Author Topic: Cave and Mod3  (Read 3706 times)

Offline mark lakes

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Cave and Mod3
« on: December 06, 2007, 01:09:19 AM »
Hi Guys!

While still suffering from jetlag and in an attempt to avoid unpacking my dive gear for another evening I said I'd log on and put up a bit of a trip report.

Monday 19th Nov started two weeks of cave diving in the North Florida. The goal of the two weeks was to complete ccr cave training and meg mod3. Since I got into cave diving a few years ago caves like Peacock Springs, Ginnie Springs, Eagles Nest were places I said I'd have to visit at least once.. So this year I decided to visit and get some training done at the same time.

Over the two weeks skills I thought I had nailed down already just continued to get better and better.. Everything from dive planning, teamwork, communication, stage management, scootering, line work everything improved 10 fold under Rich Stevenson's tuition. The trip wrapped up with 3 days diving in Eagles Nest which for me was by far the most aventurous, challenging and exciting dives I've ever done..

I've come away from the course with a level of confidence I never had to approach the big stuff! New friends! And great memories!

For anyone interest in quality cave, rb or mix instruction I can't recommend Rich's courses enough. His approach, knowledge and genuine love of the sport really makes it all worth while!

Anyone have any questions or anything feel free to drop me a mail..

Happy Crimbo to all!!
Mark
« Last Edit: December 06, 2007, 01:13:16 AM by mark lakes »

barrie law

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2007, 01:25:33 AM »
Hi Mark,
 
Welcome back and it sounds like you had a great time and enjoyed some good diving to boot.
 
I will look out for some further reports and maybe some pics.
 
I hope Richie will be joining us at Dive Show in February 2008 and hopefully he will be hosting one of the workshops we are putting together.

Offline richieoflynn

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2007, 08:23:24 AM »
Nice one Mark, sounds like you had a blast you lucky bugger ! Rich always seems to get really great reviews and comments, looks like you picked the right man.

Still haven't tried the wing yet, hopefully before Christmas...

ATB,

Richie.

Offline baza

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2007, 09:35:05 AM »
Hey Mark,

Congrates, Sounds like a great course and great experience!

Chat soon,
Barry
Barry McGill
Indepth Technical Diving
CCR, Trimix, Technical, Nitrox Training
http://indepthtechnical.com/


Offline Graham Cowley

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2007, 11:06:21 AM »
Glad the trip was a success, looking forward to seeing any pics up post up.
Cheers,
Graham

gcowley@gmail.com
ph:0868333250

"Don't take life too seriously. You'll never get out of it alive!"

Offline quinnw

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2007, 01:42:07 PM »
Grrrrrrr I'm jealous! Only six months since I was out there, great caves! Already thinking of going again, 3rd time in a row...

Peacock is amazing (go to the general store?), Ginnie really good site, Eagle's great for mix.

2nd person in 24 hours sending back reports from cave country. Friend is bringing back a HD video of Harvey's in Walkulla.

Well done and enjoy.

BTW - Full cave or intro to?

Offline mark lakes

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2007, 07:51:21 PM »
Hi Guys..

I've attached a couple pics but we had no uw camera with us this time around..

Richie: Let me know how she goes for ya..

Quinnw: Full cave I did my intro with Mr Farr a few years back. And yep breakfest most mornings down the country store! I'll be going back next year for sure.. Some unfinished business in Eagles Nest and a couple other ideas!!

Offline pat coughlan

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2007, 08:59:34 PM »
Mark sounds like a must for the rest of us!

Cheers pat

Offline Graham Cowley

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2007, 12:07:53 AM »
I can see the Meg being on a few christmas present lists!
Cheers,
Graham

gcowley@gmail.com
ph:0868333250

"Don't take life too seriously. You'll never get out of it alive!"

Offline mark lakes

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #9 on: December 07, 2007, 12:47:25 AM »
Pat yea I can't recommend Florida cave diving enough!! I think regardless of what type of diving your into a cave course can only be of benefit..

On the meg front we had 3 with us.. No major issues at all.. One cell changed, one minor neoprene lung leak fixed other than that they all performed flawlessly! I'd guess about 80-90hours diving betweeen them.

Offline quinnw

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #10 on: December 07, 2007, 01:14:05 PM »
Mark if you do go back, ping me, some good contacts in Northern Florida. Know an excellent facility for Sof. & Gas.

The caves of Florida are special. Very happy memories...

I would strongly recomend a cave course to all. Brilliant skills for ovewrhead enviroments, but really makes you think about bailout options / the what ifs...

Online Stephen McElhone

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #11 on: December 07, 2007, 02:14:40 PM »
Hi Mark,
I spoke at length with Rich about cave diving. He has such a knowledge & passion for it.
Did Brian Gilgeos (i think thats how he spells it) go on the trip? I know he was talking about doing it when he was doing his Meg crossover.
Stephen

Offline mark lakes

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #12 on: December 07, 2007, 02:34:46 PM »
Hi Stephen,

No Brian pulled out.. He was booked to be there for the first week but couldn't make it!

Offline clive

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #13 on: December 08, 2007, 03:24:27 AM »
hey mark well done mate.. delighted that all went well for you..
clive

Offline RogerViking

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Re: Cave and Mod3
« Reply #14 on: December 14, 2007, 07:17:56 PM »
Quote from: mark lakes
Hi Guys..

I've attached a couple pics but we had no uw camera with us this time around..

Richie: Let me know how she goes for ya..

Quinnw: Full cave I did my intro with Mr Farr a few years back. And yep breakfest most mornings down the country store! I'll be going back next year for sure.. Some unfinished business in Eagles Nest and a couple other ideas!!


great photos i doing my intro with martin later this year anny tips?
usualy sucking up ardhills deco gas

 

     
anything