Hello from Southern California

[nkkm]

Been a member on here for a little while but have not posted.

I've been diving for 30 years on and off with some big breaks over the years. Mostly a vacation diver but trying to start doing multiple trips a year in future having finally investing in my own gear and computer.

Have dove all over the world. Growing up in Australia I first got addicted diving in Fiji many moons ago.

Been in California for 14 years but not yet braved the cold to dive here

Look forward to contributing more to the board.

Thanks!
Nick

 

[Eastwest]

Welcome and the fish do not bite in Southern California

 

[nkkm]

Thank you! More that I am too used to 80 degree water

Definitely starting to look into it though!

 

[Kendall Raine]

80 degree water is nice, but if you haven't swum through a kelp forest with the sun light shining through or been buzzed by a playful sea lion, or had a harbor seal sit in your lap you just haven't lived.

 

[nkkm]

80 degree water is nice, but if you haven't swum through a kelp forest with the sun light shining through or been buzzed by a playful sea lion, or had a harbor seal sit in your lap you just haven't lived.

I hear you! I know it's silly but I actually saw the kelp forest exhibit at the California Science Center last year and its really peaked my interest in diving around California.

We swam with sea lions in La Paz a few years back and it was definitely one of the best in water experiences I have had so would love to experience that again.

Where would you recommend starting?

 

[Kendall Raine]

Where would you recommend starting?

Catalina is a good place to start. Short boat ride from Long Beach/San Pedro.

 

[Nassim]

Been a member on here for a little while but have not posted.

I've been diving for 30 years on and off with some big breaks over the years. Mostly a vacation diver but trying to start doing multiple trips a year in future having finally investing in my own gear and computer.

Have dove all over the world. Growing up in Australia I first got addicted diving in Fiji many moons ago.

Been in California for 14 years but not yet braved the cold to dive here

Look forward to contributing more to the board.

Thanks!
Nick

Welcome Nick. I am in NorCal and a warm-water diver too! Is there any diving in SoCal with waters above 70F?

 

[qtluong]

Welcome Nick. I am in NorCal and a warm-water diver too! Is there any diving in SoCal with waters above 70F?

According to the National Park Service, water temperature at the Channel Islands typically ranges from 50-70F. However I can tell you that it fells like a world of difference compared to the Monterey Bay.

 

[qtluong]

I hear you! I know it's silly but I actually saw the kelp forest exhibit at the California Science Center last year and its really peaked my interest in diving around California.

We swam with sea lions in La Paz a few years back and it was definitely one of the best in water experiences I have had so would love to experience that again.

Where would you recommend starting?

I am partial to national parks and would highly recommend a day trip to Anacapa Island.

 

[Skull]

I hear you! I know it's silly but I actually saw the kelp forest exhibit at the California Science Center last year and its really peaked my interest in diving around California.

We swam with sea lions in La Paz a few years back and it was definitely one of the best in water experiences I have had so would love to experience that again.

Where would you recommend starting?

La Jolla kelp forest off Marine Street. Magical diving