Cave diving in the US?

JonnyB · 6th March 2007, 18:51

Hi guys, where in the US can i go and take a course in cave diving.
I know about FL, are there other places as well?

/Jonny

Crazyduck · 6th March 2007, 19:44

Jonny,
I did mine partically in Florida and really that is the only place that is set up properly for this process (in the United States.) Florida has the training, the gas, and enough sites to properly support such training. Training requires you dive different sites for exposure and variation. Don’t get me wrong- Northwest Florida can be very ‘basic’

at times but the underwater sites are truly incredible.
Swimming down a rock hallway with dark walls and a sand floor just blows your mind away- not to mention the water is so clear it is like looking through air.

Most sites we visited were 68-72 degrees, the systems open directly to the surface (spring style) and they have decent depth depending on the system.
Plus, there is nothing stopping you from traveling within Florida and sitting additional sites. Salt water, wreck, deep.

For open circuit divers you are looking at a week or more of training to get your straight through the process of full cave. What is added for closed circuit I am not sure?

There are a few closed circuit cave divers I am sure they can provide direct details.
Hopefully Heather or Brian will pop in here- they are the pro's.

Also the time of year matters- rain does not help any of these systems. Too much and they get blown out.

I have to say that Dr. Mikes report on Florida and cave diving is pretty much spot on.
Link- http://www.rebreatherworld.com/rebreather-training-articles/2308-ccr-cave-course-florida.html

If you have an international flair then Florida is a bit of a culture shock at times. They smoke meat- some folks might calling it burning it and they lather it in a tangy sauce. I have known a few brits to be shocked.

The other option is Mexico
Mexico might be cheaper to fly, stay and drink. But the systems are considerably shallower. The mosquitoes are the size of birds and the dive sites are sometimes remote… Mexico always feels like an expedition into the poor and undeveloped. Not saying that I was not treated well- just the poverty was over taking at times.

My Aunt about lost her mind while in Mexico. She thought the little lizards in Cyprus were a menacing and she only had to stomp her feet to get them to run away.
Then she had a full sized iguana fall through the thatched roof onto her bed with her in it. Not good. So I guess a lot has to do with your tolerance of new sites and cultures.

Mexico has some incredible caves and the sites are awesome. But that is more touristy to me. The exception to everything would be Matt Mathis- I am sure Matt would make you suffer if take his course. Then again I know he would -

. That's what I expect from these types of courses!

The guys on Meg’s just did a course in Mexico I would look that up.
link-
http://www.rebreatherworld.com/rebre...-darkness.html

What are you specifically looking for sir?
Regards, Andrew

hchoat · 6th March 2007, 20:10

JonnyB

If you are interested in Cave Training in Florida on CCR, the guy to call is Gregg Stanton at Wakulla Diving Center.

Wakulla Diving Center

JonnyB · 6th March 2007, 20:14

Hi Andrew, thanks for your reply.

Well, what am i looking for?
First, i hate diving in current. So i am NOT looking to go diving anywhere where there are current, that is why i am sceptic about FL.

/Jonny

hchoat · 6th March 2007, 20:21

Quote: (Originally Posted by JonnyB)

Hi Andrew, thanks for your reply.

Well, what am i looking for?
First, i hate diving in current. So i am NOT looking to go diving anywhere where there are current, that is why i am sceptic about FL.

/Jonny

Well.... Typically instructors in Florida will introduce you to a number of different dive sites, some with lots of flow (current) some with none, and others that are somewhere in between. Most of the diving I have done in Mexico was of the no flow variety- and I don't know of any high flow caves there. I suppose you could look at it as learning a new and valuable skill- you might actually find that flow is fun.....

mikedive · 7th March 2007, 01:35

Hey buddy,

Why you don't go to Mexico and do your cave training with Matt at Protec????
You can contact him here likr mattmexico or by e-mail at matt@protecdiving.com if you want.
Cheers,

PacketSniffer · 7th March 2007, 04:42

I second Heather's pick for Gregg Stanton. He's very professional, detailed, knowledgable, and easy going. No politics. No BS. You get an education! Gregg comes from an academia background (Florida State University). He not only knows the material but can TEACH it. Not all instructors can do that. Gregg has been a NAUI instructor for 40 years and sits on the IANTD Board of Advisors. He instructs on several CCRs and has been cave diving, well, for a loooong time. I consider Gregg one of the very best CCR/Cave instructors in the U.S.

