1st shore dive, Catalina dive park, Labor day

[ScubaSeanMaui]

Dr. Bill, I think Casino Point is definitely the exception rather than the rule for shore dives. I'm not aware of anything similiar in SoCal or anywhere else; the dive park is a really great idea! I was just pointing out that his experience may not help him when he goes for those beach/rocky shore entries! Sorry if I muddled those definitions

Sean

 

[drbill]

Sean- agree with you on that, which is why I distinguished from shore (vs boat) and beach dives. In most ways Casino Pt is an easy "shore" dive. However it does not pose the standard challenges of a "beach" dive, especially one with reasonable surf. Being an old fart, that's why I do a lot of my diving there!! It does have its unique challenges, but they are not something that will help much on a true beach dive.

I'm doing a lot more boat diving (thanks to Scuba Luv) and I love the fact that I can just fall into the water. That's not much of a challenge for me! Of course with the currents lately, those surface swims can be a pain (especially with a camera) if you don't come in with (vs against) them.

 

[socaldiver]

Made it over to Avalon yesterday, took visiting family over there to do the tourist thing you do on the island. The wife and I took our gear with us since we convinced my son and DNL, who are not certified, to do a intro to scuba.

My DNL freaked out when she hit the water, said the "cold" water was a shocker so she got out, but my son still went with the instructor and was down for about 30 minutes. He said he enjoyed himself once he got use to breathing through the reg. However, he said he didn't see much marine life, so he must have had his eyes closed.

The wife and I geared up and took the plunge. It was pretty annoying having to fight through all the snorkelers hanging out on the steps debating if they were going to jump in the water. The tide was on it's way out so the rocks were starting to show and I guess it was intimidating to some of them.

Anyway, we dropped down out at the buoy and proceeded in the direction of the Cousteau Monument. At 40 fsw I was getting a reading of 70 degrees on the computer. We continued in the direction of Avalon and once we cleared the wall the temp dropped to 68 with a max depth of 42 fsw.

The wife claims to have seen 2 GSB but I didn't see them, I must have had my eyes closed :06:

It was a great day on the island, looking forward to another trip real soon.

Oh, and Dr Bill, pleasure bumping into you again.

 

[diveguy1969]

My wife and I each have about 120 dives but we've never done the shore diving thing. Well, it's about friggin' time 8o) so we're going over to Catalina on Labor day to do the dive park. We plan to rent tanks and weights from Scuba Luv (it's been a few years, but we've dived with them before).

Anything we should know before we jump in? Will we be seeing any of you when we go?

Thanks!

The dive park is great. Since you have never been there it will be an easy transition for you. The steps are great for your entry but be carefull if the tide is out. They become seriously slippery if the algea is exposed so just be sure to hold that railing. Also, Catalina Dive Supply has an air fill trailer/rental outfit right there at the park. The owner is a bit of a jerk but it is convenient. You can do everything from Open Water classes to 100' dives at the park. Also, if you skirt the rocks to the right of the stairs you will often see eels and other little beasts that favor the protection those rocks provide. To the left is Oscar the sheephead and I have seen a few octopusses recently. Actually, one often hides around the first bouy out from the stairs as well. Have fun.

 

[Code Monkey]

I miss the comraderie of the park as well.

You know, that was my biggest, and most pleasant, surprise about diving -- the friendliness of other divers. Every time I've gone out, I've found people that I'd love to have for life-long friends. Divers are a great bunch of people and I feel so completely honored to be one of them. I really hope to live up to the image I've grown of divers over the last few years.

 

[Code Monkey]

Well, we did the dive and it was a lot of fun. I made some absolute beginner mistakes so I guess I'm happy I tried something simple. I think it'll take me a few more tries before I hit my stride but, man, is Catalina beautiful.

Thanks, all!

 

[dlndavid]

Way cool -- thanks!

And, Dr. Bill, no worries. I just wanted to show that I could take a little ribbing from my fellow ScubaBoarders.

We haven't been diving this summer and I sure am looking forward to getting wet!

That's the spirit itchy butt

 

[drbill]

Glad you had a good time at the Point. It really is a nice place considering the crowds at times.

Sean- There are other dive sites with stairs leading into the water. Most of the ones I've heard about seem to be at freshwater quarries, but there have also been a few I've heard of in salt water. Certainly a rarity though.

 

[corybaby]

Those steps are treacherous, id give him credit for a shoredive.....some of the entrys in laguna are WAY easier then the park, especially on the way out.
Worth a dive though....love that kelp

Dr. Bill, I think Casino Point is definitely the exception rather than the rule for shore dives. I'm not aware of anything similiar in SoCal or anywhere else; the dive park is a really great idea! I was just pointing out that his experience may not help him when he goes for those beach/rocky shore entries! Sorry if I muddled those definitions

Sean

 

[drbill]

The steps treacherous? Not if you exercise proper caution. I've done perhaps a 1,000 dives there since the stairs were put in and I don't remember ever slipping due to the stairs. Keep your weight slightly forward as you slowly walk down and plant your feet/fins with the heel against the step riser and you shouldn't have any problem.