What could possibly go wrong diving in caves...
People often ask why. Why could you possibly want to dive kilometers underground in a dark, water filled tube?
I suppose that there's no real way of explaining it. Its probably the same answer that most people give for the crazy things that we do, and love doing. There is something about caves, yes... some thing 'magical', that has to be seen to be believed. I don't know whether you will be impressed by the pictures of white rock formations underground, even knowing that the nearest light and air is a 56 minute swim away. To be honest, it really doesn't matter to me if you are impressed or not (who am I kidding... if you are impressed I'll be well chuffed) but I don't do it to impress people.
The overhead environment adds a few interesting challenges that 'normal' scuba doesn't. Firstly, there is a roof. In theory, if you encounter a problem in the sea, just swim up and you will be fine. Caves don't offer that luxury. Here's hoping you can hold your breath for an hour to swim back. Second, its really dark. Like, totally dark. Most of you will never experience the complete lack of light that you get in caves. Its a little awe inspiring in itself. But if your torch dies, good luck getting out. Then there's that whole water thing... You can breath it, so don't try. Gas supplies need to be monitored carefully...
But, all of that aside, the things cave diving offers to divers is unreal. The sense of exploration is incredible, knowing that few other people, in some cases no one else, have ever seen what you are looking at. The formations themselves are breathtaking, with no two passages of cave being the same.
I don't know. I don't know if anyone is going to read this, I don't know what you will think if you do, but have a look at my shots and make up your own minds. I'm still new to the game, but with everything I am taught, I realize how much more I still have to learn.
Dive safe, keep exploring, and take it easy awesome people
Sharkman Jim
People often ask why. Why could you possibly want to dive kilometers underground in a dark, water filled tube?
I suppose that there's no real way of explaining it. Its probably the same answer that most people give for the crazy things that we do, and love doing. There is something about caves, yes... some thing 'magical', that has to be seen to be believed. I don't know whether you will be impressed by the pictures of white rock formations underground, even knowing that the nearest light and air is a 56 minute swim away. To be honest, it really doesn't matter to me if you are impressed or not (who am I kidding... if you are impressed I'll be well chuffed) but I don't do it to impress people.
The overhead environment adds a few interesting challenges that 'normal' scuba doesn't. Firstly, there is a roof. In theory, if you encounter a problem in the sea, just swim up and you will be fine. Caves don't offer that luxury. Here's hoping you can hold your breath for an hour to swim back. Second, its really dark. Like, totally dark. Most of you will never experience the complete lack of light that you get in caves. Its a little awe inspiring in itself. But if your torch dies, good luck getting out. Then there's that whole water thing... You can breath it, so don't try. Gas supplies need to be monitored carefully...
But, all of that aside, the things cave diving offers to divers is unreal. The sense of exploration is incredible, knowing that few other people, in some cases no one else, have ever seen what you are looking at. The formations themselves are breathtaking, with no two passages of cave being the same.
I don't know. I don't know if anyone is going to read this, I don't know what you will think if you do, but have a look at my shots and make up your own minds. I'm still new to the game, but with everything I am taught, I realize how much more I still have to learn.
Dive safe, keep exploring, and take it easy awesome people
Sharkman Jim
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Long time cave-diver, sometime explorer and technical/rebreather instructor. If you ever want to visit Florida or Mexico let me know, I spend a lot of time in those areas.