Learning before I buy here in the Great Lakes

diverbrian

Hi all,

I am currently an OC tri-mix diver who was introduced to this forum for one reason. The very next set of "doubles" that I buy will NOT be manifolded. One will be diluent and one will be O2. I just need to choose a model and find an instructor within the next couple of years. My primary diving is deep wreck diving in the Great Lakes.

I have various reasons for making that decision, but my first step is to learn about what I am getting into. So, I have joined this forum at the suggestion of a friend.

I hope to find some friends and future dive buddies here.

Thanks for having me here.

Brian

John Rawlings

You might want to check THIS out, since it is in your neck-of-the-woods:

http://www.rebreatherworld.com/annou...-grove-mn.html

Skipbreather

Much to yor benefit to check out the above posted link. While there’s no good (direct) way to get from the Thumb to the Twin Cities, the 11+ hour drive would definitely be worth it. Ron Benson/ GUDC owns & teaches a large cross section of RBs and has an excellent pool on site. It would be a rare opportunity to see & dive many different types at one event.

If you’re frequenting deep Great Lakes wrecks, you’re DEFINITELY on the right track to look at RBs. Just for starters: 1. Warm, moist breathing gas. 2. ONE 250 cu ft Helium bottle could provide you w/a full season’s worth of 10/50 diluent. $$$ ! 3. Getting snagged or silted out while deep no longer has the “right now” urgency it does OC. You have the reserve gas capacity to calmly & methodically find the best solution to the situation and to complete the extra deco.

Come to the Dark Side!

Ken

diverbrian

It's not a matter of if I go to the Dark Side, but when. I dive in Brockville about once per year and they really show up there. I know the reasons and don't need the convincing to switch to CCR. I just need the funds for the unit and training . While I save up to get that, I want to use that time to make a wise choice about which unit I select and shorten the learning curve somewhat.

Thanks for the link. I will definitely have to check that out. Unfortunately I can't go this time around. I have obligations to my job, but I will keep the instructor in mind.

John Rawlings

The advantage of events like this are that you can try out several CCRs and get a basic "feel" for each of them, something that can't help but assist you when deciding which CRR will best meet your needs.

Too bad you can't make it to this one, but keeping Ron Benson "in mind" as a future instructor would be a very, very good thing to do.

Best of fortune on your future CCR endeavors!

John

6Gill

I'll second the vote for Ron and GUDC, great resource when you are able to move forward with your plans. Best of luck!

bobmaggi

I'll give another 'thumbs up' for Ron - he was my Classic KISS instructor earlier this year. Excellent instructor and fun person to dive with!

I'm down here in southwest Michigan, no other CCR divers nearby, hoping that we can get some more anywhere in the area - I need buddies that can keep up!!!

Bob

diverbrian

Give it a while Bob. As I recall, I think I met you at Gilboa for our dive group meet and greet.

But, I will be doing the same thing as far as looking for buddies. Most of buddies don't even want to look at tri-mix much less a CCR. They don't want to spend the money.

That is why I made the decision this year to buy no more gear to support OC diving. I'll maintain the stuff that I have, but I have no intention of throwing any more money down the drain when I am where I am at with my decision making.

If I go with a certain model, I have an instructor in mind. He is the gentleman who got me looking at CCR and he is out of Plattsburg, NY. He has quoted me a price for the training and that includes staying at his house in Plattsburgh. But, I may decide on a different model for my needs.