Any info on diving Pamona?

[kf6alc]

I just found some mentions on the wreck of the Pamona at Fort Ross. Can anyone tell me about it? Is it possible as a shore dive? Is it a decent dive? This would be my first wreck dive (I know there is no penetration, just want to see it), but I would love to hear any info on it at all, or any other wrecks to visit recreationally (not technical "wreck" dive).

Thanks in advance!
Greg

 

[Scuba Cowboy]

It is possible to shore dive, just a long swim. Best bet is to hike down the LONG skinny trail leading down into the big cove. You'll have to do a rock entry so time wave action. Swim out to the large wash rock near mouth of cove. Drop down on the left hand side of the rock and you should start seeing pieces of the wreck. There are some big pieces and when vis is good its an interesting dive. The hard part is the climb back out of the cove packing scuba gear. You could reach it from the other cove around the corner with the sand beach, but its even a longer swim from there. Hope this helps a little.

 

[kf6alc]

Thanks for the reply, very helpful! Can you guess how long the swim is? Also, is there a bouy at the site?

Thanks again!
Greg

 

[Scuba Cowboy]

Its probably a good 200 yards. There was a buoy once, but I doubt its still there. If you dive on the land side of the wash rock, the side facing the opposite cove, you should have no problem finding it. Its in fairly shallow water, 25 ft. maybe.

 

[kf6alc]

Cool, sounds doable, thanks for the info, Cowboy. If I can pick your brain a bit more, do you have any info on the Norlina? I understand it's a few miles north. My buds and I are thinking of a weekend dive trip up to the area, but never been there, so any info would be appreciated as to alternate dive sites. We would probably take an RV up there, and we are working on trying to get a small boat. Should be fun!