JonnyB · 7th March 2007, 06:56

Quote: (Originally Posted by mikedive)

Hey buddy,

Why you don't go to Mexico and do your cave training with Matt at Protec????
You can contact him here likr mattmexico or by e-mail at matt@protecdiving.com if you want.
Cheers,

I have thought about Matt and Mexico, the main reason for asking about the US, is that i have a roadtrip planned there this summer. about 1 month, one car, my Meg, lots of diving and party!!!

/Jonny

Rasmus · 7th March 2007, 13:14

Jonny

I will be going to Florida for cave diving in June. A good friend of mine will do his CCR Cave course aswell. Maybe we can find out something.

RL

Helium_diver · 7th March 2007, 17:09

Another vote for Gregg Stanton . He is in the middle of cave country an excellent instructor and all around good guy.

Helium_diver

6th March 2007, 18:51	#1 (permalink)
JonnyB Johnny The Hatch Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Titan Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweden (Stockholm)/Cyprus(Ayia Napa) Posts: 991	Cave diving in the US? Hi guys, where in the US can i go and take a course in cave diving. I know about FL, are there other places as well? /Jonny __________________ A quote from Crazyduck - In remembering our own Rob Davies. "Outbound flight 777 heavy you are cleared for flight Due west into that warm red Texas sunset You have angels on your wings and divers memories on your six." Rest In Peace http://www.divetekcyprus.com http://www.diveccr.com
(Online)

6th March 2007, 19:44	#2 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 720	Re: Cave diving in the US? Jonny, I did mine partically in Florida and really that is the only place that is set up properly for this process (in the United States.) Florida has the training, the gas, and enough sites to properly support such training. Training requires you dive different sites for exposure and variation. Don’t get me wrong- Northwest Florida can be very ‘basic’ at times but the underwater sites are truly incredible. Swimming down a rock hallway with dark walls and a sand floor just blows your mind away- not to mention the water is so clear it is like looking through air. Most sites we visited were 68-72 degrees, the systems open directly to the surface (spring style) and they have decent depth depending on the system. Plus, there is nothing stopping you from traveling within Florida and sitting additional sites. Salt water, wreck, deep. For open circuit divers you are looking at a week or more of training to get your straight through the process of full cave. What is added for closed circuit I am not sure? There are a few closed circuit cave divers I am sure they can provide direct details. Hopefully Heather or Brian will pop in here- they are the pro's. Also the time of year matters- rain does not help any of these systems. Too much and they get blown out. I have to say that Dr. Mikes report on Florida and cave diving is pretty much spot on. Link- http://www.rebreatherworld.com/rebreather-training-articles/2308-ccr-cave-course-florida.html If you have an international flair then Florida is a bit of a culture shock at times. They smoke meat- some folks might calling it burning it and they lather it in a tangy sauce. I have known a few brits to be shocked. The other option is Mexico Mexico might be cheaper to fly, stay and drink. But the systems are considerably shallower. The mosquitoes are the size of birds and the dive sites are sometimes remote… Mexico always feels like an expedition into the poor and undeveloped. Not saying that I was not treated well- just the poverty was over taking at times. My Aunt about lost her mind while in Mexico. She thought the little lizards in Cyprus were a menacing and she only had to stomp her feet to get them to run away. Then she had a full sized iguana fall through the thatched roof onto her bed with her in it. Not good. So I guess a lot has to do with your tolerance of new sites and cultures. Mexico has some incredible caves and the sites are awesome. But that is more touristy to me. The exception to everything would be Matt Mathis- I am sure Matt would make you suffer if take his course. Then again I know he would - . That's what I expect from these types of courses! The guys on Meg’s just did a course in Mexico I would look that up. link- http://www.rebreatherworld.com/rebre...-darkness.html What are you specifically looking for sir? Regards, Andrew __________________ Howdy Senor- What’s Happening! Rob Davie April 2005- Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha. Last edited by Crazyduck : 6th March 2007 at 20:06.
(Online)

6th March 2007, 20:10	#3 (permalink)
hchoat Resident Selkie Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL- USA Posts: 227	Re: Cave diving in the US? JonnyB If you are interested in Cave Training in Florida on CCR, the guy to call is Gregg Stanton at Wakulla Diving Center. Wakulla Diving Center __________________ Duct tape is like the force... it has a light side and dark side, and it holds the universe together.
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6th March 2007, 20:14	#4 (permalink)
JonnyB Johnny The Hatch Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Titan Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweden (Stockholm)/Cyprus(Ayia Napa) Posts: 991	Re: Cave diving in the US? Hi Andrew, thanks for your reply. Well, what am i looking for? First, i hate diving in current. So i am NOT looking to go diving anywhere where there are current, that is why i am sceptic about FL. /Jonny __________________ A quote from Crazyduck - In remembering our own Rob Davies. "Outbound flight 777 heavy you are cleared for flight Due west into that warm red Texas sunset You have angels on your wings and divers memories on your six." Rest In Peace http://www.divetekcyprus.com http://www.diveccr.com
(Online)

