Diving options for newbies in LA area?

[turtledazzle]

Gosh, thanks so much to all of you for the information and advice!!!

Once we know more about my family's plans for the wedding weekend we'll be able to plan this out better. Sounds like Catalina would be great -- I hope we can figure out how to make it work. As newbies I am a little worried about the waves/current associated with shore diving out there -- but it seems like you guys have lots of groups we could join if we can make it happen. Thanks so much!!

And, yes, we are aware how coooold it will be (well, my husband will probably be OK ... I know I'll be cold). In Florida we were in 5mm suits with water temperatures of 68 degrees. When moving I was OK, but got cold whenever we lingered any where for too long.

We will have to rent equipment (wet suits, BCDs and regulators). I know it will depend on what we actually end up doing, but are there any rental places highly recommended?

Again, thanks to everyone. How great that I stumbled on such a fantastic forum!

 

[Guy Vardaman]

I used to do a lot of shore diving in Laguna Beach, when I lived in Orange County. Not sure what the status of it is nowadays, but they were some great, easy dives. Diamond Street is a great one for beginners, IIRC.
Have a great trip, I hope you can get in some dives!

 

[Beachlover]

I used to do a lot of shore diving in Laguna Beach, when I lived in Orange County. Not sure what the status of it is nowadays, but they were some great, easy dives. Diamond Street is a great one for beginners, IIRC.
Have a great trip, I hope you can get in some dives!

Laguna still has several great beach dives.The worst part about diving there is the 40 mile gap between my house and their beaches.