Dangers with kelp diving?

[dlndavid]

kelp biting?

sounds like a good sport.

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS.
Don is a tough guy.

 

[dherbman]

When diving in the kelp gardens such as Catalina's. Is there much of an entanglement danger with such diving?

Don't short yourself on reserve gas and you'll be fine. It just takes a little time to extricate yourself, but it can be a little stressful, even with plenty of gas. Add a low gas supply to the entanglement and you can have a real problem developing.

 

[Peter_C]

I managed to get a stalk wrapped around my tank last weekend. I knew it and proceeded on thinking maybe it would free itself. Turned out I had to stop back up and turn, then also realizing I was dragging over 30 foot of kelp with me :lol2:, and was on my merry way again free of the stalks hold. I personally found it humorous.

 

[DandyDon]

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS.
Don is a tough guy.

I don't bite kelp, that was the other guy. My reg stays in my mouth. And I really don't want to know what it tastes like. Ewwwwwwww!! :11:

 

[Larry C]

Fins, lights, computer, first stage, tank...it'll grab about anything. If you're diving in kelp make sure your buddy isn't too speedy and looks back frequently. About the worst hazard is really losing each other in low vis when you get your fin grabbed. Always check and make sure before you start kicking loose-sometimes its a harbor seal chewing on your fin. They like flying through the forest as well.

 

[Atticus]

...If you do not have a knife, you can bite off the big pieces with your teeth...

I can only assume that this part is meant to be humorous and not taken literally. Folks, if you get tangled in the kelp and need to break a piece, do it by folding the kelp in half with your hand. I wouldn't even suggest using a knife - it's that easy to just fold and break. In other words - break it like you would a plastic butter knife - by trying to make the two ends touch. If you try to pull it apart you're in for a difficult time.

Do not take your reg out to try to bite the kelp as a way to solve an entanglement (unless you're just looking for a little local flavor).

 

[drbill]

I've been diving in Catalina's kelp forests for 37 years. Yes, you can get some entanglement. As mentioned, watch your first stage and fin straps. If you wear a knife, keep it on your BC (easier to reach anyway) or the inside of your leg to avoid entanglement.

I have seen folks get entangled and have to have their buddies free them. It can happen. Often due to panic. I can't understand how people can keep swimming and not get anywhere... certainly they must realize they are bound by something (and not wild desire... with apologies to Johnny Cash).

And yes, you can bite kelp with your teeth if need be (it is edible), but as Atticus says you simply "fold" it in half and it usually breaks.. if breaking it is really necessary.

PS- Kelp does not have "roots," just a holdfast (quite different in function).

 

[dpbishop]

Biggest problem with kelp is usually at the surface. If the tide is low the top 8 feet or so will fan out on the surface making a thick mat that is a pain to swin through. Make sure you have enough air to return to the boat about 10' down and it's a lot eaiser.

 

[seansrs36]

Biggest thing with Kelp, don't swim through the bed and don't try and surface swim when in Kelp Beds. I was on a dive charter a couple of weeks ago. The damm boat decide to anchor right in a kelp bed. It was no fun when we had to enter the water. Kelp is fun to dive in because of all the fish that is usually in the kelp beds but really sucks when having to do a surface swim in it.

 

[Courtneyf82]

Kelp is my favorite... to swim through and bite on.....tasty!!! Its easy to swim through on the surface, I just do a kind of breast stroke, pushing the kelp in front down, and kick very shallow to slide over the top. Like everyone says, staying calm and knowing its just a plant, not a monster trying to pull you down is most important. I take any chance to bite back if it entangles me in any way, you just need to show it who is boss.