6th March 2007, 20:21	#5 (permalink)
hchoat Resident Selkie Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL- USA Posts: 227	Re: Cave diving in the US? Quote: (Originally Posted by JonnyB) Hi Andrew, thanks for your reply. Well, what am i looking for? First, i hate diving in current. So i am NOT looking to go diving anywhere where there are current, that is why i am sceptic about FL. /Jonny Well.... Typically instructors in Florida will introduce you to a number of different dive sites, some with lots of flow (current) some with none, and others that are somewhere in between. Most of the diving I have done in Mexico was of the no flow variety- and I don't know of any high flow caves there. I suppose you could look at it as learning a new and valuable skill- you might actually find that flow is fun..... __________________ Duct tape is like the force... it has a light side and dark side, and it holds the universe together.
(Offline)

7th March 2007, 01:35	#6 (permalink)
mikedive Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Optima Other CCR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Brazil, Texas and Mexico Posts: 330	Re: Cave diving in the US? Hey buddy, Why you don't go to Mexico and do your cave training with Matt at Protec???? You can contact him here likr mattmexico or by e-mail at matt@protecdiving.com if you want. Cheers, __________________ Michael Netto - www.rebreatherclubedobrasil.com.br ISC Megalodon CCR instructor and dealer IANTD CCR Trimix and CCR Cave instructor IANTD Dive Rite O2ptima instructor
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7th March 2007, 04:42	#7 (permalink)
PacketSniffer ~~~~~ #417 ~~~~~ Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 437	Re: Cave diving in the US? I second Heather's pick for Gregg Stanton. He's very professional, detailed, knowledgable, and easy going. No politics. No BS. You get an education! Gregg comes from an academia background (Florida State University). He not only knows the material but can TEACH it. Not all instructors can do that. Gregg has been a NAUI instructor for 40 years and sits on the IANTD Board of Advisors. He instructs on several CCRs and has been cave diving, well, for a loooong time. I consider Gregg one of the very best CCR/Cave instructors in the U.S. __________________ Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat.
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7th March 2007, 06:56	#8 (permalink)
JonnyB Johnny The Hatch Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Titan Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweden (Stockholm)/Cyprus(Ayia Napa) Posts: 991	Re: Cave diving in the US? Quote: (Originally Posted by mikedive) Hey buddy, Why you don't go to Mexico and do your cave training with Matt at Protec???? You can contact him here likr mattmexico or by e-mail at matt@protecdiving.com if you want. Cheers, I have thought about Matt and Mexico, the main reason for asking about the US, is that i have a roadtrip planned there this summer. about 1 month, one car, my Meg, lots of diving and party!!! /Jonny __________________ A quote from Crazyduck - In remembering our own Rob Davies. "Outbound flight 777 heavy you are cleared for flight Due west into that warm red Texas sunset You have angels on your wings and divers memories on your six." Rest In Peace http://www.divetekcyprus.com http://www.diveccr.com
(Online)

7th March 2007, 13:14	#9 (permalink)
Rasmus RebreatherWorld Sponsor Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Sport Kiss MK 15.X Ouroboros Optima rEvo Other CCR RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: rEvo Other CCR RB80 / Clone Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denmark Posts: 118	Re: Cave diving in the US? Jonny I will be going to Florida for cave diving in June. A good friend of mine will do his CCR Cave course aswell. Maybe we can find out something. RL __________________ Rasmus Lauritsen CCR/OC Trimix IT Instructor training on the Inspiration, Evolution, Megalodon, COPIS-Meg, Ouroboros, Sentinel Diver training on KISS, Cis-Lunar MK5, Mk15, DR Optima, rEvo. www.nortechdiving.dk
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7th March 2007, 17:09	#10 (permalink)
Helium_diver Has anyone seen my Gerbil Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Baltimore MD USA Posts: 151	Re: Cave diving in the US? Another vote for Gregg Stanton . He is in the middle of cave country an excellent instructor and all around good guy. Helium_diver __________________ "If I look unconscious I probably am " Bill Hartman
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