Does anyone have recommendations for OW sites in FL (that don't require a boat) to send divers looking to get experience on DPVs before taking a cave DPV class?
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OW DPV sites
Does anyone have recommendations for OW sites in FL (that don't require a boat) to send divers looking to get experience on DPVs before taking a cave DPV class?
Jason Gulley
You can run it in Ginnie from L.Devil to Devils. Other places would be spring fed rivers like Rainbow and few others however most of public point of access officially don't allow DPV (if you ask about it from booth sitters). So you either don't ask and just submerge casually, confidently and fast. Or find a private landing on the same river-or-run a hundred yards u/downstream. Some clues: Rainbow, Ichetucknee, Withlacoochee (south), Alexander Spring run, Salt Spring run (Putnam Co), Silver River, Rum Island, Poe, Gilchrist Blue and other springs areas around vents. Viz can be spoiled by rain floods but most stable AFAIK are Rainbow, Alexander and Ichetucknee. Just keep in mind there are occasional wildlife deputy near boat ramps, big gators and in all these rivers so better have a good charged batteries and diver down flag
Add the Mill pond to that list. Just stay out of the main channel.
Ginnie requires a DPV card at last check.
Sappers Forward
841st Eng (Cbt/Hvy) 81ARCOM, 84th Eng (Cbt/Hvy) 2ACR, 40th Eng (Mech) 1AD, 588th Eng (Mech) 4ID
Even in the run?Originally Posted by syntaxerrorsix
OW DPV
I went to Ginnie the day before I started my DPV training last year and didn't have an issue (didn't actually ask if it was OK). I checked in as a Cave Diver (they did check the card) and spend my time in the basin and run by the ball room.
I did head out into the river, but that was mighty dark.
Up in the Panhandle we normally use Vortex or Morrison. Down towards High Springs I was thinking Troy. Not sure if scooters are a no go there or not. I wouldn't want to have to deal with boat traffic and towing a dive flag.
Can't say for sure I just know they want to see a card and they check mirror hangers for the endorsement.
Sappers Forward
841st Eng (Cbt/Hvy) 81ARCOM, 84th Eng (Cbt/Hvy) 2ACR, 40th Eng (Mech) 1AD, 588th Eng (Mech) 4ID
I have always wondered about Ginnie Springs requiring a DPV card. I'm guessing they have no control over someone someone entering via the river. Only those from land.
Al
My buddy and his girl used to take theirs out into the Gulf of Mexico at Panama City and cruise with dolphins.
Bil Lindstrom
UCLA
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