The following was posted on the DEMA Wesbite concerning the death of well-known dive industry figure Wes Skiles.
The diving industry today is mourning the loss of photographer and explorer Wes Skiles. Wes passed away suddenly on July 21, 2010.
The following is courtesy of the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences.
A native North Floridian, Wes grew up exploring his local springs and cave systems. He became an active SCUBA diver at 13 and was certified as a cave diver at 16, and as PADI Open Water Instructor in 1978. As an experienced cave diver and instructor Wes preached to students of the true dangers of the "Overhead Environment." In 1982 he was asked to be the Training Chairman of the National Speleological Society, Cave Diving Section (NSSCDS). In his position he charged the national SCUBA training agencies with the responsibility of training both instructors and students to stay out of "overhead environments", including wrecks and ice. This effort along with his “No Lights Rule”, would ultimately lead to a dramatic decrease in deaths, saving untold numbers of lives. Over the next 35 years Wes became known as one of the key architects and premiere divers of cave and technical diving.
Wes was also one of the early pioneers of multiple strobe slave photography. In 1987 he was a key participant in the Wakulla Springs Project, where his responsibilities included research, logistics, lead exploration diver, surveyor, photographer and cameraman of the 300’+ deep cave system. Diving 96/14 Heliox he and diving partners Tom Morris, and Paul Heinerth reached what was at the time, a mind boggling distance of 4,200’ penetration at depths averaging 290’. It was at Wakulla Springs that he met Emory Kristof, who would become one his closest partners, and advocates in many future projects. Kristof took note of Wes’s progressive methods of diving and photographic skills and introduced him to the National Geographic family.
Wes led over dozen major expeditions worldwide. As leader of a National Geographic expedition to Antarctica, Wes was the first human being to set foot on and film B-15, the largest iceberg in recorded history. He also set multiple records for times, and distances traveled in underground rivers, and caves. His 700’ deep, eleven hour dive to film six gill sharks inside Phil Nuytten’s, “Newtsuit”, a flying underwater body submarine, remains one of the longest dives of its type ever attempted.
Wes’ production company, Karst Productions Inc won numerous awards, including the “Deffie” for “Best Cinematography” in HD Documentary two years in a row. Wes will be remembered internationally for his daring films on exploration.
Perhaps most of all, for those of us in the diving industry, Wes will be remembered for his good nature, and for his passion for protecting and educating people about the world’s most valuable resource, water. Wes is survived by his wife Terri, and their two children Nathan, and Tessa Skiles. He will be missed by all of us.
Memorial service will be held at Ginnie Springs in High Springs Florida, on Wednesday July 28 at 6:00pm.
Ginnie Springs Outdoors
1-386-454-7188
GPS Address:
5000 NE 60th Ave.
High Springs, FL 32643
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Alachua Conservation Trust at www.alachuaconservationtrust.org