Quote:
Originally Posted by liuk3
Quote:
Originally Posted by vadiver
Take a DIR-F course.
You will learn all the proper finning techniques—helicopter turns, backwards kick, frog, modified frog and modified flutter.
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How much do you have to budget in equipment purchases to take a DIR-F course assuming that you don't have any of the compliant gear? |
That depends on you, what gear you have now, and what gear you select. Anywhere from free if you can borrow all the needed gear, to several thousand dollars if you insist on all brand new top of the line gear from the most expensive companies.
Packages can make it relatively inexpensive, as can buying carefully selected used gear. I've seen it done reasonably well for $300, and I've seen people spend a LOT more.
There is a level of commitment that you will need to make, however.
You need, at a minimum:
A backplate and wing (lift should be 40# or less, no bungees)
and
Long hose regulators (~22" for secondary octo, 5'-7' primary) (NO AIR2-style regs)
and
Jet-fins (or something close enough for the instructor to ok... NO SPLITS)
That'll get you there for a rec pass.
A tech pass requires doubles and a canister light, and a drysuit is recommended.