Its time to take a look at cave diving

Drmike · 26th September 2005, 10:28

Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland)

I've stayed in Rennaker's trailer, it's great. I really felt like I had found my level, beer, rack of ribs from the petrol station across the road, TV turned up full, Lay-Z-Boy recliner. All I needed was a shotgun and a pick up.

.

LOL

MikeH · 26th September 2005, 13:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

I understand the water temp is 21 deg max and that dry suit is mandatory - is this correct?
Would a 7mm wetsuit be suitable? Do most dive dry? I have a drysuit but preffer to dive wet if its possible - but then again I am a big girl when it comes to the cold.

20-22C for most caves. Dry suit recommended, but not absolutely necessary. As for the "long decos" some have mentioned....you won't be doing many of those during your cave training. Your max depth will probably be around 30m(at Ginnie or Manatee Springs) for the vast majority of the dives....with some being in the 15m range(at Peacock Springs, most likely). Depending on your group, and your instructor, you may get to do some deeper dives....but don't count on it.

Quote:

What do people mostly do for accomodation? Camping? Hotels?

That depends on what area you are going to be staying in. Check with the instructor, and find out where you should be staying....it will either be the High Springs area, or Luraville area.

If you stay in High Springs, check out the High Springs Country Inn(http://www.highsprings.com/cinns/). If you stay in Luraville, check out Bill Rennakers trailers(http://www.caveexcursions.com/accommodations.html). Bill runs one of the two dive shops in Luraville. Dive Outpost(http://www.diveoutpost.com/) is the other....but I can't personally recommend staying in their trailers. They rent them on a per-bed basis, 4 beds per trailer, and no kitchen....but last time I was there(3+ years ago), there were plenty of bugs to play with in the room!

Quote:

Is it a case of bring your own filled tanks or are there fill stations. Will they fill my non DOT spheres - or should I expect to have to transfill myself?

Since it's illegal to fill non-DOT cylinders in the US, don't count on it. Expect to have to transfill. Cave Excursions can provide you with high pressure O2(they have a bank of it at, I believe, 4,000psi) and diluent of your choice. You may have to borrow a couple cylinders from your instructor, get them filled, and transfill from them. Check with your instructor to see what he thinks about it. Who is that going to be?

Quote:

For the post course fun dives I guess solo diving is frowned upon? Anyone want to buddy me

Solo diving is only allowed at a couple of the "typical" sites...such as Ginnie and Telford....and then there are many sites that are not controlled at all, but not so easy to find if you don't know where they are. Sign up on http://www.cavediver.net ...you should be able to find buddies through there. Most of us on cavediver.net are in Florida, and cave dive quite often.

Quote:

Is there anywhere where DPVs can be hired?

Check with Cave Excursions. They might, but I don't know for sure.

Mike

MikeH · 26th September 2005, 13:02

Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland)

I really felt like I had found my level, beer, rack of ribs from the petrol station across the road, TV turned up full, Lay-Z-Boy recliner. All I needed was a shotgun and a pick up.

You would never fit in there.....we don't call them petrol stations...

Mike

Crazyduck · 26th September 2005, 14:16

This thread is absolutely bloody hilarious!

I have spent some time in Florida and I absolutely loved it! It is very basic American living, keep that in mind and you are good to go. Things are slower, more relaxed, and things are slightly different.

Hey, keep in mind that I was Born in Stoke and now live in Dallas and YES damn it I drive a truck! Best scuba gear hauler I know.

There are a few things that you will need to get over. But hey you send a red neck to Hong Kong and tell him to find dinner it will be the same process.

Keep in mind that this part of Florida is slightly off the beaten path and in the States you HAVE to travel to get to things. Once you have that in mind you are a step ahead.

As far as food and drink talk to your host and they will line you out. A couple of folks hang here as well as www.cavediver.net and www.thedecostop.com. Lots of folks enjoy coming out and diving with new folks. Plus, they can advise on food and lodging.

