Month: June 2026
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Freediving, Cave Exploration, and Protecting Florida’s Springs with David Cobiella
In episode #63, host Brett Stanley talks with freedive instructor and Florida Springs conservationist David Cobiella about learning comfort and efficiency underwater, comparing freediving and scuba, and protecting the Florida Springs. David shares how he grew up scuba diving, later discovered freediving in the springs, and co-founded a nonprofit to organize underwater cleanups that led him to teaching and guiding.
They discuss spring access and conditions, the underground cave and river systems, and why David pursued cave-diving certification while dialing back risk. David explains coaching beginners through fear, buoyancy, and safety, including recognizing and responding to shallow-water blackout, and outlines major threats to springs (reduced flow from water extraction and nutrient pollution fueling algae) plus strategies like reforming water-management governance and buying land to prevent overdevelopment.
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