Dive Report: Break Water 12-2-07

[Gombessa]

I've seen open water classes grouping up in the morning at Monastery every time I've stopped there on the way to Lobos. The south Monastery entrance by the rocks usually looks walkable enough . . .

I've never dove Monastery myself, but it's on my short list for the month!

 

[wdunne311]

Some of us only had so much room in their boat.

Definitely agree with Rhlee, Pt Lobos or at least Whaler's cove (since that's all I've really dove) inside the park is pretty tame...Monastery will hand you your butt if you're not careful. There are days that I've dove it and then coming back in wished that I had not because of the exit. I still have Monastery berries in some of my gear from one bad exit. I timed the wave wrong, ended up at the top of the wave and then was smashed into the beach. Michelle got to watch from shore. It probably looked worse than it felt.

Take that for what it's worth since I've only had about 55 dives since July (certified in June).

 

[micboucher]

I timed the wave wrong, ended up at the top of the wave and then was smashed into the beach. Michelle got to watch from shore. It probably looked worse than it felt.

Yeah, but you recovered beautifully. I thought for sure your were going to be tumbling when the wave cleared and was shocked to see you come out crawling! Too bad I didn't have my camera ready....that would have been an awesome shot of you inside the wave.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Monastery can be OK for an OW class on the RIGHT day -- that's rare. The classes you've seen
gearing up may be AOW or Rescue. It's also a good lesson for an OW class -- it's OK to walk away.
We did in my OW class. Best lesson of the two weekends.

The first time you dive Monastery, do it with someone who knows how to read it, and how to get
in and out. Keep your reg in your mouth on entry. Keep your reg in your mouth on exit until you
are 10' into dry sand. Don't stop until you are 10' into dry sand. Crawl on clinched fists, your
head will be an inch or two higher, and it's a LOT easier on the wrists. There's more -- like I
said, do it with some who knows the beach.

Whaler's Cove is anywhere from just out of OW class (though the best stuff is deeper)
to Tech Diver. Bluefish Cove is mostly Intermediate and up, though there's some Beginner
up in the Shallows.

 

[Coelacanth]

Damn you, Mike, and your fancy discernible amount of visibility at Breakwater...

Nice pics though, I love the jellies.

 

[sarita75]

The first time you dive Monastery, do it with someone who knows how to read it, and how to get in and out.

Chuck - can you come with me?!?! :blinking:

Nice profile icon Coelacanth!

 

[Ben_ca]

Chuck - can you come with me?!?! :blinking:

Nice profile icon Coelacanth!

Mr T only does 1 beach dive a year

I'll take you out there....

 

[mikeguerrero]

Uhh, some of us didn't kick out together. Some of us had other means of propulsion.

Sarita,

I'm going to ask my dive partner if he'd like to do Point Lobos in January. I think he's going to go for it. If he does, do I need to reserve the day at the park for the both of us? How much does it cost? I think I can do it online right?

But what made me hesitant about diving with your group is that I know that Doc Wong is a professional diver, I've seen his dive movies and he looks all high tech with all his equipment, especially his propulsion device, I would be left behind

Anyway maybe the newbees could learn from your group, so I'm excited if my dive buddy will want to join us.

MG

 

[sarita75]

Sarita,

I'm going to ask my dive partner if he'd like to do Point Lobos in January. I think he's going to go for it. If he does, do I need to reserve the day at the park for the both of us? How much does it cost? I think I can do it online right?

Doc Wong is awesome and while a technically-advanced diver - he is great with rec divers and is a great source to learn from. That's what makes diving all the better! Learning from those who are able and willing to teach us.

Yes, you do need to reserve. Use the link on the 1st posting for the January Meet, Greet and Invade to make the reservation. You will need to sign up for you and your buddy at the same time and will need both of your certification #s to do the reservation. It costs $10 and you will need to give them a credit card when you make the request for the reservation. Hope you two can make it!

 

[sarita75]

Mr T only does 1 beach dive a year

I'll take you out there....

Ben - that'd be awesome. As for Mr. T - someday. I am honing my skills to be able to meet the challenge!