Optima Cave Training

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 12th November 2006, 21:52

I am very tired after a week of cave diving and then attending DEMA. However, I did want to let you know that I survived CCR Cave training. Thanks to my instructor, John P. Jones, I learned a lot about cave diving, my Optima, myself, and some things about life during my transformation.

About CCR cave diving, all I can tell you is that I now consider a rebreather as an indispensable piece of life support equipment. It is the only way to go. It takes so much of the pressure off of things to know that you basically have all the time in the world to solve problems since using up breathing gas will rarely be the concern.

We did a lot of diving, and it was great to be able to head into the cave carrying a lot less gas than one would require to make the same dives on open circuit. It was also great to be doing two dives per day on the same tanks without having to leave the water (to switch tanks or get fills) between dives.

Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone.

So, it is back to the real world for me now . . . for a while. However, I will carry with me memories that will last for the rest of my days as a result of my CCR cave training and experiences.

zmcave · 12th November 2006, 22:27

Good to hear you enjoyed the caves. The Rebreather is really the perfect equipment for that environment. I am still cave diving OC but I can't wait to get my optima in the caves here. It is awesome to be able to do extended dives with such small tanks without beeing worried about fills for the next dive. That is very important down here where gas fills around caves are rare (usually we have to travel with a compressor...). Last August we spent some 20 days mapping a cave where we had to mix and fill some 15 doubles/day with trimix and associated stages, the main compressor was 40 minutes away (closest electricity around) and a small gasoline compressor was just outside the cave (a bauer junior doesn't do much anyway). Having RBs for the job would have made the whole thing easier on logistics, less tiring, and for sure much much cheaper.

Congrats on your course and I wish you a lifetime of safe cave dives.

Zé.

Joe · 12th November 2006, 23:18

John Jones is a great guy. One of the good guys who actually make an effort to reach out and communicate with people. Lamar Hires is of the same ilk as John and both are a credit to our sport.

As far as you surviving, none of us would expect anything less... :=)
...especially Lesley

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I am very tired after a week of cave diving and then attending DEMA. However, I did want to let you know that I survived CCR Cave training. Thanks to my instructor, John P. Jones, I learned a lot about cave diving, my Optima, myself, and some things about life during my transformation.

About CCR cave diving, all I can tell you is that I now consider a rebreather as an indispensable piece of life support equipment. It is the only way to go. It takes so much of the pressure off of things to know that you basically have all the time in the world to solve problems since using up breathing gas will rarely be the concern.

We did a lot of diving, and it was great to be able to head into the cave carrying a lot less gas than one would require to make the same dives on open circuit. It was also great to be doing two dives per day on the same tanks without having to leave the water (to switch tanks or get fills) between dives.

Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone.

So, it is back to the real world for me now . . . for a while. However, I will carry with me memories that will last for the rest of my days as a result of my CCR cave training and experiences.

Jordan · 13th November 2006, 00:08

Sounds like you had a good time in N FL, SDM-good to hear. I'm glad I was able to get a day of diving in with y'all at MB. I love that godzilla room circuit...it's a good dive.

**mattmexico** · 13th November 2006, 17:05

yo

I happend to be on the Dive Rite pickinic as well, actually flipping the burgers and franks for the whole bunch..... I can just attest to the feeling of family when being up there with them, it is always a joy ...

greetings
Matt

........... Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone..............

**JPJones** · 16th November 2006, 02:18

Quote: (Originally Posted by mattmexico)

yo

I happend to be on the Dive Rite pickinic as well, actually flipping the burgers and franks for the whole bunch..... I can just attest to the feeling of family when being up there with them, it is always a joy ...

greetings
Matt

........... Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone..............

And you did a great job of flipping burgers they were great.

**JPJones** · 16th November 2006, 02:21

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I am very tired after a week of cave diving and then attending DEMA. However, I did want to let you know that I survived CCR Cave training. Thanks to my instructor, John P. Jones, I learned a lot about cave diving, my Optima, myself, and some things about life during my transformation.

About CCR cave diving, all I can tell you is that I now consider a rebreather as an indispensable piece of life support equipment. It is the only way to go. It takes so much of the pressure off of things to know that you basically have all the time in the world to solve problems since using up breathing gas will rarely be the concern.

We did a lot of diving, and it was great to be able to head into the cave carrying a lot less gas than one would require to make the same dives on open circuit. It was also great to be doing two dives per day on the same tanks without having to leave the water (to switch tanks or get fills) between dives.

Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone.

So, it is back to the real world for me now . . . for a while. However, I will carry with me memories that will last for the rest of my days as a result of my CCR cave training and experiences.

You did a great job and are always welcome to dive with me.

