Breakers Reef

[DiveDeep85]

I want to go out for a swim this weekend

This is going to be my first OW dive since being certified. I want to try breaker's reef but I'm looking for input from the more experienced people on here, maybe ones that have done this dive before. Would it be too much to handle for a first dive?

It would be my fiancee, who also just got certified, and myself. We would be going off a friends boat. Where is the best place to drop in? Any suggestions, tips, tricks, anything would be appreciated.

If not there's always BHB...

 

[sportxlh]

When I got back into diving a few years ago, I preferred diving with experienced buddies or with really good DM's on a commercial dive boat, at first. Everyone is different but I know I would not have enjoyed The Breakers with another buddy that was inexperienced.

The dive site is about 60 feet and can have anything from no current to really robust current. Vis can vary from 10 feet to over 100+ but is usually better than 60 feet. One of you will need to pull a line with the dive flag on the surface to ensure the boat knows where to pick you up. Some newer divers could find that they become task over-loaded as they work on their buoyancy, clearing their ears, keeping their mask clear, monitoring their air consumption and computer then have to deal with the reel and dive flag line too.

Several dive ops go to the site on a regular basis. I know the Scuba Club sends down several DM's that keep an eye on newer divers. Jim Abernathy is also a good dive operator in the area.

Only you two can judge if you'd be comfortable or not.

PS: Another option might be the Breakers shallow, where the mooring balls have been installed: I've heard is is very pretty but shallow with much less current.

 

[DiveDeep85]

That's must be the the site I was thinking of, the shallows. I've read it's about 30'-35' and that it's pretty good for beginners. That's what I want to be at. Definitely don't want to get into 60' with a strong current.

 

[Reck Diver]

That's must be the the site I was thinking of, the shallows. I've read it's about 30'-35' and that it's pretty good for beginners. That's what I want to be at. Definitely don't want to get into 60' with a strong current.

Pretty good north current today in the south end of the county. I would expect the same off the Breakers.

The mooring buoys are 10-15 ft deep. Expect lighter current and good viz. Go early before the breeze picks up in the afternoon.

 

[DiveDeep85]

Thanks for the info. Are those mooring buoys right in front of the Breakers Hotel? Would that be a good starting point?