Now the really downer-
American society considers beer to be about 3 to 6 % alcohol. If you are a big drinker this can be a bit of a nightmare. There are quite a few British Ex-pats that live in Florida and I can ask around if you would like for recommendations for food and drink. That’s not a problem. Oh, and DO nOt expect Chinese food to be anything like what you get at home. American Chinese food is a subculture all to its own (not bad but different.)

Breathing gas has never been a problem at Renneker’s but as mentioned DOT is huge here and they take it pretty seriously. I would consider contacting someone about how you get your unit into the States. Homeland Security is bit of a nightmare, left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. Oh, bring spares of anything specific to your unit. Steam Machines is now in Tennessee but some parts could be hard to find in “cave country.”

My favorite cave sites are Ginnie Springs, Peacock, and Jackson Blue (little further north.)

If I can help give me a yell.

Crazyduck · 26th September 2005, 14:27

Mike,

How about renting a unit while in town instead of transporting the beast?

I think that “Birds” trains on the Megalodon and you could probably rent it for the week?

I am not sure who does Inspirations but that would be another possibility.

That way you would not have to deal with transporting the MK15?

Just a thought.

Deep Thought · 26th September 2005, 15:12

Mike

I started my cave training on open circuit and made it to intro to cave before I had to stop due to flooded cave systems. When I got around to finishing, an unfortunate accident claimed the life of my instructor and I delayed the completion again...Then I decided to finish the training on an inspiration, and what a different world it is today!

My class had one other student, a guy named Leon who I promptly asked "who are you and what do you know about rebreathers"? Doh!!! Now I dive a meg.

To reflect on my o.c. experience was to summarize that after 25 years of active diving wrecks and reefs I felt like a pig on roller-skates with no buoyancy or breathing control. Wow was I demoralized!

On the second day of the ccr cave course we were making penetrations that I would have had to build up to for years practicing to earn the ability to make on o.c. The instructor validated our penetrations with full bailout and broken ccr resolution issues to convince me that it was viable.

While staying in the area, I used motels in High Springs as well as Bill Rennakers homes and both are very reasonably priced and convenient to sites.

I started out in a wetsuit and switched over to my drysuit and finished the course off dry - remember the p-valve as penetrations are lengthy.

dantheman · 26th September 2005, 17:04

Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland)

Also, expect the worst food you could ever imagine!!! It really is awful!!!

One word: FLOYDS!

***EBT*** · 26th September 2005, 17:22

Quote: (Originally Posted by dantheman)

One word: FLOYDS!

Its a great breakfast.. if you want to feed the five thousand. Im still mourning the passing of the great outdoors though.

jitka · 26th September 2005, 17:25

Hi Mike,

Yes: FLOYDS in High Springs - great food. Across the street you can stay in cave diver friendly Country Inn or next door in Cadillac Motel - both have free wireless internet - so you can Rebreather world audience posted on your class progress ; )

Camping at Ginnie is also fun and you can dive all night long but you probably don't want to drag camping gear from Asia.

There are several very active CCR cave divers around here and if you want email me and we will take you around. Non I know actively dives MK but some of us dove it in the past.
After your class there are many places to cave dive and you really don't need a scooter (after 6 days of cave diving anyways).
When are you planning to come?

Who will be your instructor?

Cheers,

Jitka

www.styxmedia.com
www.coastalkarst.org

lof · 28th September 2005, 02:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland)

Ha! From a man that comes from the land of boiled pork and dumplings that's rich!!!

Hey, the pork is roasted! The only reason for existence of this dish is to lay a proper foundation for 10 to 15 pints of hi quality lager.

Bu I digress. The ave diving in Florida is worth it regardless of what's topside. Enjoy and let us know if you need anything while here. Sofno, sensors, trip to cool caves, etc..

