Pre-Cave 1 Recommendations in High Springs?

[gxsr_sarge]

Greetings Cavers.

I'm doing GUE Cave 1 next month and am getting together with my two other dive buddies/classmates the day before to do some "getting acquainted" fun dives and also sort out final equip, weight, etc. issues. Any good spots in the area that obviously doesn't involve cave penetration?

I've been to Ginnie Springs - it's nice but not much to see outside of the caves. Blue Grotto was mentioned but, really, $38 admission!! Is it worth it?

Thanks!

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

Are you cavern certified by another agency by chance?

 

[rjack321]

Have fun in class!

 

[gxsr_sarge]

Are you cavern certified by another agency by chance?

Negative (though I've done the GS Ballroom a few times)

Have fun in class!

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to it!

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Depends on how soon the caves bounce back... but at the moment, Alexander, Manatee, Ginnie, Blue Grotto and Devils Den are probably your only options.

 

[gxsr_sarge]

Depends on how soon the caves bounce back... but at the moment, Alexander, Manatee, Ginnie, Blue Grotto and Devils Den are probably your only options.

Thanks. I'll look those up.

BTW, what do you mean by the caves "bouncing back"? Is there currently some type of issue with the viz?

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

Yes, because of the recent rains in North Florida and Georgia the river levels have risen to the point where they "spill over" into the springs making the visibility 0, and often making the springs siphon, so... many are not diveable at this point in time. Where were/are you planning to do your Cave 1 class?

 

[gxsr_sarge]

Where were/are you planning to do your Cave 1 class?

:shocked2: Hopefully, it's still "are" and not a "were". Middle of next month. The instructor hasn't mentioned anything. Hopefully we won't be doing all of our dives in the B Grotto!

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

well there is always Ginnie and Manatee, and Jackson Blue/Merrit Mills pond in NW FL, But thats a month and a half away so who know what will happen between now and then.

 

[PerroneFord]

I'd suggest Orange Grove in the vis is ok. You only have to be OW, you may end up there for class anyway, it's cheap, there are 2 cave shops within a couple miles if you need anything, and it's about an hour from high springs, if that.

If you go there, do yourself a favor and get the state park pass. It's $40, but gets you in FREE to nearly any state park (pays admission and diving fee).