Gas & Dive Planning
Rock Bottom Calculator: Minimum Gas by Depth, With the Formula
How to calculate rock bottom (minimum gas) the UTD way, with values from 40 to 100 feet for an aluminum 80 and an HP100 and a worked example.
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14 articlesDIR Foundations
GUE vs UTD vs Hogarthian: How the DIR Family Tree Differs
Hogarthian is a gear configuration, DIR is a system, and GUE and UTD are training agencies built on it. How they relate, how they differ and how to choose.
DIR Foundations
Is DIR Diving Elitist? An Honest Answer From a DIR Instructor
DIR has a reputation for arrogance, and some of it was earned. Where it came from, what the system actually asks of you, and how good DIR training should feel.
Gear Configuration
Backplate and Wing vs Jacket BCD: Which Should You Dive?
A backplate and wing puts lift behind you for better trim and stability; a jacket floats you upright at the surface. Side-by-side comparison and how to choose.
Gear Configuration
Long Hose Configuration: Why You Donate the Regulator in Your Mouth
UTD primary donation uses a long-hose regulator and necklace backup. Learn the routing, left-hand backup recovery and Gardner's 7-foot hose recommendation.
Propulsion
How to Back Kick: Step by Step, Plus Why You Drift Up
The back kick moves you backward without stirring the bottom. Step-by-step technique, the drills that help, and how to fix rising while you kick back.
Buoyancy, Trim & Breathing
Horizontal Trim: Why Your Feet Sink and How to Fix It
If your feet sink when you stop kicking, the cause is usually weight placement or posture, not buoyancy. How to diagnose your trim and fix it in order.
San Diego
DIR and Technical Diving in San Diego: Where to Train and Dive
San Diego's cold water, kelp, canyons and wrecks make it a serious training ground. Conditions by season, where to dive and how to train DIR here.
Training Path
How to Become a Technical Diver: The Training Path
Technical diving starts with skills, not gear. The UTD training path from recreational diver to Tech 1, the prerequisites, and how to know you're ready.
Gas & Dive Planning
Gas Management for Recreational Divers: Rock Bottom, Turn Pressure and Thirds
Plan reserve gas for two divers to reach the next available gas source. Rock bottom, usable gas and turn pressure, with worked examples.
Propulsion
Scuba Finning Techniques: The 5 Kicks Every Diver Should Know
Frog kick, modified frog, modified flutter, helicopter turn and back kick: what each one does, when to use it and how to learn it.
Buoyancy, Trim & Breathing
How to Master Scuba Buoyancy: Weight, Trim, Breath
Good buoyancy comes from correct weighting, a balanced rig, horizontal trim and calm breathing, in that order. Here's how to fix each one.
Gear Configuration
DIR Gear Configuration, Piece by Piece
A DIR rig puts every hose, light and tool in the same place every dive. Here's each piece of the configuration, where it goes, and why.
DIR Foundations
What Is DIR Diving? Doing It Right, Explained
DIR (Doing It Right) is a team-based approach to scuba built on solid skills, standardized gear and careful gas planning. Where it came from and what it means.