Looking for a Cavern/Intro to Cave Class

[jmonty]

I'm looking for a good instructor in the Orlando area to give a cavern and maybe an intro to cave class.

Thanks
Jeff

[inkdiver]

I did my Intro with Rick Murcar in Brooksville area (www.genesisdiving.com) and just finished my Full cave with Bert Wilcher in Tampa(www.tampaadventuresports.com)

Both were excellent instructors and I highly recommend them both.

I also have a friend who took his Basic from Rich Courtney in High Springs (http://www.divecaves.com ). I know Rich personally and believe you can't go wrong with him either.

Keep in mind that you'll likely end up doing your training dives in and around Cave Country, so the instructor doesn't really have to be local.

[jj1987]

I'm looking for a good instructor in the Orlando area to give a cavern and maybe an intro to cave class.

Thanks
Jeff
Here's a good starting point-
http://www.safecavediving.com/instructors.asp
http://www.nsscds.com/training_new/instructorlist.htm
http://www.gue.com/?q=en/Training/Instructors/index.html

I called a LOT of instructors and ended up with one I was happy with, that's what I'd suggest. I really think knowing that you got *the* instructor for you helps your mindset going into the class, compared to just signing up with the instructor who's closest to you, or the cheapest.

[Oister]

http://www.siltoutdiving.com/

[jmonty]

This may open up a can of worms....but is there much difference in the certifying organizations? (GUE, IANTD, TDI, ect...) I have heard that some shops will not recognize certain certifications?

[Slüdge]

The only thing I've heard like that is that some sites won't accept a PADI Cavern card. Other than that, everything's recognized. If you were to go to a shop that wouldn't recognize a card from a major technical agency, you probably don't want to do business with that shop, anyway.

[Scubastud16]

GUE is different from most of the others in that it requires you to pass the Fundamentals class (and to get a Tech pass) to continue on towards it's Cave 1 class.

[swcapitalo]

did my intro and apprentice with bill oestreich (aw-strike). really funny guy but serious about caving. hes not a rash or vile man, but he will make sure you know what you need to know and then some. leaving his class i felt very confident in the skills that he taught me and my brother. he will meet you at the dive site where you will do your training (usually peacock, little river or ginnie). he mailed us our books and was more than helpful with any questions i had prior to and even after the class. be careful though, this guys a cave ninja!!

[swcapitalo]

GUE is different from most of the others in that it requires you to pass the Fundamentals class (and to get a Tech pass) to continue on towards it's Cave 1 class.

and their REALLY expensive

[scblade27]

Another option you can look into. I had a really good experience with them.

http://www.dayoscuba.com/cavecourses.htm

[FW]

Another option you can look into. I had a really good experience with them.

http://www.dayoscuba.com/cavecourses.htm
I'll second them! :-)

[sarge89]

Just finished my Full Cave training in North Flordia with John Orlowski. Very good instructor, and you get to hear a lot of good stories of some of the beginnings of cave diving as well. Above and beyond my expectations.

[runawaylobster]

Hmmm....

Well to do the NAUI Cave I having technical experience is not a formal requirement. That being said in all fairness to the candidate, I don't take on a person going in with no doubles or technical/cavern experience simply because it would be like going for a masters degree without the undergrad and would not be a pleasant or successfull experience for the student. After all, if you aren't having fun then why do it at all.

OK well that's my 2c worth...

:)

LL

Edit: I forgot to say that I just did a cavern/intro to tech combination class and it was alot of fun

[stairman]

Sarge,I met yall down at Peacock with Big Ed last Friday.Glad you had a good class with John O.

[Higgins]

John and Shelly Orlowski. I, my wife and several friends did classes with them since 1996 ! and new ones are still coming this year. And all this from far away as Germany.

[Higgins]

Sorry, forgot their URL http://www.aquaspeleo.com/

[TonyDCaver]

Just to throw my .02 cents in.... Johnny Richards is a phenomenal instructor!

[whodunit68]

I just finished Cavern and Basic Cave with Rob Neto of Chipola Divers. I've raved about my experience in several places on this site already so I won't go too far into it but he was really great.

http://www.chipoladivers.com/