26th September 2005, 10:28	#11 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,325	Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland) I've stayed in Rennaker's trailer, it's great. I really felt like I had found my level, beer, rack of ribs from the petrol station across the road, TV turned up full, Lay-Z-Boy recliner. All I needed was a shotgun and a pick up. . LOL __________________ Cave diving is a sport Wreck diving is a sport Diving in general is a sport 'Rebreather diving' is not a sport its the delusional obsession with a highly dangerous and often inappropriate piece of equipment
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26th September 2005, 13:00	#12 (permalink)
MikeH Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orlando, FL USA Posts: 178	Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) I understand the water temp is 21 deg max and that dry suit is mandatory - is this correct? Would a 7mm wetsuit be suitable? Do most dive dry? I have a drysuit but preffer to dive wet if its possible - but then again I am a big girl when it comes to the cold. 20-22C for most caves. Dry suit recommended, but not absolutely necessary. As for the "long decos" some have mentioned....you won't be doing many of those during your cave training. Your max depth will probably be around 30m(at Ginnie or Manatee Springs) for the vast majority of the dives....with some being in the 15m range(at Peacock Springs, most likely). Depending on your group, and your instructor, you may get to do some deeper dives....but don't count on it. Quote: What do people mostly do for accomodation? Camping? Hotels? That depends on what area you are going to be staying in. Check with the instructor, and find out where you should be staying....it will either be the High Springs area, or Luraville area. If you stay in High Springs, check out the High Springs Country Inn(http://www.highsprings.com/cinns/). If you stay in Luraville, check out Bill Rennakers trailers(http://www.caveexcursions.com/accommodations.html). Bill runs one of the two dive shops in Luraville. Dive Outpost(http://www.diveoutpost.com/) is the other....but I can't personally recommend staying in their trailers. They rent them on a per-bed basis, 4 beds per trailer, and no kitchen....but last time I was there(3+ years ago), there were plenty of bugs to play with in the room! Quote: Is it a case of bring your own filled tanks or are there fill stations. Will they fill my non DOT spheres - or should I expect to have to transfill myself? Since it's illegal to fill non-DOT cylinders in the US, don't count on it. Expect to have to transfill. Cave Excursions can provide you with high pressure O2(they have a bank of it at, I believe, 4,000psi) and diluent of your choice. You may have to borrow a couple cylinders from your instructor, get them filled, and transfill from them. Check with your instructor to see what he thinks about it. Who is that going to be? Quote: For the post course fun dives I guess solo diving is frowned upon? Anyone want to buddy me Solo diving is only allowed at a couple of the "typical" sites...such as Ginnie and Telford....and then there are many sites that are not controlled at all, but not so easy to find if you don't know where they are. Sign up on http://www.cavediver.net ...you should be able to find buddies through there. Most of us on cavediver.net are in Florida, and cave dive quite often. Quote: Is there anywhere where DPVs can be hired? Check with Cave Excursions. They might, but I don't know for sure. Mike
(Offline)

26th September 2005, 13:02	#13 (permalink)
MikeH Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orlando, FL USA Posts: 178	Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland) I really felt like I had found my level, beer, rack of ribs from the petrol station across the road, TV turned up full, Lay-Z-Boy recliner. All I needed was a shotgun and a pick up. You would never fit in there.....we don't call them petrol stations... Mike
(Offline)

26th September 2005, 14:16	#14 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 711	This thread is absolutely bloody hilarious! I have spent some time in Florida and I absolutely loved it! It is very basic American living, keep that in mind and you are good to go. Things are slower, more relaxed, and things are slightly different. Hey, keep in mind that I was Born in Stoke and now live in Dallas and YES damn it I drive a truck! Best scuba gear hauler I know. There are a few things that you will need to get over. But hey you send a red neck to Hong Kong and tell him to find dinner it will be the same process. Keep in mind that this part of Florida is slightly off the beaten path and in the States you HAVE to travel to get to things. Once you have that in mind you are a step ahead. As far as food and drink talk to your host and they will line you out. A couple of folks hang here as well as www.cavediver.net and www.thedecostop.com. Lots of folks enjoy coming out and diving with new folks. Plus, they can advise on food and lodging. Now the really downer- American society considers beer to be about 3 to 6 % alcohol. If you are a big drinker this can be a bit of a nightmare. There are quite a few British Ex-pats that live in Florida and I can ask around if you would like for recommendations for food and drink. That’s not a problem. Oh, and DO nOt expect Chinese food to be anything like what you get at home. American Chinese food is a subculture all to its own (not bad but different.) Breathing gas has never been a problem at Renneker’s but as mentioned DOT is huge here and they take it pretty seriously. I would consider contacting someone about how you get your unit into the States. Homeland Security is bit of a nightmare, left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. Oh, bring spares of anything specific to your unit. Steam Machines is now in Tennessee but some parts could be hard to find in “cave country.” My favorite cave sites are Ginnie Springs, Peacock, and Jackson Blue (little further north.) If I can help give me a yell.
(Online)

