Cavernmania

[Natasha]

Hi Divers:
Several of you have asked for something like this.
I think it's a great idea.
I'm in search of the perfect cavern instructor.
Since I'll be based in Florida for most of the month of July, next year.. here is what I'm thinking.
Wreckmania II for new wreck certification divers .. 4 days long
Photomania the following 3 days for underwater classes in photography
Wreckmania "Continues" for already wreck certified divers wanting to do new wrecks ... 4 days
Cavernmania the following 4 days for northern Florida caverns/ caves
Who wants to go?

:gorgeous:

 

[DivingGal]

You got me down for the photomania... (at least I hope you do), I'll have to think about the cavern. It's something I've not been very interested in - after all there is not many of them up this way. When do you need to know?

 

[Natasha]

I'm just getting a feel for what everyone wants now. I won't be taking deposits for it, for quite some time.
OK you're first on the list for Photomania. And Wreckmania Continues? I'm thinking about the West Coast of Florida for this ..or the Keys.

 

[DivingGal]

Continue the fun, more wrecks, more diving ... gee you're twisting my arm... OK.

I posted a question in the cave forum asking why dive caves/caverns.... I'm sure the answers I get there will help make up my mind. I am tempted though.

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by Natasha
Hi Divers:
Several of you have asked for something like this.
I think it's a great idea.
I'm in search of the perfect cavern instructor.
Since I'll be based in Florida for most of the month of July, next year.. here is what I'm thinking.
Wreckmania II for new wreck certification divers .. 4 days long
Photomania the following 3 days for underwater classes in photography
Wreckmania "Continues" for already wreck certified divers wanting to do new wrecks ... 4 days
Cavernmania the following 4 days for northern Florida caverns/ caves
Who wants to go?

:gorgeous:

I'm kinda slow so let me get this straight...

In one week - Wreckmania II the first 4 days and Photomania the following 3 days?

In another week - Wreckmania Continues the first 4 days and Cavernmania the following 4 days?

We can only do Florida once and since I'd really like to do Wreckmania Cont. the most I guess that's the on I'd have to go with. I'm with DG on the caverns...I really do enjoy them but only get to do them once a year and that's not good enough to stay sharp on those particular skills.

Of course I'm interested in Photomania! Especially if you dig up an instructor who knows digital cameras...hehe. Now, if you were to go with Photo and Wreck Cont. in one week, I'dbe set!

Put Beast and I down as definitely interested in whichever week has Wreck Cont. in it.

 

[Natasha]

Yes, well that's pretty much correct.
What I'm shooting for is to have Photomania in between the two wreck classes so the divers from each class can hook Photomania onto the beginnning or the end of their class. This way we over-lap and get to meet divers from both classes in Photomania.
So all the days will be on going with no rest in between. Since I'm still insearch of the perfect instructor (I'm going to the big scuba show here in a few minutes, 1000 booths) Hopefully I'll find him/her there.

But here's an example.
Looking at the 2003 calander...July 4th is a Friday. If we start Wreckmania II on that day, it will go on until Monday the 7th.
Photomania will start the 8th and go until 11th. On the 11th we will start Wreckmania Continues. It will end on the 15th, so we can get in 4 days of diving again.
Cavernmania we will need to travel up the "Cave Country" and use that day as a travel day. So it will go from July 15th to July19th with the 20th Sunday, as a travel day back, or a day to fly home.
I understand your statement that you "need to keep those skills up." What I have heard is that learning cavern skills can only improve and help with your 'regular' skills even more.
So even if you don't dive the caverns, knowing these new skills makes you a better diver, even in the quarries, oceans, and lakes.
Sound good?

 

[Spectre]

You got me interested... I'd be interested in the second week.

Curious... why not have wreckmania II and wreckmania continues back to back. e.g. first week photo the wreckmania and second week wreckmania continues and cavernmania? That way someone interested in just wrecks could do both wrecks sections in one stretch? (except that takes wreckmania off a weekend, which could cause problems to those just wanting wreckmania!)

Wow... now that I start thinking of this, I envy trip planners, this is hard!

 

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by Natasha
... What I have heard is that learning cavern skills can only improve and help with your 'regular' skills even more....

That's what I've heard too, and Gadget responded to my inquiry in detail Why Should I?

So it's a YES to Wreckmania continues, a YES to Photomania, and a strong MAYBE to Cavernmania....

 

[TexasMike]

The two TDI instructors that I am getting instruction from (currently my DM cert) are full cave instructors and would be good choices for Cavernmania.

Both are on the board as well. I'll PM you their board names so you can inquire of them.

--Mike

 

[Natasha]

Interesting. Thanks Mike.
DG:
I loved what Gadget had to say. Very informative post.

:gorgeous: