Wes Skiles
Explorer, Filmmaker, Karst Productions, Inc.
Wes Skiles has be en actively exploring, mapping, and filming the underwater caves of the world for over thirty years. Born and raised in North Florida, the springs were his backyard playground. He is a past Training Chairman of the NSS-CDS, a fellow of the NSS, and a recipient the NSS-CDS 'Outstanding Service Award'. He has logged thousands of dives on five continents in pursuit of imagery and exploration of underwater caves.
Wes is also the creator, director and cinematographer of the PBS series, 'Water's Journey'. He is best known for his camera work in both still photography and motion pictures. He and his crew with Karst Productions, Inc. were in charge of directing and filming all the underwater scenes in the feature film, 'The Cave'. His passion is reflected in his award winning work as director, writer and cameraman on adventure, science, and exploration films. He is also a long-time contract photographer for National Geographic Magazine.
As a native Floridian, Wes was one of the first humans to explore, map, and document many of North Florida's most treasured springs. Over his lifetime he has explored over 300,000 feet of previously unexplored passages within theFlorida Aquifer These unique experiences exploring our drinking water, combined with a deep love for his native state, have driven him to be one of the most vocal advocates for preserving and protecting Florida's precious water resources. Wes resides in High Springs, Florida with his wife Terri, and their two children Nathan and Tessa Skiles.