Getting Started with Cave Diving

[Zynyx]

I have some generalized questions that have probably been asked here a million times before, but I didn't see them in the first few posts I've checked, so I'll try asking myself.

I'd like to try experiencing cave diving. I'll be coming to America for a week or two in July and while I'm there I'm considering taking some time to work on getting certified to cave dive. I'm not sure what I should be looking for in a cave diving program. I saw the post regarding what to look for in an instructor, which honestly seemed like good advice for any diving instructor and not just cave diving, but I'm not even sure what the minimum requirements to get involved in cave diving are.

About Myself:

I have been diving for about 18 months and in that time I've done 40 dives and will probably be closer to 50 by the time I come to the States this summer. I'm an Advanced Open Water Diver who is planning to take his Rescue Diving Course this Spring and I'd say about half of my dives have been training dives. I've gotten certified to use Nitrox and I also have PADI deep water speciality. I've done adventure dives to shipwrecks in Thailand and I've also been on one night dive. I own my own basic gear, but that consists of a Reg, dive computer, fins, wet suit, gloves, BCD, mask and snorkel (I can post specifics if necessary). About half my diving has been done in Thailand and the other half in Japan.

I'll continue reading through here after I type this post, but in the meanwhile I have a series of questions I'd like to ask because as of right now I know very little about cave diving.

1. How long does a cave diving certification generally take?

2. What does it generally cost?

3. Is there any more specialized equipment I should be buying for cave diving that I shouldn't just rent? (Probably a flashlight, is a hood necessary for anything other than warmth? Might not be an issue in Florida during July).

4. **Big one** I've heard talk of sidemounting and multiple tanks being necessary for cave diving as well as multiple mixtures. While I'm sure this information is covered in the course, is it possible to dive some caves on just air?

5. Can anyone recommend some good shops to get cave diving certification in Florida? (I'll be staying in the Orlando area, which I've read is no where near the good sites; however, I'd consider moving for part of my trip to do this if it is feasible.

6. Anything else that an aspiring cave diver should know?

Thanks!

 

[lowviz]

...//...
6. Anything else that an aspiring cave diver should know?

Thanks!

Yes.

Take the most under-appreciated course that exists (for recreational divers).

Cavern.

 

[ElGaucho]

I have four quick comments on what you are thinking.

1 - You seem still to be a very new diver, probably not ready yet for any level of cave training, but then again, training is always good, you might fail the course, but you will still get some of the best dive training available. Make sure you understand you are probably not ready for this level of training. If you are honest with the instructor, and understand you have a low chance of acquiring a card, then by all means, do it. Worst comes to worst, the instructor will let you know by day 2, wether you can move forward with the training or not.

2 - You should only aim for Cavern (generally Cave courses are divided in three or four portions, Cavern being the first portion) to begin with, it will be challenging enough and teach you a lot. I would only attempt a full cave course at a one go if you had well over hundreds of dives and previous (good) tech training.

3 - Do it on doubles, backmounted (and yes, it will be air or standard nitrox 32). Many people will disagree, but if you become a good diver in backmounted doubles, you can become a good diver on anything (sidemount, single tank, doubles, stages, etc). Once you learn how to "tame the beast", it will be very rewarding for any future diving adventures you might get interested in pursuing. Just getting in trim and in control will take you most of the course work, if not all. You will probably rent all the equipment minus thermal protection, mask and fins (improbable unless they are pretty rigid), and dive computer.

4 - Find a good instructor, and consider apart from the stated price, maybe one or two EXTRA days (with respective payment) that you will probably require to be able to actually approach a passing level for the course. Trust me, at your experience level, you will want to have a few extra days budgeted and considered, so you don´t walk out of the course frustrated, and at least have some time to tackle the challenges. Cavern courses might take 3-4 days as per the instructors minimums. I say add a couple of extra days (and consult the instructor about extra day rates) to whatever number he gives you as a minimum.

All of this will be properly explained by a good instructor.

I would even consider doing something like an Intro to Tech course, and a Cavern course, back to back, as being a very good way of getting from where you are now, to something you will feel very proud of by the end of those 4-6 days (depending on instructor).

It will not be easy, but once it clicks, it will be so rewarding, even if you find the cave is not the kind of environment for you. If you enjoy being a better diver, it is one of the best courses you can take.

 

[Some X Dry]

I would suggest diving a few OW friendly private springs with a Cavern/Cave instructor as a buddy before any real attempt at Cave training. It's what I did. There are such people and places here in Fl that fit the bill. You will get a better idea of how gear and skill specific Cavern/Cave diving is. One needs mastery of buoyancy while multitasking just to name one. Good Luck

 

[Zynyx]

It sounds like Cavern is more what I'm looking for as I'm really not looking to get into technical diving quite yet! Until reading this post I didn't even realize there was a difference between the two. So I'll rephrase my question, can anyone recommend some good Cavern Diving instructors anywhere in Florida?

 

[ianr33]

Agree that cavern is what you should do. At the cavern level you should always be able to see daylight (although it may be very dim! ) In a cave you could be thousands of feet from the entrance.

My instructor was Ken Paramore. Friends have used Rob Neto and Rich Courtney. All three come highly recommended.

What you might consider is doing the 2 day cavern course and then a day or 2 of guided dives. Your instructor can guide you on a dive beyond cavern standards if he thinks you are ready for it. Would be a good way to find out if this is something you want to pursue.

Cavern can be done on regular OW gear. Anything beyond that requires at least a single with H valves (Although most will use doubles) and DIN regs.

 

[Peter_C]

My opinion is slightly different and would say stay out of the caves until your form is ready. Start with something like a Fundies class and dial your diving skills in. You are at around the perfect dive count to start learning new tricks before the old ones settle in too much. You can start the process in Japan.

GUE Instructors | Global Underwater Explorers

 

[Randy g]

I agree with you Peter. A fundies or intro to tech with a good instructor would be my first move. Then cavern and cave.