How I started and why I continue to cave dive

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Diving locally is like jumping into Nestle unless you go at least 20, preferably 40 miles offshore.

Its really funny you put it like that... Nestle also sells spring water, and they draw water out of one of the clearest springs in Florida(Cypress). I jump into Nestle a few times a year, but visibility is always superb! 40 miles offshore ain't gonna touch 200' visibility.

Its amazing how that analogy goes to **** in a different geography.

Nestle looks like doodoo eh?

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

There are lots of well put posts here. My transition was not suppose to happen, I actually said the words I will never cave dive. Now I do about 100 a year. I had not interest in something I thought was crazy, then one day I was taken on a cavern tour of Morrison Springs. I was left speechless after that and talked to Bugman a week later who had just finished cavern. That was the start of a big passion that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. It keeps growing and evloving and I love every aspect of it. Some great friendships have been made and some of the best memories too.

 

[Belmont]

Because I can't be an astronaut.

I've literally dreamt of flying all my life and it wasn't until I was swimming in a Cenote Cavern that I finally found a reality that came close to my dreams. Since those first Cavern dives, I've now flown through Cathedrals that far exceeded the beauty of Cologne's. It isn't about the wet rocks or the technical challenges (although that is part of it) but, for me, it is finally and truly living my dreams.

Thank you Peter, you put into words exactly what I have been thinking.
I started diving at 56 and am now 59. I worked trough DIR and all the other steps at great effort and expense. My reward was diving the Mexican caves.

More to come...

 

[Sas]

I am off for my class in HS in two days.

Have fun and good luck

 

[wrybosome]

Because I can't be an astronaut.

Loved that.

 

[mikey3091]

This thread definitely resonates with my thoughts over the last few days. I currently live in Crestview and have dived Morrison Springs several times. Every time I'm in the basin, I'm tempted to enter the cavern but know that it is off limits to my level of training. I guess this desire to explore caves started in scouts. It was always an awesome experience exploring different caves in the Appalachians. In my mind, diving adds a totally new element to an already cool sport/hobby.

Thankfully, I was accepted to flying training and will be stationed in Pensacola for over a year (my hometown!!!). My current plan is to do cavern training during my down time and to progress to a full cave cert. From what I have heard from current students, all of my Saturdays and half of my Sundays will be open. Will it be possible to do this training on the weekends? If so, do y'all have any recommended local instructors?

I can honestly say that I am as excited about the opportunity to pursue cave diving as I am flying, so any inputs are greatly appreciated!

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

mikey, there are alot of great instructors in the area.

Check out Rob Neto, Dive-Aholic here on ScubaBoard, and Kenny Paramore, Kenny P here on ScubaBoard. Either will be able to give you excellent cavern training in the panhandle area of Florida.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Thankfully, I was accepted to flying training and will be stationed in Pensacola for over a year (my hometown!!!). My current plan is to do cavern training during my down time and to progress to a full cave cert. From what I have heard from current students, all of my Saturdays and half of my Sundays will be open. Will it be possible to do this training on the weekends? If so, do y'all have any recommended local instructors?

Unless things have changed since the mid-late 1980's, the Navy tends to frown on diving within 48 hours of flying, so once you start actually flying, there won't be much opportunity for diving.

You could probably split a cavern course over a couple Saturdays, or you can wait until you get a few days of leave and do it then.

 

[Dive-aholic]

This thread definitely resonates with my thoughts over the last few days. I currently live in Crestview and have dived Morrison Springs several times. Every time I'm in the basin, I'm tempted to enter the cavern but know that it is off limits to my level of training. I guess this desire to explore caves started in scouts. It was always an awesome experience exploring different caves in the Appalachians. In my mind, diving adds a totally new element to an already cool sport/hobby.

Thankfully, I was accepted to flying training and will be stationed in Pensacola for over a year (my hometown!!!). My current plan is to do cavern training during my down time and to progress to a full cave cert. From what I have heard from current students, all of my Saturdays and half of my Sundays will be open. Will it be possible to do this training on the weekends? If so, do y'all have any recommended local instructors?

I can honestly say that I am as excited about the opportunity to pursue cave diving as I am flying, so any inputs are greatly appreciated!

A day and a half will be difficult to do. You'll likely have to split it over a couple of Saturdays. Each day lasts 8-10 hours if done properly. But it shouldn't be a problem scheduling.

 

[mikey3091]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll definitely contact Rob and Kenny in the near future. As far as flying within 24 hrs, the syllabus pretty much spells out when we will fly, so I can easily work around this problem.