Local dentist/cave diver explores underwater cavities

Scott Monroe - 

Stephen Klinker could have died several times while diving in the dark, constricted bowels of underwater caves.

There was the time when both of his calves cramped up and he could no longer propel himself. He filled a floatation device with air until it carried him up, where he could grab a hold of the cave's ceiling, and work his calves until his legs could function.

Or the time he got tangled in rope, flipped upside-down, and his arm sunk down into quicksand-like silt and mud. Knowing he would be sucked in deeper with the slightest movement, breath, or increase in his heartbeat, he sent a distress signal and remained completely limp until his instructor could help free him.

Despite the close calls -- and, in a way, because of them -- Klinker relishes the challenge of cave diving.

"Panic is not an option," Klinker said. "This is a mind-over-matter situation."

Cave diving may be Klinker's passion, but it's not his full-time job. He's a dentist, owner of Cornerstone Dental, in Waterville's Concourse.

Klinker, 54, of Norridgewock, is married and has four sons. The local dentist received his cave diving certification from one of the world's experts Jan. 16, after completing the last of two required "perfect" cave dives.

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