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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Episode Summary
Freediving, Cave Exploration, and Saving the Florida Springs with David Cobiella
In this episode of the Underwater Podcast, 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.
00:00 Meet David Cobiella
00:39 Florida Weather and Springs Temps
02:47 Spring Access and Facilities
03:46 From Scuba Kid to Freediver
06:03 Pool Days and Early Breath Holds
07:47 Finding the Springs and Starting a Nonprofit
12:36 Why the Springs Feel Spiritual
14:03 Ancient Geology and Water Flow
17:47 Cave Diving and Underground Plumbing
23:49 Fear Management in Freediving
29:05 Breath Hold Goals and Training
30:54 Efficiency Underwater for Photos
33:31 Efficiency and Buoyancy
35:36 Underwater Flight Feeling
36:55 Mermaids and Springs Media
39:24 Training Models and Safety
40:58 Blackout Signs and Rescue
45:21 Freediving vs Scuba Risks
51:26 Choosing Gear for Shoots
53:46 Building Aquatic Community
57:23 Springs Ecology Threats
01:01:41 Conservation Strategies
01:07:41 Closing Thanks and Wrap
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About DAvid Cobiella – FREEDIVE INSTRUCTOR & CONSERVATIONIST
With over ten years of experience leading, designing, and supervising tour operations for both SeaWorld Orlando and Georgia Aquarium, I bring a culture of world-class guest service to every expedition I lead. You may pick up on the fact that used to be a science teacher in the way I explain the entire ecosystem of the Florida Springs and how interconnected it all is.
My six years in conservation non-profit programming have taught me plenty about the challenges currently facing our unique environment.
Safety is a top priority, which is why I keep my CPR instructor certification up to date and plan ahead for the challenges of each expedition. My background in freediving instruction gives me a great understanding of the risks of aquatic exploration. You’ll be able to adventure with confidence knowing that I am keeping an eye on everyone in the water.
I pride myself in appreciating creatures and environments great and small while taking a genuine interest in the stories that my guests bring with them. I don’t just love teaching – I love learning from you as well! Allow me to create a private, personalized experience for you and your group. I can’t wait to meet you, and help you experience the nature of Wild Florida to the absolute fullest.
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