3.7 kilometres. 236 minutes. Solo.

Scott RG returns to Speaking Sidemount to share the story of his Keld Head return dive—from the resurgence to West Kingsdale Master Cave and all the way back, using his KISS Sidewinder rebreather and DPV.

Reaching West Kingsdale was only halfway. With nearly two kilometres still to travel, Scott had to stay focused through restrictions, complex navigation and the return through Dead Man’s Handshake.

I’m Steve Davis, and in this episode we explore the experience and preparation behind that dive: Scottish mine diving, longer cave dives in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and an earlier attempt where Scott turned around just 300 metres short of his destination.

We discuss bailout planning, scooter use, cold-water equipment, solo cave diving and “mission blindness”—the temptation to keep going when it’s time to turn. We also reflect on the pioneers featured in The Underground Eiger, John Cordingley’s return dive, and Scott’s ambitions for a longer journey towards King Pot.

Later, Scott shares how a garage fire destroyed around £35,000 of diving equipment, what he chose to replace, and how friends and the diving community helped him get back underwater.

A conversation about cave diving, sidemount rebreathers, preparation and the judgement needed to come home.

FOLLOW SCOTT RG

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Huge thanks to our sponsor XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount. Your support makes these conversations possible.

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Leave a comment: What experience most changed your judgment as a diver?