Cathedral Rocks Questions

[michaelp68]

I'm just curious about Cathedral Rocks diving in Cape Ann.

I've heard some people refer to it as one of the better beach dives around, and I've also read and heard that it can be a dangerous dive due to a tough exit on the rocks and a possible strong current.

Just looking for information and thoughts. Thanks.

Michael

 

[large_diver]

Michael,

Cathedral is a nice dive and among the nicest sites on Cape Ann due to parking availability, deep depths and nice underwater topography -- but there are definitely some things to watch out for.

First -- getting to the site. You need to climb about 100 yards down a pile of jumbled boulders to get to the water. Some gear up and make the hike with full kit on; others lug gear down to the water's edge. When diving this site for the first time, I would definitely recommend going with someone who's been there before. There is one spot where almost everyone enters/exits the water...you need a guide to identify it.

Depths -- depths of 80-85 are reachable from shore at high tide.

Entry/Exit -- there is no beach -- you enter right from the rocks. High tide is best, since you deal with fewer slippery rocks.

Favorable conditions -- any surf at all and you should avoid the site....otherwise you risk being smashed against the rocks upon entry/exit. Exposure is easterly, so east wind usually totally rules this site out.

Underwater -- there can be currents (mainly long shore currents), although in the 10-15 dives I've made there I can't say I've experienced currents that I would call strong. One thing you definitely need to watch out for are the lobster traps (lots of them) -- you will encounter many horizontal lines underwater (usually about 10-15 feet off the bottom-hard to see in limited vis) that connect the trap "strings" together. This makes towing a flag challenging....at the same time there are often lobster boats in the area, no bringing no flag at all can be risky.

Bottom line -- great site, but pays to have a "guide" your first time there.

Hope this helps.

-Chris

I'm just curious about Cathedral Rocks diving in Cape Ann.

I've heard some people refer to it as one of the better beach dives around, and I've also read and heard that it can be a dangerous dive due to a tough exit on the rocks and a possible strong current.

Just looking for information and thoughts. Thanks.

Michael

 

[michaelp68]

Chris, that's all good to know. Thank you.

 

[Clutchcargo]

Michael,
no bringing no flag at all can be risky.

Looking out at all those lobster bouys, I've left the flag behind before. On the other side of the coin, last year I've come across the environmental police twice at this site after getting out of the water and narrowly avoided a ticket. The folks that entered the water after us; not so lucky. What a lot of people do is anchor the flag.
If you wait for a late high tide (as I always seem to do), the lobster boats are usually done for the day.

 

[Spectre]

As chris said... high tide is definately preferrable. At high tide entry is a giant stride off the rocks; and just like hauling yourself into a boat to get out. Low tide is lots of walking on slippery rocks while trying to keep your feet from getting sucked out from under you by the surf. Exit is also tough w/ lots of surf due to the undertow I described, as well as the getting slammed up on the rocks. There's been many a time when I've surfed my way up into the flat rocks, grabbed hold while the wave receeded, and then scrambled my way to higher ground before the next wave comes in.

 

[mello-yellow]

There's been many a time when I've surfed my way up into the flat rocks, grabbed hold while the wave receeded, and then scrambled my way to higher ground before the next wave comes in.

Sounds like Magnolia Rocks - my favorite place, but very dangerous to enter/exit in all but mildest wind.

 

[matt_unique]

I'm just curious about Cathedral Rocks diving in Cape Ann.

I've heard some people refer to it as one of the better beach dives around, and I've also read and heard that it can be a dangerous dive due to a tough exit on the rocks and a possible strong current.

Just looking for information and thoughts. Thanks.

Michael

It is the best beach dive in Mass in my opinion due to the topography and depth. The crazy rocks you scale to get to the water demonstrates what it looks like underwater. This past winter (as I recall) one of the major ledge pieces most often used as a walkway down was moved making the hike much more difficult. I always preferred to suit up in the car and walk down but with this ledge movement you have a decent step to take and fully loaded that is a twisted ankle/fall waiting to happen. At low tide you can get caught up in a 'mixing bowl' if there is surf. I have seen people bounced around and ended up on their back like a turtle during low tide. At high tide it's a breeze - giant stride into 6' of water and exiting is easier too. You should definitely dive this site with a local your first time. There are some handy tricks they should be able to offer based on the conditions.

--Matt

 

[Clutchcargo]

I have seen people bounced around and ended up on their back like a turtle during low tide.

LOL, you can't call yourself a true New England diver until you wipe out with all your equipment on.

 

[nusspli]

I haven't been to Catherdral Rocks..yet, but it sounds like Lanes or Hoops will all of the rock climbing just to get to the water.

 

[mello-yellow]

I haven't been to Catherdral Rocks..yet, but it sounds like Lanes or Hoops will all of the rock climbing just to get to the water.

The climb is a lot harder than Lanes.