What is, and what isn't DIR?

[shawnb]

1. Doing It Right implies everyone else is doing it by implication

2. The 'religious zeal.' Like it or not, DIRinians have a reputation of being like any 'new convert' to a new religion..

3. DIRinians brag that they can 'go anywhere in the world and dive with anyone else trained in DIR and know that their gear configuration and training will be the same.' Predictability--that's good.

4. But, the downside of that is: you can go almost anywhere in the world and find that DIR is a numerical minority in diving [a minority within a minority] and you may not be able to dive with [I]anyone [I]in your group because they are NOT DIR. Is it not true that many DIRinians will refuse to dive with those not trained in DIR also?

I'm late to this one and haven't caught up on the thread yet, but thought I'd reply anyway

@1 : I think this is in part part of what causes the division I often observe; that if I'm doing it right, your not. Not a problem from my perspective (hypothetically), but from the person who is not DIR-minded, it comes across as offensive or arrogant. When in reality, I perceive it to mean something along the lines of "a better, more safer/disciplined way of diving, considering risks and taking decisive actions (or training) to avoid them." Most other divers won't get that (when they hear DIR).

I sometimes have to catch myself from saying my "PADI" dive buddies. Why make a distinction? Sometimes there has to be, but most of the time there does not. That kind of attitude as well can be offensive.

@2 : True. I think it is just excitement most of the time. The equipment, discipline, and intensity of training just works for some people and drastically changes their enjoyment of the sport. They can't help but be excited and want to share it with other people. But that does not make it right to attempt to force it or berate others for not.

Some people do it because they like to be associated with a perceived elite group of divers. In the DIR world, they may be extermists and downright cocky about it. But those same people, were it not for DIR, may be akin to non-DIR rec divers I dive with that are constantly talking about diving like a NAVY SEAL or diving with them, or being one, or whatever. Some people just have a need to feel "above" everyone else.

I think the vast majority of the cases (I've encountered) the individuals are just excited about it and come off strongly.

@3 : There is a place for this one. A cave diver is not going to dive a cave with someone not trained for it, and a deep TRIMIX diver will not take a rec diver to 300 feet, either. When the goals of a dive calls for specific equipment or training, it is wise not to dive with someone not properly trained, equiped, or mentally fortified for such a dive.

But for a peaceful rec dive off the shores or boat there shouldn't be a strong reason other than personal preference to dive with only like minded divers.

Some people take it to an extreme.

@4 : I think DIR divers can dive with anyone anywhere in the world, they just get comfortable with similarily trained divers that more or less can handle themselves and are relatively predictable because of similar training. I've dived with many non-DIR great divers. But I've had many boat dives spoiled because of buddies that are very inexperienced and weren't ready for the dives. I don't usually take insta-buds anymore on trips I pay for. But if I had to, I'd be fine with it. Once I know them, of course, I'll do so (just not strangers unless there's a reference point from which I might build a blind trust -- i.e. referrals, friend of friend, or frequent posters on some forum, etc.).

I have many buddies that were open water trainined DIR from the get-go that need to adjust to non DIR divers when traveling abroad, or when renting standard gear equipment, but they usually fare just fine. It's funny hearing the stories of how the perceived the events, too. It's almost as comediac as some of the PADI/NAUI divers I know who meet their first DIR diver (the configuration, planning, and mental fortitude of it all can present a shock to some).

But I encounter fewer new DIR divers these days (in SoCal) that have such attitudes. Most don't like to call it DIR anymore, but I've yet to hear a better work to identify the mindset, training, and equipment configuration.

I call it "DICE" (Doing it Close Enough). Some have said "DIE" (Doing it Enthusiastically); others "DIMW" (Doing it My Way). Whetever the case, it isn't traditional recreational training and mindset, but it is recreational diving if it's not a technical dive. And by my org (UTD), its rec if it's within NDL and within depths imposed by the gas mixture (130 for air, though preferred 100; 100 for NITROX 32; 130 for Helitrix 25/25).

Beyond those depths and NDLs its technical (including overhead). Other orgs might consider the Helitrox part technical.

This seems to be changing somewhat, but then, I don't frequent other parts of the country or world so this is based on observation, not fact. I speak for myself not others and I'm not authoritive in this discussion. Take it as you will.

Thanks,
Shawn