Chester Poling

[mjacobydc]

Hey Everybody
My dive club has a charter to the Chester Poling in a couple weeks and I was looking to get some info on that dive. I am pretty new to the boat dive scene (only a few in Fla) and never been out up here. What kind of conditions do you experience --viz, currents, or anything else.

thanks!

 

[dave4868]

My best guess would be to expect water temps of 45F plus or minus 5F. Vis 10 to 30'. Minimal current, if any.

I'm sure the charter captain would be happy to give you the best info.

It's a great dive. I dove it twice and enjoyed it.

Dave C

 

[Rainer]

Was on the Poling two days ago. Temps were in the low 40s. We had GREAT vis for this site (30'), but two months ago we had 30" (at best). Currents are usually mild. Deck can usually be reached around 70', with the sand around 95'. We usually average around 35 minute dives.

 

[MSilvia]

I've had anywhere from 1 to 30 feet of vis on the wreck, and temps in the high 40s are pretty typical this time of year.

 

[LobstaMan]

I dove the Poling a few years ago and the viz and temps were what everyone else is saying. However, there was a surge both on the surface and down on the wreck. Stronger on the surface, but still noticeable on the Poling. I mentioned it to the charter captain and he said it is not unusual to experience surge on the Poling. Nothing unmanageable, just a heads up.

LobstaMan

 

[Rainer]

Hmm. I don't have a ton of dives on the Poling (maybe 20-25), but I've never experienced any surge. Mild to moderate currents at times, but never surge.

 

[LobstaMan]

Hmm. I don't have a ton of dives on the Poling (maybe 20-25), but I've never experienced any surge. Mild to moderate currents at times, but never surge.

I haven't been back since then, but the captain wasn't surprised about the surge. It came from the ocean side and ran towards shore(of course) and seemed to run almost parallel to the wreck. I think the dive might have been in October, but I can't be sure off the top of my head. I've been meaning to go back. So many wrecks....

LobstaMan

 

[Rainer]

Oh, not saying it doesn't exist (at all!), just that I personally haven't experienced it yet. It's a very nice wreck. Hope you hit it on a nice day!

 

[crlavoie]

Yeah... 2 of my 3 dives were in strong current. However, I would say that my experiences were the exception, not the rule.

With good vis, the Poling is an outstanding night dive. I would highly recomend it if you get the chance.

 

[Rainer]

Yup. We did her as a night dive this past Sat. It's just a great night dive when conditions are right.