At what point did you consider yourself a cave diver?

[BigTex1836]

Hello,

I've seen a few posts over the past months to the effect of "just because you are full cave certified, it does not make you a cave diver. You have only been granted a license to learn how." (not quoting anyone specific) It's got me curious, at what point did you consider yourself a cave diver?

Thanks
Eric

[Kelly Jessop]

Hello,

I've seen a few posts over the past months to the effect of "just because you are full cave certified, it does not make you a cave diver. You have only been granted a license to learn how." (not quoting anyone specific) It's got me curious, at what point did you consider yourself a cave diver?

Thanks
Eric

When I was certified there were no forums,and you depended on mentorship to advance. There were many times I wanted to try a certain passage or cave and was told I wasn't ready. I got nudged along progressively so that when I did do the cave/passage I wanted to do, I was really ready. I would say somewhere around 100 cave dives I was no longer a journeyman.

Ought to make this a poll, with 1-25,26-50..........

[BigTex1836]

Ought to make this a poll, with 1-25,26-50..........

I thought about that, but then got to thinking if it may have been a specific event that occurred instead of a number of dives. First time squirming to get thru a restriction, first time doing stages, etc...

[Dsix36]

My story:

It was my first attempt at swimming to the Hinkle restriction before I would eventually scooter there. Of course I was diving solo with my rebreather. I had more than ample bailout on me and even had some staged. It was at 2800' when my primary light died. You have no idea what dark is until this happens in real life. I deployed my backup and was amazed that I had not moved even an inch in depth and was quite pleased with myself for this. I was getting a little cocky now and was thinking to myself, "I do have another backup light and I only need to go 200 more feet". right then and there, I heard Jill Heinerth's words from my training class, "You must be willing to turn the dive within an inch of your goal". I began cussing through my DSV as I turned around and exited the cave.

I think this event is where I began to consider myself a cave diver.

P.S. - Thanks Jill, this is not the only time your training has saved my arse.

[gschaut]

I think it was the first dive I got to be the senior diver. Took a Basic level diver who wanted practice time on a (short) tour up the main line at Ginnie. He had never been to Ginnie before, and I briefed him on the conditions, route, current, how to get thru the ear with your fingers intact. Took a short trip up thru the lips and back.

Learning never ends. But when you can start teaching someone else, that's when you think of yourself as one of the club.

[floridabob]

Hello,

I've seen a few posts over the past months to the effect of "just because you are full cave certified, it does not make you a cave diver. You have only been granted a license to learn how." (not quoting anyone specific) It's got me curious, at what point did you consider yourself a cave diver?

Thanks
Eric

Many others and I will all tell you that I am not a cave diver. I dive caves. I am regularly tongue lashed (not the good way) for still lobster diving, spearfishing, wreck diving, etc. It was just a month ago I was admonished for doing mini season when "Twin Dees is perfect! And Michigan, WTF where you thinking!".

Frankly, I like caves and the make me better every time but I have zero interest in being a cave diver.

Now I'm off to finish packing for my cave dive tomorrow...and weds...

Bob

[speleocrone]

For me, I think it was when I first looked at my ocean only diving buddies and was momentarily appalled at some of their practices; loose gear everywhere, finishing a dive on only 100psi (or none), and other stuff. Until I realised they were diving different conditions, different rules (still believe in thirds rule for oceans too though!). I can't dive oceans now (and I do a lot still) without working on trim, gear configuration, and other cave skills. Always trying to improve my cave diving skills, no matter where I am diving. So I see myself as a learner cave diver, always in training, despite 4 advanced cave qualifications (full cave).

[bamafan]

From what I have seen and heard in cave country I think the determining factor must be when you think everyone else sucks but you and you gladly tell anyone that will listen this.

[floridabob]

From what I have seen and heard in cave country I think the determining factor must be when you think everyone else sucks but you and you gladly tell anyone that will listen this.

Ha!

Then we are all cave divers!

[nakatomi]

From what I have seen and heard in cave country I think the determining factor must be when you think everyone else sucks but you and you gladly tell anyone that will listen this.

There is a lot of truth to that, but really?

You know you're a true cave diver when GI3 has a wallpaper on his computer featuring you...