Hey from Naples and Question about Ginnie Springs

[FDC700]

"Hey" to everyone in Scuba Land! Obviously my first post although I have been visiting for while after stumbling across the board while trying to satiate my SCUBA jones.
My wife, son (14), daughter (12) and I were certified 2 years ago in Key Largo. We're still working on our skills, but every one has a real passion and can't wait for the next trip - although the cost really limits how often we can go.
Our kids are going to a camp in the Gainesville area and my wife and I thought we'd take advantage of the location and dive Ginnie Springs. This will be a new experience and would appreciate any advice about diving here. Since we've only done the warm Keys waters, what kind of exposure suits are needed? Is the rental equipment OK? We have our own BC's and regs. Thanks

 

[TheDom]

Hey back at ya! Only my second post, but welcome!
I'm a student here at UF, though my home is actually pretty close to you, in Immokalee! Anyways, as far as the springs go, they are 72 degrees year-round, CHILLY! I usually wear a 3mm full suit, and I'm fine for about 30mins at a time before it gets too chilly. Most of my buddies dive 5mil and up in the springs, and usually more for the ladies.

Springs can be good diving, just be sure to brief the kids on the caves/caverns and to STAY OUT OF THEM!!! Nothing ruins a dive trip like a one-way trip into the back of an underwater cave.

Ok, back on the bright side: I haven't dove Ginnie, though a couple of my buddies have, and it sounds like a decent dive for the family. If you're looking for somewhere a little more economical to dive, you can rent whatever gear you need from a G'ville shop and hit up one of the state parks near here, Troy and Manatee being two of my favorites. Most of them run $10/diver, but don't have air fills/gear rental on site, while most of the privately owned sites are $30/diver, and have fill stations and gear. A great site for central florida spring diving is www.floridacaves.com It has lots of info in various sites, but watch out, some of the directions are outdated.
Hope some of it helps!

 

[pdoege]

Ginnie has a rental shop. When you check in for the day tell them what you need and they will set you up.

Their stuff is basic, but it works just fine.

Peter

 

[DandyDon]

Dang! You're only 2 hours from Ft.Lauderdale and less from Venice Beach. :cool1: Pretty handy to great dive adventures - day trips even!

For 72 F degree springs, a 3 mil Long suit should be fine for most, depending on persoanl tolerances. Add a beanie and you have even a more protection. A couple of us Texans dived a 62 F NM spring last weekend in our 7 mil Longs last weekend, and while they were a little much - not too much, and we already had them. A third in our group tried it in a 3 mil, and didn't do the second dive. :frosty: Too much neoprene is always better than not enough.

Check out your local dive club forum here - great folks! PM me if I can help you find your way thru our Matrix...

don :cowboy2:

 

[tx.lakerats]

welcome to the boards!!