Hmm, doing OK so far but the water current past the Bronze dragon is dragging me where I don't want to go. Do I need better athletics or is it something else? Everyone has athletics, some level 2. Climbing the walls only gets you so far.

You really can't fight that current but if you get into the water in the eastern most section and try to keep your characters facing north and up a little the current will eventually take you to another passage where you can exit and then explore more of the cave.
Wyv

I fought it. It was tough going, but I fought it. Had to keep swinging to the left and then to the right to keep going as straight as possible. That is to say, when the current forced me to the left, I swung to the right, and vice-versa.

Couldn't tell you what my athletics (or any other appropriate skill/trait) is, but it can be done.

Thanks to Wyvern and dvicci for the suggestions. Neither seemed to work for me but found a new trick! I fought the water as well as I could and when I got to the passage to the right, just past it, I turned and backed into it! I didn't think backing up would work. Just shows you have to try everything.

how do u get to this water passage?!

I go there, but I dont know how to get past the damn metal dragon. I have searched everywhere, how do u get to this water passage? I have looked under the bridge, everything.

The trick for the Bronze guy is to have your highlighted person wearing dragon mail, obtained from the Stout king after a quest for dragon ore. I also was using a dragon shield I found earlier to bring fire protection to 100% (you can buy dragon shields, too). You walk right up to him, passage is behind him.