Chicago 'Burbs Dive Buddy Needed!

[ScubaThor]

Hello Everyone -
I'm fairly new to this thing, so I thought I'd introduce myself around. I've been Open Water certified since April and am looking for someone to go diving with, especially locally...anyone interested, please let me know. I have about 4 dives under my belt, so I'd call myself a rookie...but I'm hooked!
Thanks.
T

 

[Dean810]

My goal is to try to get in as many dives as I can this year, so I know I could always use someone to dive with. Have you tried our fine Lake Michigan yet or the quarries? I've spoiled myself on renting drysuits, but many folks are fine with a good wetsuit this time of year. My wetsuit might be even good enough for Haigh in these dog days. Maybe we could meet up there sometime. Let me know!

Hello Everyone -
I'm fairly new to this thing, so I thought I'd introduce myself around. I've been Open Water certified since April and am looking for someone to go diving with, especially locally...anyone interested, please let me know. I have about 4 dives under my belt, so I'd call myself a rookie...but I'm hooked!
Thanks.
T

 

[HammerNoMore]

Have you tried our fine Lake Michigan yet or the quarries?

I can say I did my first LM dive this year and I'm already hooked. Seems the only thing that has been seperating me from great diving within a reasonable drive has been a drysuit. No, it ain't Cozumel, but I'm hooked on the big lake for it's closeness.

 

[ScubaThor]

Thanks for the responses...I'm always up for LM Diving...or Pearl Lake...or Haigh. Just let me know when and where. I'm thinking my 7 mil wetsuit should do the trick?

 

[Sideband]

A 7mil is plenty for Haigh. Last week when I was diving the shallow side I had to keep flushing the suit to stay cool. The deep side still calls for hood and gloves imo but it isn't bad. I was with an instructor friend that did the Flamingo, 45', in swimming trunks. He was cold but survived.

Joe

 

[ScubaThor]

A 7mil is plenty for Haigh. Last week when I was diving the shallow side I had to keep flushing the suit to stay cool. The deep side still calls for hood and gloves imo but it isn't bad. I was with an instructor friend that did the Flamingo, 45', in swimming trunks. He was cold but survived.

Joe

Shrinkage? How's the viz down there? I hear Haigh is pretty murky...

 

[Sideband]

I didn't check to know about any shrinkage. He's a good friend but not quite that good.
Vis depends on when you are there and where you go. If you are there Sat. or Sun. expect it to be pretty silty except for the far side or right along the walls. Below the thermocline it isn't usually too horrid unless there has just been a school of students through the area. Friday is usually pretty good because it has had all week to settle. WhenI say good I'm talking about 10 to 15 feet.

joe

 

[ScubaThor]

Have you been to Pearl Lake? What's that place like?

 

[Sideband]

I've only been to Pearl once, last year. It was OK. It's a walk in entry down a small slope. There are a lot of things to see there but, as I recall, it was all in about 25' around the outer edges of the lake. I don't remember there being anything but sand out in the deeper middle sections. Vis wasn't any better than Haigh. There are several boats of different makes, a small "yellow" submarine, a bread truck, a twin engine plane, lots of small concrete statues... I don't know. Like I said, I dove there only one day and much preferred Haigh. I know others that really like Pearl. I would give it a try if I were you. See what you think of it. I would go back if a group wanted to go there so I didn't hate it. One of the things I didn't like was they allow fishing. Not really a big deal I guess and I didn't see more than one boat while I was there. I was really new at the time so the idea of mono line and hooks just kind of set bad. I would give it a try. You may love the place. If not, then you've at least tried it to know. If you go let me know what you though.

Joe

 

[ScubaThor]

I think I may go check it out, if I can find someone to go with. It's a little closer than Haigh, although I have no problem driving down there either. Can you rent tanks at both? I have all my own gear, minus a tank.
T