Come Dive Alaska

[bcsean]

I'd love to do a trip up to Alaska at some point, but the cold is a non issue as Im already diving in BC. We have lots of shore dives, and plenty of boat dives. All depends what you want to see, how much hiking you want to do, and your budget.

Wolf eels are great. Some are very friendly too and come out to play. Sea Lions are also a ton of fun to dive with. Stubby squid, only ever seen one, huge octopus are regular occurances. Plenty to see in the cold water.

 

[Snowbear]

BC is constantly winning best diving awards... there's a reason.

Would that reason be 'cause the folks handing out the awards didn't go far enough north?

 

[Brandon]

Well probably... cold water PacNW diving is awesome...if it's good in the Puget Sound... and great in BC... then logically, by extension, it should be awesome in Alaska!

I've seen some pictures from Beaufort Sea... looks awesome. Does Padi have Polar Bear Defense speciality?

-B

 

[Divesherpa]

Diving in Alaska is still my favorite. I moved south to do caves, then the caribbean, now caves and reefs again. I can't wait til August (15 days of diving and fly fishing in the POW area).

 

[yakivet]

These are pretty powerful statements for someone that lives in a city that you can't even drive to. Maybe you should take your permanent fund dividend check, hop onto one of those fish carrying Alaska Airlines 737's and experience a little more of the world. :42:

Sitka Diver- I owe you an apology. After doing more reading on this Board, and doing research into diving SouthEast AK, I realized that I owe you an apology. Many a time, on this board you actively promote the diving of Sitka. I've spent some time fishing in your home town, but have never been below the surface. Next time I'll finish the research before I interject any criticism. :42: Ken

 

[seakdivers]

Another Sitka diver here!
If you ever get the chance to dive here, you won't be sorry. There is so much color and life under the water, it's just amazing.

Drysuits are a must, in my opinion, but I've seen some people use wetsuits...... for a few minutes.
I like to use drygloves, but many people don't find them necessary. My fingers get cold too easily - so what if I look like an astronaut when I'm diving!

Ken - I'm glad you looked a little deeper. While I can't speak for Sitkadiver (I have no clue who he is), I am of the opinion that we are fortunate to live in a city you can't drive to. However, that being said, I am sure we are not as refined as those living in a modern metropolis like Fairbanks.

You and Uncle Pug should come on up and check it out for yourselves! We'd be happy to take you out for a "delightfully tacky" dive trip.

 

[yakivet]

Another Sitka diver here!
If you ever get the chance to dive here, you won't be sorry. There is so much color and life under the water, it's just amazing.

Drysuits are a must, in my opinion, but I've seen some people use wetsuits...... for a few minutes.
I like to use drygloves, but many people don't find them necessary. My fingers get cold too easily - so what if I look like an astronaut when I'm diving!

Ken - I'm glad you looked a little deeper. While I can't speak for Sitkadiver (I have no clue who he is), I am of the opinion that we are fortunate to live in a city you can't drive to. However, that being said, I am sure we are not as refined as those living in a modern metropolis like Fairbanks.

You and Uncle Pug should come on up and check it out for yourselves! We'd be happy to take you out for a "delightfully tacky" dive trip.

Thanks for the invite. Hopefully one of these days I can take you up on it. Let me finish with the drysuit challenge first (I outgrew my old one). I've always enjoyed the city of Sitka, and its fishing. My previous comments were directed more at the "tone" of SitkaDiver's Post. As I said, I think I was reading way more into it. Therefore the I felt the need for the apology. My wife is an Alaska Air Flight attendant, so I thought I'd do a little research as to diving in the SE. Only a 2 hour flight. Do you run a shop in Sitka or are you just diving recreationally. Ken :42:

 

[seakdivers]

Ken - I understood where you were coming from.

I don't run a shop here, but my good friends do. They could rent you a drysuit!

 

[adshepard]

It is unfortunate that sitka diver's manner and attitude is so unpleasant as the diving in Alaska as well as British Columbia is quite fine indeed. However it isn't for everyone as the water temperature is often in the mid 40's and the amount of gear you need is considerable. Few if any dive in a wet suit.

Some of the things you might see are unique to the Pacific Northwest. The giant pacific octopus is one of the most remarkable creatures you will find anywhere.

Interesting, but not particularly easy diving.

Gorgeous photos! Especially the wolf eel shot.

Cold water diving is indeed vastly under appreciated.

The diving in the area of the Bay of Fundy (Maine/New Brunswick) is just as sensational as British Columbia and Alaska.

DDDO

Alan

 

[yakivet]

Ken - I understood where you were coming from.

I don't run a shop here, but my good friends do. They could rent you a drysuit!

So hows the water viz May through August. I just may have to come up and visit. I thought maybe I could mix it in with a little fishing for Kings/Lings. I figure that way I can make use of the Surface Interval between diving and flying. :42: Ken