t's clinic
i think one main point that should be gotten accross here is that any clinic should be thought of as a tool and not a crutch. if you think going to a clinic is going to make you a better diver, you're wrong. only YOU are going to make yourself a better diver.
the clinics are going to make you more aware of certain things and certain paths that can take you towards your goals. tanya's clinic is only two days, and when i went, it only had about an hour in open water.
it's taken me many months to put what she tought me into practice. i felt she had a lot to offer, but the ability range of the students could dampen your learning curve if you're a quick learner or more advanced diver. i think the best thing would be to actually email her. she's very open and friendly and will tell you exactly how it is. she doesn't tend to sugar coat things.
paul's a good one to talk to, too.
if people are on a critical budget, i'd recommend taking kirk's saturday safety session. i think it's about $90 or something and would make sense if it's in your area. this is especially good if you're into spearfishing.
if you're up for more of a water workout, trace malin offers a course up in a quarry in pennsylvania. i've heard nothing but good things about him. and after having spent a half a day on the phone with him, i've realized he knows his stuff and takes a very active approach towards teaching. i'm trying to figure out a way to pay him a visit soon.
but, if you're into freediving as a sport by itself, i'd definitely recommend tanya's course. i learned more things than i ever cared to know about freediving.
i know it'll all apply somewhere to my breatholding, but right now my spearfishing is focusing less and less on technique and more and more on physical condition and stamina.
i hope this helps. if you'd like to know more about what i'd mentioned, feel free to email me.
later days,
anderson
ps. bladerunner.... that light was just a small light attatched to my mask strap. it faced forward and when the pressure was great enough, the bulb was pressed against its battery contact which turned it on. and, they're settable to turn on at whatever depth you want. pretty cool, but pretty common.
