Diving E. E. Simpson Tug & starting from shore.

[YiNYaNg]

Anyone here dove the E. E. Simpson Tug?
I was thinking since I live on Tyndall AFB do you think swimming out to E. E. Simpson Tug site from shore is ok? There's a walk way right up to the shore where you can get into the water. It's either from where the walkway ends on the beach do a 1 mile shore walk and swimming straight out to it which is 0.60 mile swim to the E. E. Simpson Tug. Second option is getting in the water right infront of the walk way and swim 1.25 mile to the E. E. Simpson Tug.

 

[chrisculina]

What if something went wrong on the dive?

 

[paulwall]

Is it marked? I don't trust myself or the boaters along the coast enough to swim 1) .6 of a mile (each way) 2)to an unmarked, relatively small wreck without some sort of surface support. Even large rollers will tire you out and drive you off course. I've been .5 miles offshore and it looked a LOOOONG way back

Try it with a kayak, at least. See how easy that is. You could have a cellphone and GPS left on the boat while you dive, in case you need it.

 

[aucade]

I agree with Paulwall...Too many factors to go wrong...not worth the risk, without some form of surface support.

 

[YiNYaNg]

Oh forgot to tell you guys one major factor. The dive buddy that I plan to bring is a ex-SERE and I better be able to make the swim or I'll stop working out forever. lol
We're bring gps and cellphones and leaving it tied to our dive flag.

 

[YiNYaNg]

Unless someone with a boat is willing to come near and we'll swim out to your boat.
We're broke military guys that just want to wreck dive badly.

 

[paulwall]

The wreck is unmarked, and visible from the surface on a calm day. If you swim it, be aware of boat traffic (I'd do it underwater, you'd still miss the wreck, but at least you won't get run over). Bring lots of air, and maybe an inflatable tube in case you get tired/swept away. Check the weather forecast and the prevailing currents. Leave somebody on shore with your dive plan, and the FWC/CG's numbers. Stay together, bring lights for a night rescue attempt, and some fresh water to tie to the flag as well. It's doable, but mitigate the risks.

Tyndall Rents Kayaks $17/day. Send me the bill, I'll take care of it for you.

Tandem Kayak
Life Jackets, Paddles n/a 17.00 68.00

 

[Hetland]

.6 miles with scuba gear in the Gulf?

No way.

If it helps, think of how embarrassed you will be when the Coast Guard has to come save your @$$

Seriously though, not a good idea.

 

[YiNYaNg]

We're borrowing a jet ski from a buddy and taking an anchor. lol

 

[paulwall]

Better, but be careful. Riding tandem on a jetski with equipment poses a whole new set of challenges.