depth finder or lucky guess?

[ScubaBond007]

How do you find a depth of a diving site if it doesn't have a place where you can go look at depths and everything.. visit the DNR station? skinny dive it? Please give me atleast an idea.

 

[Packhorse]

Look at a chart or use a depth finder or use a lead weight on a rope with knots ties off at each fathom err I mean meter.

 

[ScubaBond007]

But i would need a boat for using the rope and depth finder... unless i swim dragging a heavy rope..

 

[Packhorse]

You can get hand held waterproof depth / range finders.

 

[lamont]

go out and "dive the problem"?

 

[Tollie]

Pretty much any place that 90% of people will dive is charted... this gives a good first pass. Local knowledge can also be used... aka ask someone who has dove the site before. First time down, you and your team... just be careful and keep up with your depth and BT.

I'm assuming this is not a technical dive right?

 

[ScubaBond007]

well it has that echoli in it, so you cant really go swimming in it.. my grandpa said it would be okay and it isn't really a dive site, just a bay, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. some may have heard of it. the depth finders are way too expensive otherwise i would use one. Would i go to the Dnr station for the depth? Department of natural resources. The part about the echoli is why i dont think there will be any local knowledge.

 

[ScubaBond007]

Can i just assume a dive depth and dive it?

 

[gt3073b]

Boat stores (try West Marine or Boaters World) will have charts for the local waters. These are basically contour maps but the detail is in the water and the land looks flat. (Topo maps used by backpackers are the same concept, except they show the detail on land and you just get a blue area for water).

You'll also see any man-made reefs for fishing, buoys, and public boat ramps (free or cheap parking right next to the water).

Here is a link for charts in your area. http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/mcd/chartcatalogs/WI_10_Jan_06.pdf

Bryan.

EDIT: There is a West Marine there that sells these charts (listed at the end of the pdf)

West Marine
1449 Green Bay Rd 54235
920-746-4520
www.westmarine.com

 

[ScubaBond007]

aslong as it is within table limits.. right?