The Chairman
Chairman of the Board
Being a relative new comer to cave diving, it's been fun to learn a number of new lessons with some new friends. Yesterday, I got to hang out in a class with Denise from Dayo Scuba as she taught two budding Cavern Divers. It was good to just get more time in my side mount rig and to get more relaxed. To be sure, my biggest obstacle with diving side mount so far has been overcoming apprehension during the dive. In fact, I was asked to accompany some peeps on a much more challenging dive, and I while I thanked them for the opportunity, I declined in favor of just getting more acquainted with the gear.
However, today was a different day and my confidence level was high. I was asked again to make a more challenging dive (two actually) and I chose the one that was within my comfort level. The plan was first to go to the Water Hole just off of P1 and connect to the rest of the system and explore a bit exiting at P1. There were three problems with this plan:
There were three of us, and it was determined that I would be the middle man. Our first lead took off in a tear! I was really humping trying to keep up, and yet stay within distance of our third party. I had to stop the lead twice, but soon we were at the jump and in we went. This is where things got silty. The passage is not used nearly as much as the rest of the system. In addition, our lead guy was in a hurry and often used a flutter kick, leaving me in the dust. I could tell that I was kicking up silt too, as I am not used to moving that fast. My pressure was getting very close to thirds (turds as Denise says it) when we finally reached the Water Hole. We did a safety stop and headed for the surface.
So, the first thing I did was to apologize to our tail gunner for the silt that I caused. He brushed it off, but mentioned that we would be going back a LOT slower. The leader suggested that he was used to high flow systems and that's why he was so quick.
Now, if you haven't been in Water Hole, the first thing that hits you (literally) is the number of trees and branches between you and the cave opening. Two of us were in side mount, but our tail gunner (now leader) was in back mount. He threaded carefully through the maze and into the opening. Once in, he moved gently through the tunnel: no rush, no gaps and far less apprehension. I found myself zenning out on my breathing. This was nice. Before I knew it, we were back at the gap and heading back out to P1. Our new leader had much better control over his depth and attitude, and he stirred up no silt. Looking back, I could see that I was not stirring up anything either. Kewl.
Another safety stop and we surfaced. I used just a bit over half of my air on the return trip that I used on the trip out. Wow. I saw a ton of cave crayfish on the return. In fact, I enjoyed the return far more in every way. Here are some lessons I learned.
To be sure, I would dive with either of these gentlemen again. I would just be sure to keep things slow: NetDoc slow!
However, today was a different day and my confidence level was high. I was asked again to make a more challenging dive (two actually) and I chose the one that was within my comfort level. The plan was first to go to the Water Hole just off of P1 and connect to the rest of the system and explore a bit exiting at P1. There were three problems with this plan:
- The water hole presented issues with getting in without injury to me or my equipment. My ankle is not %100 yet after surgery.
- I didn't like the idea of returning to a different point after consuming thirds.
- Apparently, the Water Hole has been designated as an emergency exit only by the Park.
There were three of us, and it was determined that I would be the middle man. Our first lead took off in a tear! I was really humping trying to keep up, and yet stay within distance of our third party. I had to stop the lead twice, but soon we were at the jump and in we went. This is where things got silty. The passage is not used nearly as much as the rest of the system. In addition, our lead guy was in a hurry and often used a flutter kick, leaving me in the dust. I could tell that I was kicking up silt too, as I am not used to moving that fast. My pressure was getting very close to thirds (turds as Denise says it) when we finally reached the Water Hole. We did a safety stop and headed for the surface.
So, the first thing I did was to apologize to our tail gunner for the silt that I caused. He brushed it off, but mentioned that we would be going back a LOT slower. The leader suggested that he was used to high flow systems and that's why he was so quick.
Now, if you haven't been in Water Hole, the first thing that hits you (literally) is the number of trees and branches between you and the cave opening. Two of us were in side mount, but our tail gunner (now leader) was in back mount. He threaded carefully through the maze and into the opening. Once in, he moved gently through the tunnel: no rush, no gaps and far less apprehension. I found myself zenning out on my breathing. This was nice. Before I knew it, we were back at the gap and heading back out to P1. Our new leader had much better control over his depth and attitude, and he stirred up no silt. Looking back, I could see that I was not stirring up anything either. Kewl.
Another safety stop and we surfaced. I used just a bit over half of my air on the return trip that I used on the trip out. Wow. I saw a ton of cave crayfish on the return. In fact, I enjoyed the return far more in every way. Here are some lessons I learned.
- Don't allow the leader to set too quick of a pace. He can slow to your pace far more easily than you can speed up to his.
- Take time to enjoy the cave. There is no mission, except to have fun.
- Evaluate your techniques for the environment you are diving in. Low flow caves do not need high flow techniques.
To be sure, I would dive with either of these gentlemen again. I would just be sure to keep things slow: NetDoc slow!
I don't care how 'big' the cave is. What did the instructor say about that?
