GUE Fundamentals Class Dutch Springs

[Lorenzoid]

Come to FL and practice with me.

Gladly. You wouldn’t be the first I have practiced with. My wife and I are on this journey together, by the way. PM me.

 

[rvojr]

Is there a place in particular you practice? The Dutch Springs platforms were helpful for a reference and also because it was 10-25' our gas lasted quite a while.

 

[PullYourselfTogetherMan]

@Lorenzoid i would love to dive with you to get some practice in. Atlanta to Augusta or vice versa is only a mere 2 hours.

 

[Lorenzoid]

We tend to use the springs, such as Troy, Manatee, and of course Blue Grotto. Is there a quarry or something near Augusta?

 

[PullYourselfTogetherMan]

Well high springs is 5 hours away. Lake Murray is right outside of Columbia (an hour from me) and lake Thurmond is 30 minutes from Augusta. Kraken springs is in central ga.

 

[rongoodman]

Congrats! I tried years ago with about the same number of dives and failed horribly. I might have done better with a wetsuit, though.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Well high springs is 5 hours away. Lake Murray is right outside of Columbia (an hour from me) and lake Thurmond is 30 minutes from Augusta. Kraken springs is in central ga.

We do Kraken every once in a while, as well as Lake Jocassee, SC. But we go for the better-vis, 72F spots--the springs--as much as we can manage. It's hard enough to practice skills in mid-water without having to worry about losing sight of one's buddy or whatever visual reference point there is.

@rvojr , what's the vis like in Dutch Springs? I guess most quarries are similar--I haven't been to many. I went to college up there, but I wasn't a diver at the time, and I'm not even sure if Dutch Springs existed as a dive site.

 

[helodriver87]

I'm definitely leaning towards a cordless light though after seeing it get a little tangled up on the other divers.

You can get cordless lights with enough burn time for most typical cave/technical applications, but I think it's worth learning to manage the light cord. A few reasons:

1. No matter how good the battery life is in cordless lights, it'll be better with a canister. Technology may improve to the point where that advantage is meaningless, but it's not there yet. I can do 2 or 3 long cave dives at pretty solid brightness settings without worrying about a charge.

2. You can't lose it on a dive. It's hardwired to a battery pack which is secured to your waistband. I dropped mine on a dive on the oriskany once. Without a cord, that thing is gone. Instead, I was able to just haul it up.

3. The cord tucked into the waistband is what makes the light sit really nice in the temp position. This is super useful for working with two hands in a dark environment.

4. The light head is much lighter and more comfortable to use when you don't have a battery hanging off the back. Again, this may change as battery technology improves, but it's not there yet. Cordless lights with respectable burn time are heavier and bulky.

Learning to manage the cord is pretty simple. It becomes second nature with a little practice.

 

[rjack321]

Glad you enjoyed the class & felt like you learned something @rvojr

I thought about my comment/question after I posted it, and I think I’m projecting my own frustration on you. I have been working at it in earnest for three years or so. I haven’t worked with Mer, though. Everyone seems to think she’s a great teacher. Best of luck on your journey.

3years? Maybe its time for a fresh approach?

 

[rvojr]

The visibility is the best I have ever seen it 20-25’. Even better during the week when no one is there. From what I have been told, the algae blooms may start soon. It made the visibility 5-10’ feet last Oct/Nov.