26th September 2005, 14:27	#15 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 711	Mike, How about renting a unit while in town instead of transporting the beast? I think that “Birds” trains on the Megalodon and you could probably rent it for the week? I am not sure who does Inspirations but that would be another possibility. That way you would not have to deal with transporting the MK15? Just a thought.
(Online)

26th September 2005, 15:12	#16 (permalink)
Deep Thought Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Optima Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Great Lakes Posts: 190	Mike I started my cave training on open circuit and made it to intro to cave before I had to stop due to flooded cave systems. When I got around to finishing, an unfortunate accident claimed the life of my instructor and I delayed the completion again...Then I decided to finish the training on an inspiration, and what a different world it is today! My class had one other student, a guy named Leon who I promptly asked "who are you and what do you know about rebreathers"? Doh!!! Now I dive a meg. To reflect on my o.c. experience was to summarize that after 25 years of active diving wrecks and reefs I felt like a pig on roller-skates with no buoyancy or breathing control. Wow was I demoralized! On the second day of the ccr cave course we were making penetrations that I would have had to build up to for years practicing to earn the ability to make on o.c. The instructor validated our penetrations with full bailout and broken ccr resolution issues to convince me that it was viable. While staying in the area, I used motels in High Springs as well as Bill Rennakers homes and both are very reasonably priced and convenient to sites. I started out in a wetsuit and switched over to my drysuit and finished the course off dry - remember the p-valve as penetrations are lengthy.
(Offline)

26th September 2005, 17:04	#17 (permalink)
dantheman Emoticonoclast Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Join Date: May 2005 Location: NorthEast USA Posts: 391	Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland) Also, expect the worst food you could ever imagine!!! It really is awful!!! One word: FLOYDS!
(Offline)

26th September 2005, 17:22	#18 (permalink)
*EBT* Apprentice Luddite Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: UK, Brighton Posts: 1,970	Quote: (Originally Posted by dantheman) One word: FLOYDS! Its a great breakfast.. if you want to feed the five thousand. Im still mourning the passing of the great outdoors though. __________________ Eagles May Soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines! Rebreather World Terms of service Real diving t-shirts for real divers
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26th September 2005, 17:25	#19 (permalink)
jitka Cave Meg Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 37	ccr cave diving in Fl Hi Mike, Yes: FLOYDS in High Springs - great food. Across the street you can stay in cave diver friendly Country Inn or next door in Cadillac Motel - both have free wireless internet - so you can Rebreather world audience posted on your class progress ; ) Camping at Ginnie is also fun and you can dive all night long but you probably don't want to drag camping gear from Asia. There are several very active CCR cave divers around here and if you want email me and we will take you around. Non I know actively dives MK but some of us dove it in the past. After your class there are many places to cave dive and you really don't need a scooter (after 6 days of cave diving anyways). When are you planning to come? Who will be your instructor? Cheers, Jitka www.styxmedia.com www.coastalkarst.org
(Offline)

28th September 2005, 02:32	#20 (permalink)
lof RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Prism Topaz Sport Kiss Classic Kiss MK 15.X Other CCR RB80 / Clone Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR RB80 / Clone Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: USA Posts: 482	Quote: (Originally Posted by lizardland) Ha! From a man that comes from the land of boiled pork and dumplings that's rich!!! Hey, the pork is roasted! The only reason for existence of this dish is to lay a proper foundation for 10 to 15 pints of hi quality lager. Bu I digress. The ave diving in Florida is worth it regardless of what's topside. Enjoy and let us know if you need anything while here. Sofno, sensors, trip to cool caves, etc.. __________________ Jakub Golem Gear ShopKeeper www.golemgear.com
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