Florida Cavern/Cave Instruction

[350xfire]

I would like to get cavern/cave certified in April around the Orlando area (my sister lives there and I am from TX) and would like to know if anyone here can recommend a good instructor? Also, how much can one expect to pay for such training and how long does this training usually last?

I do not necessaryly want the full blown advanced cave diving course, just like an intro to full cave type level.

I keep seeing this guy named Keith Mattson (The Dive Station) on the Internet and he seems to be very good. I actually met him in Puerto Rico and talked with him for about two minutes. Enough to get his card.

Any thoughts would be welcomed.

Thanks for the help.

 

[TSandM]

Rick Murcar, who posts as GDI on this board, is in the Orlando area. I have not met him, but I've talked with him on line, and read his posts. I've been impressed with what he writes, and he gets extremely good writeups from those who have taken classes with him.

Another frequent SB poster is Jim Wyatt, who works in the High Springs area. I've met Jim and he's a nice guy, and he's incredibly generous with his time giving advice to SB members, and makes generous offers of his time for refresher dives and the like.

Good luck with your class! Cavern is challenging and fun, but the caves are seriously addictive. You probably won't stop there.

 

[TennInstr]

You will not be too far from the heart of cave country in Orlando. Their are a number of very good instructors toward Gainesville. You can find all the info you need on pricing, duration and different levels of cave certs on a bunch of websites. Here are a couple I like (I used both of these instructors by the way and can recommend either): Cave Diving Website (Johnny Richards' site - great for cavern/intro because of his affiliation with Ginnie Springs and free fills) Cave Diving Training & Guide Service - High Springs, Florida (Jim Wyatt's site - Very patient and all around friendly guy) Check these out, there are a few more if you do a quick google search. Good luck in your training. Be safe.

 

[Meng_Tze]

Another vote for Jim Wyatt.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Any of the cave instructors mentioned will do what you want. What you should realize, though, is that you'll have to spend a night or 2 away from Orlando. High Springs is about a 2-2.5 hour drive and cavern is a long class. You should probably head up the night before class and stay the night in between. Cavern courses usually run in the $300 range, give or take. Intro to Cave is more than you want at this time. It would require specialized equipment you may not have. Good luck!

 

[Scubastud16]

I have not chosen my cavern instructor yet, but check out Johnny Richards, Rick Murcar (GDI), or Mike Edmonston (I have spoken shortly with all of them about it).

Danny

 

[Mike Edmonston]

I have not chosen my cavern instructor yet, but check out Johnny Richards, Rick Murcar (GDI), or Mike Edmonston (I have spoken shortly with all of them about it).

Danny

Hi Danny,

Just so you know, the cavern / cave classes in my shop are handled by Bert Wilsher, not me.

Talk to you when I get back from BTS.

Safe Diving

 

[contender]

Bert Wilcher is an outstanding cavern/cave instructor. Check out NAUI's programs before you make a final choice. Bert teaches through NAUI and NACD, Rich Courtney does as well. Either would be a great choice.
Chad

 

[Scubastud16]

Hi Danny,

Just so you know, the cavern / cave classes in my shop are handled by Bert Wilsher, not me.

Talk to you when I get back from BTS.

Safe Diving

That's what I meant Mike (for him to contact you), thanks for the correction!

Danny

 

[MuddyRubberDuck]

I did my last 3 OW checkouts with T.J. from Dayo Scuba. He does alot od cave courses and everyone seems to be very happy with him. Also, if you go to Wet-n-fla Scuba, he is who phil will refer you to.

Dayo Scuba - Orlando Florida - Open Water, Cavern, Cave and Technical Scuba Training and Diving - Main Page

Neil