Voodoo Gas In The Vortex! :)

[Fish_Whisperer]

Haha... Yes, I saw that.

 

[xiSkiGuy]

How much does the cavern course cost? What further equipment will I need? How long is the course?

I paid less than $300 plus my food and lodging costs. I don't know about the other agencies, but NSS-CDS does a two day class (two full days). IIRC, the class can be taken in singles or doubles, a standard BCD or BP/W. They require some sort of primary light and a backup light. They also require a reel (your instructor may be able to provide an item or two that you do not have). Some instructors may also modify the equipment list somewhat (my instructor required non-split fins, but provided them to the students that had split fins).

I'll second PF's recommendation that if you choose not to train there, at least visit the High Springs area. It is an experience.

I also wholeheartedly agree with Rick about the "big three". They are the best classes I've taken and worth every penny.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

I have all of those things, except for a reel, and those aren't very expensive. I tried split fins once and hated them with a purple passion, so all I've got is standard blade fins. I'm looking forward to taking this class. Thanks again!

 

[xiSkiGuy]

I have all of those things, except for a reel, and those aren't very expensive. I tried split fins once and hated them with a purple passion, so all I've got is standard blade fins. I'm looking forward to taking this class. Thanks again!

Frank if you haven't seen it already, the Intro to Tech DVD from 5th D X is a great resource for learning the kicks you will be using in the class. I had a little bit of an advantage in the class because I had been using the frog kick as my primary kick for awhile.


Also don't be afraid to ask for instructor recommendations in the Cave Diving forum.[FONT=&quot][/FONT]

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Frank if you haven't seen it already, the Intro to Tech DVD from 5th D X is a great resource for learning the kicks you will be using in the class. I had a little bit of an advantage in the class because I had been using the frog kick as my primary kick for awhile.

Thanks, Jeff. I've been trading back and forth with the frog kick and a scissors kick as my primary kicks, too. I get more "glide" out of both kicks and I don't have to work as hard to move through the water, compared to the flutter kick.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Hmmm... y'all must've thought I was kidding about Chickdiver . She's here on this board and an excellent cavern instructor. And as she's in P'cola she can usually be persuaded to do the cavern at places closer than Ginnie.
Though I've never been diving with Kenny P or Larry Green they both have excellent reps and come highly recommended as well.
Rick

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

I didn't think you were kidding, Rick. I'm going to check with my instructor first. I owe that to him. If he can't teach Cavern, then I'll begin searching out other instructors.

 

[scubafool]

If this is the same instructor that you mentioned in your first post, I definitely would reconsider. It is my very humble opinion that said instructor either did not understand the risks associated with cave diving, or even worse, did not respect them. I wouldn't want that instructor teaching me how to cavern dive.

Not intending to come across as a know it all, but that IS my opinion.

 

[TheRedHead]

I have to agree with scubafool on this.

 

[xiSkiGuy]

I had the exact same thought, too.

Frank, I think you owe it to yourself to find a Cavern/Cave instructor who not only "can" teach cavern, but actively does so and actively cave dives. Check out this thread: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=121296

There are a number of highly recommended cave instructors here at ScubaBoard. And if Rick says Chickdiver would be a good choice, that advice is probably just as good as the rest of the advice Rick gives here. That is to say, excellent.