JT, you hit the nail on the head.

I'm a visual learner, and I must see it to learn it. I've been diving since
the 70's but I'm relatively new to tech diving. I have experienced equipment
overload even though I only add 1 new piece of gear per dive. I have found
that even a wimpy wallet can defiantly overrun skill levels. The ratio
should be more like 1 new piece of gear per 20-30 dives, so that it is
second nature.
Group discussions with like minded divers, where you can get your hands on
the gear, have people point out the dumb shit you are doing, and are willing
to challenge anyone, is worth it's weight in gold, or simply your life.
If you are new to tech diving (like me) ask the questions. Big fucking deal
if you get flamed. Better singed than dead.

Yakoke
Jeff Loftis


----- Original Message -----
From: "Capt JT" <captjt@mi*.co*>
To: "Todd Clagett" <toddclagett1@ea*.ne*>; "VB Tech (E-mail)"
<vbtech@ci*.co*>; "Techdiver (E-mail)" <techdiver@aquanaut.com>
Cc: <jmorris@xy*.co*>
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2002 7:13 AM
Subject: Re: Northern Virginia Tech Divers (NOVA Tech)


> Todd
> We understand the problems that you are experiencing in your area, they
are
> the same that were here. The only way it is changed is by the collective
> effort of a group. I'm sure everything will go much smoother for the guys
> up there now who wish to really dive and get correct answers to their
> questions. The new divers who chose to do techdiving as a hobby are most
> vulnerable to the risk of injury or become so over laden with gear that if
> they survive the class they are not confident enough in their skills to
> safely do a dive and then give up diving soon after the class. It is my
> understanding that there is a fair number of guys who are seeking you out
> for the information they cannot get anywhere else and yet these are simple
> things we discuss on our boat rides to and from the wrecks. Some do
> subscribe to these list but often do not ask questions for the flaming
they
> get or see others get. Then they often try to figure it out on their own
> and make huge mistakes in basic gear purchases and configuration. There is
> nothing like seeing it to fully understand it.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>       At 05:39 PM 1/18/02 -0500, Todd Clagett wrote:
>
> >We have a growing number of trimix divers, and people who want to learn
> >trimix, in the Northern Virginia area (including Baltimore and
Washington).
> >It is impossible for most of us to get down to the VB tech meetings in
the
> >summer when they are held during the week, so we will start having
similar
> >meetings in Northern Virginia.  We will still be part of VB tech but we
will
> >meet once a month up here to discuss dive trips, physiology and gear
> >configuration.  Hopefully this will be a venue that will help facilitate
the
> >diving education of people in the DC area who have no place else to turn.
> >
> >The shops up here aren't real DIR friendly so hopefully we can form a
strong
> >network of divers in this area who want to move towards DIR and improve
our
> >diving skills.  I am still looking for a place that will allow us to have
> >our monthly meetings.  The meetings will not be held at any area dive
shops!
> >
> >If you have an interest in joining us, please send me an email with your
> >name and phone number.  I will put together a roster and keep everyone
> >informed of when and where we plan on meeting.  Please tell anybody you
> >know, everyone is welcome!
> >
> >Todd Clagett
> >Cell 703-898-8906
> >
> >
> >--
> >Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'.
> >Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
>
> "You can't learn to dive on the net, sooner or later you have to get in
the
> water"
>
> Your Guide to Great Wreck Diving along the East Coast & more
>   Web Site  http://www.capt-jt.com/
> Email     captjt@mi*.co*
>
>
> --
> Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'.
> Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
>

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