Freedive South Florida !
Posted By Paul Kotik on 20 March 2006
No discussion of South Florida freediving would be complete without mention of the fabled Keys, the chain of islets curving to the south and west from Florida City to Key West. Key Largo is a thriving dive destination with innumerable dive shops and boat operators. The coral reef system is protected, as well as one can reasonably hope for given the huge number of visitors, by a designated nature preserve in which hunting and collecting are strictly forbidden. Most of the commercial boat traffic moors in relatively shallow 30-50 feet / 10 - 15m water. I often take visitors from the North to Key Largo, and while nobody's going to set world depth records or even personal bests in these waters, the beauty and vitality of the coral formations never disappoints. I don't think I've ever failed to treat my guests to at least one largish animal there, rays and sharks mostly.
Since visiting freedivers in South Florida are most likely to book passage on commercial dive boats ( although boat rentals are readily available for those competent and independent enough to choose this option) a word is in order about interacting with captains and crews. Most are not accustomed to serving freedivers. Scuba is their bread and butter, and they are very, very good at accomodating that market. Freedivers booking spots on scuba boats should make certain to attain clarity with the operator, the skipper and crew with respect to their activities and capabilities. Some operators have a hard time getting their heads around the idea that you really do want to ride out to a wreck in 120 feet / 36m and dive it without scuba gear. They may resist, and gently try to divert you to their other boat, the one taking 60 tourists to snorkel in waist-deep water. And, once you manage to make your intentions clear, the next thing that occurs to many operators is the most recent media coverage of freediving to which they've been exposed. Here in South Florida, sadly, that is likely to have been the Audrey Mestre tragedy. Be prepared to congenially assuage the operator's concerns with a presentation which includes any agency qualifactions you may have earned, courses completed, and emphasis on the safety systems you, as a responsible freediver, are bound to adhere to.
South Florida is home to many world-class freedivers from all over the globe, hosts ranking competitors on a year-round basis, and can be a winning destination for the recreational freediver as well. It is also an urbane, modern American metro area with plenty of reasonably-priced accomodations, cheap car rentals, and infinite dining and nightlife possibilities. I live here, among other reasons, because I can do any kind of freediving I want pretty much any time I want. Yes, there will be those winter days when winds and seas will keep the boats at dock - but that is what windsurfing was invented for! Come on down. I'm at home here, and if you have specific questions or need detailed info, I'm happy to respond to your emails addressed to me at paul.kotik@deeperblue.net.
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