Beginner dive conditions

[lamarpaulski]

My buddy and I have currently logged 7 dives each, all shore entry in pretty calm conditions. We are several hours inland so we like to look at forecasts a day ahead of time if we’re to make the most out of our dives. What kind of things are important, and why, when looking at predicted forecasts, and what are appropriate conditions for a beginner (wave height, knots, etc... I know everyone's different, but generally speaking)? We have several guided trips planned out and are scheduled to get our AOW certs soon, but we’re trying to log as many dives as we can with safety first and foremost. I do research sites as best as I can and call local dive shops to get conditions, but I would like to have a better idea of what I should be looking for. Thank you!

In addition to subscribing to swellwatch website, I call the local dive shop and check the tides....every once in awhile there are extreme tides such that at the lowest part of low tide you have to crawl over rocks at some sites...even at Catalina Dive Park..something you might wish to avoid as a newbie. Rare to catch it just 'wrong' but I manage about once a year. Once past the slippery rocks you're good but its awkward.

 

[The Chairman]

You're doing it right already. Check the forecasts the day before and the morning of. Make sure you can clear your ears before you get in the car...

But probably the most important advice I can give you: don't be afraid to call the dive after that long trip. Getting in is always easier than getting out. Problematic conditions make that disparity even bigger. If it looks iffy, call it in a jiffy.

 

[Bob DBF]

But probably the most important advice I can give you: don't be afraid to call the dive after that long trip. Getting in is always easier than getting out. Problematic conditions make that disparity even bigger. If it looks iffy, call it in a jiffy.

Good advice.

I usually have an alternate plan in case the diving doesn't work out. I also enjoy fishing, hiking, and photography out on the coast, so I can have a good time even though the diving didn't work out. That way the trip isn't a complete waste of time.


Bob

 

[undrwater]

Make friends with locals. There are some websites (SoCal here) and Facebook pages where people post conditions they see real time. Join with a group. Often times when the conditions turn bad, at least the debrief is good.

When conditions look iffy, I'll sometimes get in without gear just to feel if it's something I want to do with gear.

It's tough to drive a long way to call a dive, so come with a plan B.

 

[CT-Rich]

When I am looking at/for a new site I use a couple of things. First I look at a NOAA chart. they'll show approximate drop off depths and if there are submerged rocks off shore. Tide charts are handy to tell you when the best times are to dive a particular spot. Big tidal changes can mean big currents, too. Generally enter the water an hour or so before peak high for best visibility. I will also keep an on eye on the Weather maps, winds blowing off the shore will counter waves coming on shore and wind coming on shore will build surf. I always keep my eyes open for areas on google earth that look like potentially good spots. Streams or river outlets will introduce turbidity into the water, but a strategically placed cove may give you lots of protection.

Ground Truth a dive site before you dive it. What looks gook on a chart or areal photo may not be realistic or safe when you show up with your gear. I'll spend an bit of time at the end of the day or during the surface interval driving around to look at potential future sites. Some times what looks like a nice beach is made up of 4' wide boulders or there is no public access or a cliff you need to climb up and down to get to the water. Currents can get ripping in some places that are just hazards to avoid. Visiting without planning on getting in the water that day will prevent you from looking at a spot that you should take a pass on and saying "well I'm here, might as well give it a go...."

Most of the best spots are probably already visited regularly, and the locals will tell you all about them (who doesn't like to talk diving?). They will also tell you why some spots are not heavily dived. The most frequent reasons I hear for not diving a particular place is because of shore access and not the quality of the diving. Local fishermen can also be a good resource. A lot of them spend a ton of time looking at the ocean and may have information to share.

 

[lamarpaulski]

Groupon offering 39$ Catalina Flyer ferry trips to Avalon, Catalina. Probably the best bet to do some shore dives...about 97% chance its diveable.