Catalina or San Diego?

[socaldiver]

I also would say take Catalina over SD for the same reasons mentioned above.

As far as diving Catalina, if it is during the week then take the shuttle over to the island and do a boat dive with Scuba Luv or CDS. You might even be able to get in a couple of shore dives at Casino Point.

If it is the weekend you are planning on diving then I would checkout the boats from the mainland, since they primarily go out on weekends. Not too many do mid week runs. IMHO, the Great Escape or Pacific Star are the choices I would go with. Another favorite of mine that is not as well know is the Aquatica. All3 of these run a good operation and food is excellent most of the time.

No matter what you choose though, you won't go wrong, it doesn't get any better than diving in the kelp forest and having the chance to see a giant sea bass or 2 cruising the waters.

 

[cid90]

After reading all the great post I am wanting to go NOW! But I have to wait until November.

Can I get by with my 1 mm skin, 3 mm full, and a shorty over that? That's how we do it in N.C.

 

[kelpmermaid]

I would expect the water temp to be in the low 60's (depending on when in November) and for me personally, that would not be enough neoprene, particularly for multiple dives. Boat dives here are usually an all day affair, and there are usually 3-4 dives. I would go for 7 mils, hood (or hooded vest, but that's me) and gloves.

 

[drbill]

your metabolism, body fat, etc. My dive buddies tell me that I must have no nerves for cold since I routinely used to dive in my 3mm shortie and 3mm hooded vest on Catalina into late Dec and starting as early as April. Actually my metabolism allows me such luxuries if I'm not trying to videotape. I do get arm shake in that outfit on the 3rd or 4th dive.

If you normally dive very warm you might survive in that gear. If not, there are 7mm wetsuits for rent in town (~$15/24 hrs).

Dr. Bill

 

[kelpmermaid]

This is what I have never understood --- when I get chilled, it is my thighs that "shake." They are, without a doubt, the best insulated areas of my little body. What is up with that?

 

[PhotoTJ]

kelpmermaid once bubbled...
They are, without a doubt, the best insulated areas of my little body.

Now I'm gonna be in a great mood all weekend long!

I wonder why my slightly-to-well insulated six-pac doesn't shake?

(Hey, it's a six-pac, it's just in the cooler!)

TJ

 

[Arnaud]

kelpmermaid once bubbled...
...it is my thighs that "shake."

Do they rattle, too?

 

[kelpmermaid]

but sometimes, it's just one, not both. That's really attractive!

 

[drbill]

As I remember it, kelpmermaid, you didn't have any excess insulation anywhere including your thighs. Interesting that you would see the first signs there. Mine would probably drop off before I was aware of any problem.

Will miss you at the SCUBA Show tomorrow. 8 hours today was enough. Maybe I'll make it home in time to get 1-2 dives in at Casino Point.

Dr. Bill