I'd agree with a trip to Mexico to check out the cenotes. Warm water, no flow, not much chance of visibility issues. There are lots of recommendations around for reliable operators there.
How to try before you buy?
- Thread starter joe10540
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PfcAJ
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Drive up and take a cavern course. They aren't really expensive and can be done in a weekend or two.
Yeah you could stick your nose in the ginnie ballroom, and it would probably be fine, but you still won't really learn much.
In my opinion, there's a decent chance of the experience being spoiled with apprehension due to not having a good understanding of safe cave diving techniques. A cavern course would show you a few different sites and give you the skills and knowledge to do it safely.
I have looked into cavern and cave courses and I am interested in taking one however before I go and spend the money I want to find out if I'm ready mentally for it. I have been in caves above ground and I love it as well as being in zero viz as a firefighter. I just want to be sure that I have the testicular fortitude to combine rocks overhead with scuba before committing to that kind of an investment. Especially if I'm never going to do it after the class because of a bad experience. Maybe this is baby steps maybe it's paranoia and maybe it's even going about it a little bit backwards but I think for my own piece of mind if I can say yes I'm interested or nope not for me and only be out the cost of a fill I'm ahead of the game.
As others have said, if not Mexican cenotes, then the answer is a cavern class in FL. A cavern class is not expensive. Some instructors even intentionally go easy on their fee, with the view that a cavern class is as much about spreading the word about conservation and safety among the (diving) public as it is the first course in a progression leading to cave diving. If you think a couple of hundred dollars is a lot for a cavern course, you will be shocked by the cost of further education and required equipment. I recall a thread a while back where someone estimated you could easily spend $10k on education and equipment before you get through Full Cave.
I've already spent thousands on equipment and classes and have scheduled a AN/DP course for early next year. I am not afraid to spend money I just want to make sure I am in the right mind to do so. If it turns out that I am comfortable having rocks over my head I'll be looking for cavern and cave courses as well because they are abundant around here and I'm all for spring diving. That's why I was asking if there was a intro option like an instructor just giving an overview and then going into a cavern with me even if it's one that's deemed reasonable for OW divers.
That would be a plus for sure. But if I'm to nervous about the location working on skills will probably be disastrous. Just trying to get an idea of how I'll handle the environment. I'm always trying to learn and better my skills as a diver and anytime I'm invited to dive with people more skilled than myself I go and try to better myself along the way.
Joe. I am getting real intense negative vibs from you about overheads and your possible reaction, more then I would expect from someone that expresses interest in caves. Would you be willing to share why you have an interest in cave given your obvious concerns about your reaction and why you think overheads may be problematic for you? Maybe then we can give you better advice
Otherwise, by all means go swim in the ballroom. Its worth the trip even without plans to take cavern/cave. If you like it then sign up for cavern. There are many on SB that can help you find an instructor right for you. Cave can be expensive. I dropped about 5 thousand getting through Intro but that was for almost all the gear needed through Full cave in SM/drysuit. It could be done for a lot less, especially with rentals. Cavern can be done in rec gear so the only cost would be the course itself. well worth the investment.
Otherwise, by all means go swim in the ballroom. Its worth the trip even without plans to take cavern/cave. If you like it then sign up for cavern. There are many on SB that can help you find an instructor right for you. Cave can be expensive. I dropped about 5 thousand getting through Intro but that was for almost all the gear needed through Full cave in SM/drysuit. It could be done for a lot less, especially with rentals. Cavern can be done in rec gear so the only cost would be the course itself. well worth the investment.
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I've been in dry caves and love it. I've been diving and love it but the idea of a cave in underwater where you can only watch your gas dwindle scares the bejesus out of me. If something shifted above ground you might starve or die of dehydration but you'll have time to find alternate exits or for a rescue to dig you out. It's probably total paranoia and given the lack of those kinds of incidents all in my head.
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