Confined Water Locations in Tampa Area?

[jscott099]

My Tampa-based brother would like for me to teach him OW Scuba. I am an instructor but not from the area. Is there a location (besides pools) that is acceptable for the confined water portion of the instruction? Second, where do instructors take folks for their open water dives (in the Tamp area)?

 

[DiveBandit]

There aren't any confined places I know of in the Tampa area that would do other than pools.

For the open water, The Gulf vis is usually not so good in the 21 foot deep range. On the other hand, if it'll only be 1 on 1 and you have a boat, you could just run West until you hit 22 feet of water.

Short of the Gulf your better off in a spring as vis is perfect. closest one to Tampa would be Weeki Wachee. Big spring, and family could watch from the underwater observing theater. Rainbow river is next closest. If you don't mind a slightly tanic/coffee tint to the water you could always do the OW at the Hudson Grotto. They have a platform at 20 feet, 40 feet and 100 feet. The dive shop across the street does their OW there, and it's much closer than the 2 previously mentioned places.

Hope that helps.

 

[diveman3]

I did my checkouts in the gulf...Then the next day we did springs.. Weekie wachee has a 15ft platform that is great for skills.. Plus the vis is probably 100ft+...

 

[Missdirected]

There aren't any confined places I know of in the Tampa area that would do other than pools.

For the open water, The Gulf vis is usually not so good in the 21 foot deep range. On the other hand, if it'll only be 1 on 1 and you have a boat, you could just run West until you hit 22 feet of water.

Short of the Gulf your better off in a spring as vis is perfect. closest one to Tampa would be Weeki Wachee. Big spring, and family could watch from the underwater observing theater. Rainbow river is next closest. If you don't mind a slightly tanic/coffee tint to the water you could always do the OW at the Hudson Grotto. They have a platform at 20 feet, 40 feet and 100 feet. The dive shop across the street does their OW there, and it's much closer than the 2 previously mentioned places.

Hope that helps.

Just so you know that you are not being ignored, Narcosis wrapped it up nicely for you. What part of Tampa is your brother in?

 

[jscott099]

Thanks everybody. I've actually done many checkout dives in the winter when its too chilly to use a local quarry here in NC. We go to Devil's Den, Crystal River, and Rainbow River. Those aren't too far from Tampa, so we'll use those. We can check into renting some pool time for the confined. Even Devil's Den could be considered confined water I think. Appreciate the help.

 

[Missdirected]

Thanks everybody. I've actually done many checkout dives in the winter when its too chilly to use a local quarry here in NC. We go to Devil's Den, Crystal River, and Rainbow River. Those aren't too far from Tampa, so we'll use those. We can check into renting some pool time for the confined. Even Devil's Den could be considered confined water I think. Appreciate the help.

Definitely lots of springs, if you are up for the drive. I don't know what part of Tampa your brother is in but there is a pool near the Westchase area that rents space, if you are interested. Let me know and I will look up their number.

Are you part of the NCDivers group w/ SuthnBelle, Packman, Polly, etc?

 

[herman]

"Are you part of the NCDivers group w/ SuthnBelle, Packman, Polly, etc? "

SouthernBell now runs out west coast office.

 

[427Dave]

Some of the dive shops up this way use Alexander Springs instead of a pool.

 

[jscott099]

Herman, yes I am, I teach in the Raleigh area and we do check out dives in the springs during the winter. Love to dive the coast of NC, the caves of Florida, and Caribbean.

Thanks for the info. I might be relocating to FL (Gainesville, Tampa are possible) in about two years depending on the grad school. Look forward to meeting / diving with you.

 

[Missdirected]

SouthernBell now runs out west coast office.

That would be correct. I was just wondering if he was part f that board.