. I learned a lot more than I thought I would. The course was taught by local tech and rebreather guru, Dave Tomblin, and I took it with my friend and employee, Bryan Tait. Although I can honestly say I’m not going to do anymore deep dives than I already was doing before the TSD course, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and left with a new perspective on dive instruction. So I have like 2000 something dives, and I figured this would be a walk in the park ... in for an attitude adjustment. Day 4 . We are on the deck of the Mackenzie around 60’, after doing a 5 min RMV (respiratory minute volume) count at 90’ . Dave has set up a triangle using his reel on the deck with three 30’ lengths, with a twist. The course he has set up runs through several sections of jagged wreckage and overhead obstacles. So at this point your thinking "yeah so what, no problem" right? Here's the catch: we do two of the lengths while breathing off our buddies 7’ alternate hose, clinging to his leg being towed through, with NO MASK. It was at this point in the dive/course that I remember saying something like “please God just get me through this and I’ll never dive below 165’ on air ever again I SWEAAAR." That’s when Bryan made it to our check point and I felt Dave's pat on my shoulder, signaling me to deploy my spare mask (he was right behind me the whole time). I felt a huge rush of accomplishment, that feeling of confidence that only comes with the real thing, experience. My point is, even with all my bottom time, a lot of it below the 150-175’mark, wreck penetration, yada yada yada, had I not taken this course and learned all these intense skill drills, I would be in tough to save myself or my buddy had things gone sideways. The point I’m trying to make is, once you think you know it all, you stop learning. And that’s usually when Murphy kicks your ass, (not you Mike). Of course we will be teaching these technical training programs on a regular basis from now on at the shop, if anyone is interested. Although I won't be teaching them for a while yet, Dave is available to us for now. I’m warning you though, its all just a trick to get your money. Just days ago I bought my first rebreather and I ran around the store giggling like a 12 yrd old mad scientist while my wife rolled her eyes. One thing will always be true, Boys love their toys. “Breathe continuously “ Dan Sidney Dive n Surf |