Easy Intro level caves w/doubles

[QuarryCommando]

OK, I know Ginnie doesn't allow doubles at the Intro level... But what are some suggested sites where an Intro level diver using doubles *within training limits* can gain some experience? Nothing too challenging, just looking to enjoy. Out-of-towner here, haven't been to Florida in years, so I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

[jmaddox]

Chris, in all due respect, its not just Ginnie that doesn’t let intro divers dive doubles, its your certification agency, IANTD.

http://www.iantd.com/standards/IANTD_Standards_2003[1].pdf

page 42.

With that said, I’m an intro diver that is in the process of stepping up to doubles as well. I got a nice new set that I really want to learn how to use SAFELY. My question is, other than doing expensive, boring, OW dives, just to train on my doubles before I get my "permission slip" from my future apprentice instructor, what are some good resources that can allow me to increase my skill set prior to taking my tanks into somewhere that will result in a potentially unsafe environment? I very much value my life much more than I care about diving doubles, however, any recommendations as to how and where to train would be greatly appreciated.

safe divin’ to all!

--jm

[QuarryCommando]

Thanks for pointing out the obvious jm! ... I'm fully aware of the IANTD course limitations, and fully aware of what my instructor taught me in regards to those limitations. I was obviously referring to the typical 1/3 single - 1/6 doubles penetration, no jumps/gaps, etc...

[skip]

thanks guys for pointing out that the move from singles to doubles is totally ignored by most training agencies. you get cavern/intro certified in a single tank and you are on your own to "learn to use" doubles. No one gives any guidance at all here.

i personally suggest you stay in open water with new doubles. try a quarry or lake or lazy river until you can do the air share drills with a buddy and not drop your feet, make sure you can reach all valves and give some thought to which one to shut down first in a free flow. Maybe purchase and read the intro/cave manuals from NSS, IANTD, NACD, etc.

good luck,
-skip

[Jason B.]

A cave is sure not the place to "learn" to dive doubles.

You said you haven't been to Florida in years which leads me to believe that you haven't been cave diving in years (I could be wrong - I apologize if I am). If this is the case, I surely wouldn't suggest just jumping into the caves with doubles to get your feet wet again.

Not only for your own safety but also from a cave conservation point of view.

Head out to your local quarry to get your doubles dialed in.

Maybe you could get up with your old instructor and have him do a 'tune up' dive with you?

Be safe!

[Cindy]

Hey Guys, I learned to use doubles at forty fathom grotto under the guidance of a dive master the first day and an instructor on the second. I was intro to cave at the time. I didn't use doubles in a cave until apprentice class and my instructor in Cave Diving told me I was ready. He is the guy I pay to give me that kind of advice. If you don't follow that advice you may as well toss your money out the window. Personally I don't think all divers are created equal and you need to talk to your instructor. He can help you configure gear and pick some spots for you to practice. I am amazed that people pay an experienced instructor and then take training advice off somebody on a forum. You may as well ask them how you can take your own kidney out. You would live longer. There are a few places like Troy springs, Forty Fathoms etc. that I go to when I practive with new gear. Very frankly I was trained and made it a habit not to trial new gear, suits, regs, scooters etc in a cave. When I haven't scootered for a while I will practice at least one dive in open water. Each and everytime I break that rule it ends up a minor disaster.
Good luck guys and let me know when you take that kidney out, I'm O- and a universal donar. Cindy

[Genesis]

They're not hard to learn to dive in but are definitely "different."

My first dive in doubles was quite comical. I still remember it. If it had been in a cave it woul dhave been quite bad; at minimum I would have left lots of face-prints in the bottom.

It took me about a dozen dives to get really "sorted" with them, mostly just getting my sense of trim back and getting my kit set up so everything was balanced right.

Find a good place to go play in open water and have at it. And if you want some laughs, have a friend bring a video camera and shoot some footage - it'll be worth it.

[ggoodman]

i'll agree i had a several dives in my doubles before my intro class and after having my trim tweaked by my inst.(definatly a good thing) i felt horrible, now im very comfortable, but then i went to the pool after my class and dove in local sink before i went in another cave.
on a side note i am always looking for someone else to dive with who's at my level of training. im located in Tallahassee where are you guys at, or you can pm me.
Garrett

[WaterDawg]

I think NAUI-Tec had the right idea w/ their "Intro to tech" class, it might be worth a look for you.

[wingman]

OK, I know Ginnie doesn't allow doubles at the Intro level... But what are some suggested sites where an Intro level diver using doubles *within training limits* can gain some experience? Nothing too challenging, just looking to enjoy. Out-of-towner here, haven't been to Florida in years, so I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

I would (actually i did) go to and spend a lot of time at vortex springs in ponce de leon...you can camp and get air fills and dive doubles to your hearts content in a real cave down to about 119 feet to a locked grate. A great place to get familiar with equipment and there is even some artificial overhead for your diving pleasure...