Quote: (Originally Posted by jkaterenchuk)
The decision to make my first step into tech diving with a CCR versus the traditional doubles route was not an easy one. As I started my investigation it soon became apparent that I was climbing uphill and against the wind. No CCR friendly facility in my area, no knowledgeable instructor and a many whispered suggestions that I was heading down a road that could only end in my untimely demise. Along with all the normal consideration regarding the initial cost of acquiring a unit, the training costs and maintenance.
I was quickly starting to feel like I should abandon the CCR route in favor of following the traditional doubles route. Then two three things happened that got me back on track and led to my recent completion of my CCR course on the Inspiration.
Firstly, I stumbled across Rebreatherworld. I jumped in with both feet and read everything ever posted about anything to do with CCR’s. I focused a lot on how others made their decisions to move to CCR and how they acquired their training. I have gained a lot of knowledge from the sharing of others on this forum and I thank each and everyone whom has made a posting. Unfortunately, I do not think you will be getting any kudo’s from my wife since every time she has wanted to talk to me in the last 3 months she needed to pull me away from this website.
Secondly, I researched the training agencies that offer CCR training. I looked at their CCR course materials and also looked at what they offered down the road for continued training and development on the CCR. From this analysis I decided that the ANDI process suited my needs the best. Prior to this investigation I knew absolutely nothing about ANDI. Now I have tremendous respect for the in depth nuts and bolts nature of their training philosophy, course materials and structured approach to building skills before adding significant task loading.
Lastly, and most importantly thru Rebreatherworld I was able to find an instructor whom is not only an expert on the unit he teaches but freely shares of his time and expertise to answer any and all questions I could come up with and many I did not think about. I could not have found a better instructor than Joe Radomski to help me and support me in my decision to go the CCR route and mentor me thru the training course. Joe traveled several hours to conduct my training, helped me evaluate and secure a unit at an extremely good price and made sure I knew both the theory and skills required to safely use the unit. These only scratch the surface of what he has done to get me started correctly on this path so that I now do not have a shred of doubt that I have made the right decision choosing CCR over Doubles.
Now I need to get additional hours on the unit, continue practicing my skills, building my comfort level. If anyone is looking for a CCR dive buddy near my location shoot me a pm.
Welcome to the silent world. It sounds like you have made a well educated and deliberate decision to go down the path you have chosen. My only advice to you is to take it slow and easy. You will make sure that you don't become a "statistic" by taking baby steps. The guys who slowly but surely build up experience and training, are the ones who "mostly" have positive experiences. Don't be in a huge rush to go deep. Gradual experience is the greatest teacher there is. Have fun, dive safe, and hang in there with the "non-breather" know it alls! (the negative comments usually come from jealousy and ignorance.)
Regards,
MixAddict