Spencermm
Contributor
I understand to dive here one must go thru some sort of course.
True? Can someone elaborate on this?
Thanks a ton,
Spencer
True? Can someone elaborate on this?
Thanks a ton,
Spencer
Aquarena Springs question
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Yes, you must get a scientific diver certification to dive aquarena springs. I plan on getting one sometime this fall or winter when lake travis diving starts to pale.
R
redacted
Guest
A search on "aquareana springs course" brings up a number of informative threads. This one seems to answer your question: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/texas-swamp-divers/192346-new-scientific-diver.html
If you searchg a bit more, I'm sure the springs website will pop up.
If you searchg a bit more, I'm sure the springs website will pop up.
Guba
Contributor
It's an extremely informative course detailing the history, importance, structure, and fragility of the Edwards aquifer ecosystems. I found it fascinating, and the diving is nearly unique as Texas diving goes.
One thing to remember, however, is that there is no "recreational" diving at the Aquarena Springs (San Marcos Springs, actually). Once you are certified by the science diver course, you are allowed to volunteer there. The "projects" are usually simple and easy--cleanup and "gardening" of invasive species, cleaning out the springs and such. But divers are pretty closely monitored and the staff has to know you're coming well ahead of time and must approve all activities. They aren't being horsey...Aquarena Center is governed by Federal and state agencies as well as local policy.
Have fun!
One thing to remember, however, is that there is no "recreational" diving at the Aquarena Springs (San Marcos Springs, actually). Once you are certified by the science diver course, you are allowed to volunteer there. The "projects" are usually simple and easy--cleanup and "gardening" of invasive species, cleaning out the springs and such. But divers are pretty closely monitored and the staff has to know you're coming well ahead of time and must approve all activities. They aren't being horsey...Aquarena Center is governed by Federal and state agencies as well as local policy.
Have fun!
parrotheaddiver
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Spencermm....like your avatar....Sling Blade one of my all time favorite movies....
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Spencermm
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Some of the best writing ever. I think it is Billy Bob's best work.Spencermm....like your avatar....Sling Blade one of my all time favorite movies....
Dutchman
Contributor
OK, so is this a PADI or some other certification ? Another card to carry around?
It used to be an SSI specialty through the local LDS... don't know if it still is.
But that's ancillary. The true purpose of the course is to satisfy various government agencies (with overlapping jurisdiction over Spring Lake) that you'll conform to all the pertinent regulations for diving in Spring Lake. It's quite complicated, befitting the VERY special nature of of the site.
Quite frankly, I'm surprised the government allows recreational divers in there at all. So are all of my scientific colleagues who know about it. So don't dither about... take the class and get into this lovely spot while you still can!:water:
But that's ancillary. The true purpose of the course is to satisfy various government agencies (with overlapping jurisdiction over Spring Lake) that you'll conform to all the pertinent regulations for diving in Spring Lake. It's quite complicated, befitting the VERY special nature of of the site.
Quite frankly, I'm surprised the government allows recreational divers in there at all. So are all of my scientific colleagues who know about it. So don't dither about... take the class and get into this lovely spot while you still can!:water:
I know SSI offers it. Try Tom's Dive and Swim in Austin <http://www.tomsscuba.com>. They offer the class pretty regularly. You don't have to carry a card though...just get your name on the scientific diver list at Aquarena Springs. They'll tell you all about the process during the class.
Mack down at Oak Hill Scuba also offers regular classes for this.
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