Let us have a ScubaBoard meet and greet. - Idea and Planning Thread!

[Blackwood]

rain may cause a problem

I'm not afraid of some sprinkles, and if there's a massive downpour I'll just put my gear on. :mooner:

 

[CompuDude]

Can some out of towners come to the meet and greet also. I need an escape have been thinking Cali or FL in the next few months. I would love to dive the Kelp and the other dive sites in So Cal.

Not much kelp worth speaking of at Heisler, but it's still a nice dive.

 

[luckydays]

Not much kelp worth speaking of at Heisler, but it's still a nice dive.

Anything is better than what I am up against in Chicago right now. Dive parks close this week until the end of March.

And if I come to Cali, I would stick around for more than just the M&G.

 

[luckydays]

You bettcha!

Thanks Teamcasa. I will keep my eyes on the thread to see what you guys decide.

 

[Leejnd]

Luckydays, if you come out for some diving, head on up to Malibu - we'll show you some kelp!

 

[luckydays]

Luckydays, if you come out for some diving, head on up to Malibu - we'll show you some kelp!

I'll have to keep all this in mind when I set my plan. I haven't been to Malibu since I was a kid.

 

[FrankPro1]

I would not be in favor of OML. It's definitely not a site for any beginner divers who might join us...or for divers with bad backs (like me) who don't want to deal with that hike!

The actual access at Marineland has changed dramatically over the last few months due to the Terranea resort which sprung up on its grounds. There is also 3 or 4 different zones to dive at Marineland, all with there own skill levels and physical hurdles. Actual walked distance on paved trails to the cobblestone "now partly sand" beach is longer then say Shaw's Cove in Laguna but no where the distance it used to be. For those with bad backs or less physically inclined folk the use of a small Stanley wheeled box "like those brought to Casino Point" can ease the pain. MaxBottomtime has a great video showing the now very posh accommodations: YouTube - Diving Marineland Video

There are some very difficult Palos Verdes shorediving sites that require hikes down goat hills and strenuously long surface swims but Marineland is on the low end of physical difficulty. A short swim over to the 120 reef puts you in an extremely shallow reef area in the 20-35ft zone. Heading in the opposite direction from the cobblestone beach, you can explore the garden which is deeper then 120 reef but still a perfect place for the novice. The Long Point entry is a famed ankle breaker but on calm days is easy if you take your time and know the proper area to enter/exit. Long Point is a deeper more challenging dive but one of the best sites I've ever been to. I've seen more species of invertebrates there then anywhere I've ever dove. So if your a macro guy, its a must see!

Even with all that said I do have to agree that it probably isn't the most ideal site for this kind of "get together" but for those who interest I've sparked you should really check it out sometime. The Dive Vets group meets there every Sunday morning for a dive and debrief There are plenty of accommodations including a cliff-side bar, three restaurants, and various drink stands on weekends. Hiking trails are located nearby for the non divers that sweep past scenic overlooks with access to tidepools. If you really have deep pockets you can stay at the hotel which provides pools, jacuzzi's, and spa treatments. Hell there's even a 9hole pitch'n putt for golfers! Link to Resort's website: http://www.terranea.com/

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

This sounds really fun. I might even be able to shoot down from Norcal for this. Whatever you guys choose I'll try my damndest to be there.
I'm going to follow this thread.

 

[C2001]

this is a great idea. I would like to meet the people of SB. I have started to get more dives under my belt so that I can actually get people to dive with me. I think Heisler is a great choice. There is parking and picnic area with good bathrooms. I was told that the showers have been turned off though. It is good diving for people of all skill levels I think but then again i am still new to diving. Shaw's is great diving but it doesn't have a picnic area. Or we can have the meet and greet and then if some people what to go to Shaw's its a short drive. Also those who don't want Heisler can go next "door" to diver's. I just think we should stick to shore diving this time around due to it being easier to arrange and also due to finances. Some of us have been laid off so it would not be possible to afford a boat trip at this time.

 

[mselenaous]

Wow this sounds like it's gonna be quite a shindig!