Wacissa River - Cassidy & Big Blue Springs

[Guy Bryant]

Yesterday, Saturday Sept 6, 2008 my girlfriend (Amy) and I went canoeing on the Wacissa River. I took my side mount gear and two aluminum 80's just incase any of the springs were diveable. The river water was very tannic with vis about 5-8 ft so I figured the springs would be about the same considering the river is spring fed. We canoed over to Cassidy, and man was it pumping! Vis was about 5-8 ft and very tannic. I decided to have a look anyway. (See Craig G's post "No Mounting Cassidy"). While gearing up I blew an o-ring on one tank and didn't have a replacement o-ring with me so I just dove one tank. I made it to the "no mount" restriction fighting a very strong current. It blew my regulator out of my mouth a few times and I had to wedge myself against the walls just to keep from being blown out. The no mount restriction complete with huge log is at 41 feet of depth. I've included a couple of pictures I took of the restriction. The first one shows a line going over the rock to the left and on into the cave. The second photo shows a more complete picture of the restriction. I tried to get through but the current was ripping so bad that I couldn't push my tank in front of me so I abandoned that idea.

I plan to return when the vis is better and the current dies down. I'm even thinking of taking a hand saw with me and work on that tree. I figure I can cut some "V" shapes into it and slowly widen the restriction so that it is no longer a no-mount. However, before I do this does anyone out there know anything about this cave?? For example, how much line is in it, what size tunnel, how deep, etc.?????

We continued to canoe and went over to Big Blue Spring. It was very murky with vis about 10ft at best. I jumped in and found the cave entrance and it too was pumping like mad. I managed to pull myself into the cave till I found a permanent line. Since I was using a single tank and no back up air I stopped here and exited. Same question - does anyone know about this cave - how much line, tunnel size, depth, etc.???

I've never dived the Wacissa springs because I have always heard there is not much to them. Lately, I've become interested in seeing what's there. So, if anybody can provide info about these springs I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Guy