EXPLORE

I have never had any instructor or teacher (in any domain) that has impressed me more than Kees. What REALLY helped me the most was his incredibly detailed reasoning behind every question or subject, allowing me to fully grasp the thought-process behind why things are the way they are in GUE.

What also amazed me was Kees's ability to provide constant honest feedback without dampening team morale, while still keeping the pressure high for us to challenge ourselves to do better. This is seemingly a tricky balance that I think Kees handled superbly. I could not have imagined a better introduction to the world of GUE, and am now more motivated than ever to keep training and learning.

Erwan L.

This was the most beneficial course I have taken so far in my diving career. Kees was a wealth of knowledge with keen attention to detail. With his plethora of experience he was able to not only teach “how”, but explain “why” based off of first hand experience.

The organization, adherence to high standards, and strict attention to detail during the class was at a level in which I have only experienced in courses put on by the US Special Warfare community. I not only recommend GUE Fundamentals, but Kees as an instructor to any diver out there looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Taylor V.

I have taken numerous trainings in my adult life, including mountaineering, avalanche safety, diving, and more. Kees stands out as one of the best instructors I've ever had. He clearly adjusted his style to each student's needs, and did so in a way that was extremely subtle and natural - his instruction removed all the distractions of instruction itself, and allowed the course material and answers to questions to just FLOW.

I particularly benefited from his thorough explanations of everything - I struggle to take instruction "on faith alone" and he always explained why things are done the way they are, or at least why he does things the way he does.

Sam C.

Kees was amazing, he took personal time to identify my weaknesses and a path forward to developing skills I needed to focus on. Both in water and on shore I was constantly learning and honing dive techniques.

I can confidently say I not only learned the most but also has the most personalized attention at not "Just performing skills" but finding more efficient ways to perform them and the reasoning behind every skill, rule, regulation.

Sam S.

This has been the best course I’ve ever taken! My diving improved significantly over the week, thanks to Kees’ expert guidance. The balance between theory and practical skills was excellent. I honestly wish the course was longer because I enjoyed it so much! I can’t wait to take another GUE course.

Kaylie W.

Kees upholds everything I know to be true about GUE. He embodies underwater excellence and it is clear he is preparing students for success. His teaching style clicks with my learning style, his answers are clear and comprehensive and his decisions are always very logical. He is very inspiring. I want to be a ‘thinking diver’ just like Kees and I feel his instruction has very well equipped me to be one.

Ashlie R.

Kees is a model instructor - not only skilled and knowledgeable in the content area, but is adept at "reading" the class member's abilities to absorb the information and he finds different ways to help us understand it. He is enthusiastic about the material, patient with the learning process and respectful and attentive to the situation for each student, and moves things along to assure that the important aspects are covered without it being rushed and maintaining focus on achieving the objectives of the course.  If there were other courses to take with Kees, I would do so and recommend that others do too.

Myra W.

I have taken several GUE classes at this juncture. While they have mostly been quite stimulating underwater, this is by far the class that was also stimulating above water. I think the reason for that is Kees. He has a handle on the theory (and a willingness to engage with his students) which makes it come alive in a way that the underlying material doesn't completely capture it. It felt very much like an intense discussion with an expert rather than paint by numbers.

I would happily take another class from Kees and would strongly recommend him to everyone. I am glad that I have gotten a license to tech dive, and hope to expand my background in the next hundreds of tech dives based on the strong theoretical and practical framework that Kees has built for me to grow on.

Esh V.