12th November 2006, 21:52	#1 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,215	Optima Cave Training I am very tired after a week of cave diving and then attending DEMA. However, I did want to let you know that I survived CCR Cave training. Thanks to my instructor, John P. Jones, I learned a lot about cave diving, my Optima, myself, and some things about life during my transformation. About CCR cave diving, all I can tell you is that I now consider a rebreather as an indispensable piece of life support equipment. It is the only way to go. It takes so much of the pressure off of things to know that you basically have all the time in the world to solve problems since using up breathing gas will rarely be the concern. We did a lot of diving, and it was great to be able to head into the cave carrying a lot less gas than one would require to make the same dives on open circuit. It was also great to be doing two dives per day on the same tanks without having to leave the water (to switch tanks or get fills) between dives. Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone. So, it is back to the real world for me now . . . for a while. However, I will carry with me memories that will last for the rest of my days as a result of my CCR cave training and experiences. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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12th November 2006, 22:27	#2 (permalink)
zmcave www.rebreather.com.br Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 189	Re: Optima Cave Training Good to hear you enjoyed the caves. The Rebreather is really the perfect equipment for that environment. I am still cave diving OC but I can't wait to get my optima in the caves here. It is awesome to be able to do extended dives with such small tanks without beeing worried about fills for the next dive. That is very important down here where gas fills around caves are rare (usually we have to travel with a compressor...). Last August we spent some 20 days mapping a cave where we had to mix and fill some 15 doubles/day with trimix and associated stages, the main compressor was 40 minutes away (closest electricity around) and a small gasoline compressor was just outside the cave (a bauer junior doesn't do much anyway). Having RBs for the job would have made the whole thing easier on logistics, less tiring, and for sure much much cheaper. Congrats on your course and I wish you a lifetime of safe cave dives. Zé.
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12th November 2006, 23:18	#3 (permalink)
Joe RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 321	Re: Optima Cave Training John Jones is a great guy. One of the good guys who actually make an effort to reach out and communicate with people. Lamar Hires is of the same ilk as John and both are a credit to our sport. As far as you surviving, none of us would expect anything less... :=) ...especially Lesley Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I am very tired after a week of cave diving and then attending DEMA. However, I did want to let you know that I survived CCR Cave training. Thanks to my instructor, John P. Jones, I learned a lot about cave diving, my Optima, myself, and some things about life during my transformation. About CCR cave diving, all I can tell you is that I now consider a rebreather as an indispensable piece of life support equipment. It is the only way to go. It takes so much of the pressure off of things to know that you basically have all the time in the world to solve problems since using up breathing gas will rarely be the concern. We did a lot of diving, and it was great to be able to head into the cave carrying a lot less gas than one would require to make the same dives on open circuit. It was also great to be doing two dives per day on the same tanks without having to leave the water (to switch tanks or get fills) between dives. Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone. So, it is back to the real world for me now . . . for a while. However, I will carry with me memories that will last for the rest of my days as a result of my CCR cave training and experiences.
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13th November 2006, 00:08	#4 (permalink)
Jordan EBT called me stroppy! Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 227	Re: Optima Cave Training Sounds like you had a good time in N FL, SDM-good to hear. I'm glad I was able to get a day of diving in with y'all at MB. I love that godzilla room circuit...it's a good dive. __________________ Is it clear? No. Well, let's go anyways. "Those who would sacrifice a little freedom for a little order, will lose both, and deserve neither." Thomas Jefferson
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13th November 2006, 17:05	#5 (permalink)
mattmexico PROTEC MEXICO Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Optima RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Prism Topaz Sport Kiss RB80 / Clone Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mexico, Q.Roo, Playa del Carmen Posts: 773	Re: Optima Cave Training yo I happend to be on the Dive Rite pickinic as well, actually flipping the burgers and franks for the whole bunch..... I can just attest to the feeling of family when being up there with them, it is always a joy ... greetings Matt ........... Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone.............. __________________ N 20' 37.617' W 87' 04.693' www.andreaswmatthes.com
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16th November 2006, 02:18	#6 (permalink)
JPJones O2ptima Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Optima Titan Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 367	Re: Optima Cave Training Quote: (Originally Posted by mattmexico) yo I happend to be on the Dive Rite pickinic as well, actually flipping the burgers and franks for the whole bunch..... I can just attest to the feeling of family when being up there with them, it is always a joy ... greetings Matt ........... Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone.............. And you did a great job of flipping burgers they were great. __________________ NSS/CDS Training Chairman www.jpjscuba.com
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16th November 2006, 02:21	#7 (permalink)
JPJones O2ptima Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Optima Titan Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 367	Re: Optima Cave Training Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I am very tired after a week of cave diving and then attending DEMA. However, I did want to let you know that I survived CCR Cave training. Thanks to my instructor, John P. Jones, I learned a lot about cave diving, my Optima, myself, and some things about life during my transformation. About CCR cave diving, all I can tell you is that I now consider a rebreather as an indispensable piece of life support equipment. It is the only way to go. It takes so much of the pressure off of things to know that you basically have all the time in the world to solve problems since using up breathing gas will rarely be the concern. We did a lot of diving, and it was great to be able to head into the cave carrying a lot less gas than one would require to make the same dives on open circuit. It was also great to be doing two dives per day on the same tanks without having to leave the water (to switch tanks or get fills) between dives. Last, I want to say that Dive Rite is more like a family company that is more family than company. We got to go to Dive Rite Headquarters where we were warmly and genuinely greeted, and we were invited to attend a pre-DEMA company picnic with everyone. So, one of the highlights of my trip was exiting the cave, and being surrounded by Optima CCR divers everywhere, and then hanging out and swapping cave stories with everyone. So, it is back to the real world for me now . . . for a while. However, I will carry with me memories that will last for the rest of my days as a result of my CCR cave training and experiences. You did a great job and are always welcome to dive with me. __________________ NSS/CDS Training Chairman www.jpjscuba.com
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