Training review - Mod 1 / Mel Clark

Twain

A few weeks ago I did my Mod 1 course with Mel Clark in Seattle. Here's a quick review for those contemplating training and looking at instructors.

The course was Mod 1 for the ISC Megalodon. There was one other student in the class, Rob D. from the UK, and we were both on the mCCR COPIS variation of the Meg. We were also both using the new v2 of the COPIS electronics.

Rob had an extensive background in OC deco diving in the UK and had previously been of the DIR camp before being corrupted to the dark side by his girlfriend (also a COPIS diver). I had substantially less experience than he but some smattering of OC deco and SCR. Rob's DIR knowledge and expertise gave an excellent flavor to the peer learning aspects of the course and I can't understate how valuable it was to have him alongside as we built, dove, tore down, and discussed the dives. If you are considering training, do not overlook the importance of who else is sharing that class and experience with you.

Also diving with us was Greg W., who served as assistant instructor extraordinaire and OC gas tanker. Beyond his rock-solid positive disposition, dives with him were valuable because they depicted the real-world-use differences between OC and CCR.

No cast of characters would be complete without Curt McNamee, Mel's husband and partner in crime. You may not think it's possible that one person can be good at both repairing a drysuit heating element and BBQing a rare steak, but he proves it.

Mel herself is a world-class instructor. I'll break this into two components.

1. She knows her stuff. She's literally written a book on it (both the Mod 1 coursebook and the Mod 2 trimix book); she dives it as her primary rig (this is important because she knows the tips & tricks that come from frequent use); she's taken the rig on the types of diving that go far beyond the course (this is important because she knows how far the rig can be taken, and what happens when you get there); and she understands the math and the technical aspects well beyond what is normally imparted in the course. In summary she knows both breadth and depth about the Meg and CCR diving, meaning she can answer not only the small random question from left field regarding practical tricks for attaching bailout bottles on boat dives, but also engage in a deep discussion about gas selection and physiology.
2. She's very good at teaching. I think this is frequently overlooked when students are choosing instruction. Mel is patient or pushy when she needs to be; clear and concise when teaching; and above all committed to producing a safe knowledgeable skilled diver. Perhaps it's empathy or perhaps it's simply having taught the material ad nauseum, but she knows the right techniques for teaching each chunk and type of material. Furthermore, Rob and I were no picnic as students and Mel subjected herself to a grueling teaching schedule, but never once did she waver from her positive attitude and support. She is not intimidating and yet demanding enough that you turn around after the course and can't help but be surprised at how far you've come in such short time. Teaching is itself a skill that is independent from diving, and Mel has that skill in spades.

I'll add one more aspect to Mel which may help prospective students: she's very, very intelligent. Some students may learn best through a rote/intuitive/practice based program; others may learn best through intellectually understanding the theory and bolting skills to that framework. Mel has the ability to teach at both intuitive and intellectual levels, which I have found rare for instructors of most any discipline.

No unbiased review is complete without giving both pros and cons. I'll give some possible cons, as well as my thoughts on each and why I don't think they are an issue:

• Seattle in February is cold. Not artic cold, but 90 minutes at 43 degrees F will give a chill if you're not dressed for it. This means a bunch of extra effort (thick gloves, thick undersuit, lots of lead) that is added to the base effort of learning a CCR for the first time. HOWEVER...if you're going to be diving your CCR in cold water afterwards, why not learn in the same type of environment? I dive mainly in Boston, so doing a cold-water course meant that as much as possible will carry directly over to my diving after the course.
• Some operations I've seen are affiliated with full-service dive shops, and this can be a huge advantage in the inevitable configuring and tweaking a rig as the course progresses. However, Mel and Curt have several decades of accumulated diving parts & pieces which they were happy to loan out, so the need for a shop was minimized.
• Dive sites are an hour away from the house/classroom. Other courses/facilities may have the advantage of being situated right on the beach, so travel time is minimized and learning time is maximized. My thought on this is...eh, it is what it is, and not all learning happens in the classroom/water. I had some great discussions with Greg about everything from arctic climbing to asian import/export business strategy.

In summary, I'd highly recommend Mel for the Mod 1 Meg course or any other course which she teaches. I have high expectations for instruction and she exceeded all of them. If I were contemplating a course I would go out of my way to seek her for instruction.

Sam

brockbr

Thanks for posting this - I've always heard great things about Mel and am interested in training with her.

Explorer

Mel is an excellent instructor. She is worth her weight in gold X 100 ....

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quickean

I can't argue with that.

Craig Baumann

Twain; that was a nice review of Mel Clark. In October 2007 I contacted TDI headquarters and they turned me onto Mel for instruction. I am a PADI diver traditionally, and a PADI instructor also.

I had the same kind of experience with Mel, and I found her to be an excellent instructor. I know Greg W. too. Thanks for your kind words about both of them. I also consider Mel Clark a friend, and it is always nice to hear good things about a friend.

CB

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