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#20
Dive Buddy for Ginnie Springs or other locations nearby
MeghanMerie - 10/17/2022 12:53 PM
Category: Buddy Wanted
Replies: 6

So I’m really new to diving. I mean, REALLY new. I was OW certified a little over a year ago and haven’t been able to dive since then. I live in Ohio but I’m wanting to do some diving soon, so I’m looking for somewhere with warm-ish water. I did some research and Ginnie Springs seemed the closest to me, at a 14 hour drive. I chose FL because it has the warmest water (that I know of).

If someone knows of a better location that isn’t much further than Ginnie Springs, I’m all ears. A place that is good for new divers would be best. I’m looking for a buddy who is either new, like me, or can put up with a new diver like me. Since I’m new, I will be taking things a little slower than experienced divers as I still need to work on my buoyancy and trim.

I’m looking to go over a weekend - if possible, near the end of this month, such as the 28th - 30th. Days aren’t set in stone. I plan on taking a few days off of work for my travel there and back. We can plan out the details and meet up at the location. If anyone is interested, please let me know.
#1361
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Curtis - 10/24/2022 5:10 PM
Might be diving next weekend, definitely doing what are considered easy ones right now. Had a couple outings recently with Aimfora100. I’m a long time diver getting back in after double knee replacements, so also trying to get some dive skills back, not intimidated by new divers.....we were all there once. Read my bio, maybe we can get a small group out to go diving.
#94
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Macegon - 10/24/2022 8:24 PM
Look into Rainbow River. It’s about 30 more minutes for you but if you’re driving that far, it would be well worth the extra time. The water is always 72 degrees and as clear as anywhere you could ever dive. You won’t be disappointed.
#99
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gunz - 10/27/2022 12:25 PM
I’m looking to go to Devil’s Den or Blue Grotto on Monday 10/31, would love to get a couple of dives in there. I would be open to driving to Ginnie Springs or Rainbow River as well. I’m also a brand new diver, looking to get some dives in next week, hope to go out on 11/1 as well but for that doing a charter boat from the Tampa area. I live relatively close to all these locations so would be open to driving out whenever would make sense, though weekdays work better for me.
#1361
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Curtis - 10/27/2022 10:47 PM
Gunz, the 31st doesn’t work for me, doing a night hike on the FL Trail. However, weekdays work for me, newly retired. PM me if you wanna try an outing.
#99
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gunz - 10/27/2022 11:08 PM
@Curtis, right now the 31st isn’t looking so likely for me either lol. Maybe that Thursday, or in general, meeting up mid week another week at one of the springs.
#1361
Subscribed
Curtis - 10/28/2022 2:06 PM
Gunz, sounds good, just let me know. Actually like to see DeLeon Springs, simple basin but nice location, site of my first dive circa 1968. Swim there occasionally, spring tunnel is @ 34 FFW (no entry). Best on weekday, very busy site for OW instruction on weekends.

Meghan, guessing your plans changed, just holler if you need a buddy sometime in future.

Curtis