Living and diving in three-quarter time

[The Chairman]

I'm with you Jim,

Different environments necessitate different skills. I once posted here on ScubaBoard that a full cave diver cert is not enough to dive Bonne Terre Mines safely without a local guide. To a one, the people who vehemently disagreed with me had never dove the mine. Nothing and I mean nothing in a full cave class gets you ready to dive a 21 mile lake 150 ft below ground, with a lot of man made obstacles that goes another 450+ foot deep. Your pride and arrogance may tell you otherwise, but just because you passed full cave does not make you ready to dive every environment. It reminds me of a Paul Simon song: "Oh it's the same ol' story, ever since the world began. Everybody's got the runs for glory, nobody stops to scrutinize the plan. Nobody stops to scrutinize the plan!" When you go dive a new place that's different than any you've done before, do us both a favor and hire a guide or instructor. There's nothing to prove and certainly nothing below that's worth dieing for.

 

[lowviz]

... I have known this for a long time and have spoken to friends about it many times. Ocean diving in general is more difficult than cave diving.

Cave diving is more dangerous and requires specialized training, but cave divers very often do not do very well when ocean diving. ...

... it is no surprise to me that many boat crew members are not particularly impressed with the “cave diver” when they show up on the boat announcing that they are a “cave diver”. ...

And the other way around. My cave instructor commented that "ocean only" divers generally don't do very well on their first try at cave diving. I found this to be very true for all the same reasons given above. All of my instincts were off. There is no big roller coming while on the surface, stop finning! I was in constant motion underwater waiting for something to happen. Nothing ever did.

Caves are seductively benign and mercilessly unforgiving, no shortcuts to the surface. One of these days when I have trim squared away, I'm going to retake cave just for the pure enjoyment of the experience. I would love to get back to Peacock or Jackson and actually go somewhere past what it takes to certify...

... just because you passed full cave does not make you ready to dive every environment.

-same with the open ocean.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I'm going to retake cave just for the pure enjoyment of the experience. I would love to get back to Peacock or Jackson and actually go somewhere past what it takes to certify...

Let me know when you want to do it ...

 

[lowviz]

Deal.

 

[uncfnp]

One of these days when I have trim squared away, I'm going to retake cave just for the pure enjoyment of the experience. I would love to get back to Peacock or Jackson and actually go somewhere past what it takes to certify...

Let me know when you want to do it ...

Was hoping he could join us for our cavern course but it didn't work out.

I remember those days. Let's hear from your class! Tell 'em we want to read about their experiences.

Hi guys!

In WPB fighting the swells and catching lobster right now. Plan to make a full report soon but I can tell you it was a great experience and I think I'm hooked if I can work out the logistics for the next level. Not sure I'm ready for doubles or sidemount yet but it's on my bucket list.

I'm no judge on how we did. I'll leave that to Jim. But I absolutely loved diving the Ballroom at Ginny and I can't wait to see more. Got to work on my frog kick first.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I'm no judge on how we did. I'll leave that to Jim.

No one jammed a reel. No one flopped around in the cavern. Zero vis exits were a non issue, gas sharing exits in zero vis were no problem for any of you.

As far as I am concerned you guys were well above average for some of the divers I sometimes see enrolled in this class.

Richard is coming back in a few days to take his Basic cave class.

Have fun catching lobsters....I see the wind is CRANKING due to Cristobal....

 

[uncfnp]

No one jammed a reel. No one flopped around in the cavern. Zero vis exits were a non issue, gas sharing exits in zero vis were no problem for any of you.

As far as I am concerned you guys were well above average for some of the divers I sometimes see enrolled in this class.

You are kind to say that but Eric's ears are still ring. He had no idea one can understand someone yelling so well underwater! And I'm still trying to "slow down."

Richard is coming back in a few days to take his Basic cave class.

I'm glad to hear that. Very impressive young man.

Have fun catching lobsters....I see the wind is CRANKING due to Cristobal....

Yep. It's been a little "sporty!"

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

You are kind to say that but Eric's ears are still ring.

:cussing: Yes sometimes I do get animated & I have years practice yelling into the regulator...its even clearer when I yell into the rebreather mouthpiece. (DSV)

 

[lowviz]

Was hoping he could join us for our cavern course but it didn't work out.

Oh man! Invites need to be both barrels and full choke for me to know you are serious... But there is always Full Cave.

After all, Captain Wyatt and I have a gentleman's agreement as to who will be teaching it.

 

[wspalding]

No one jammed a reel. No one flopped around in the cavern. Zero vis exits were a non issue, gas sharing exits in zero vis were no problem for any of you.

As far as I am concerned you guys were well above average for some of the divers I sometimes see enrolled in this class.

Richard is coming back in a few days to take his Basic cave class.

Have fun catching lobsters....I see the wind is CRANKING due to Cristobal....

Sounds like you are teaching some fun stuff. I'd enjoy a chance to learn a few things from you.


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