El Crapo Dive Report 9-12-09

[wjefferis]

I drove out to Ft. Pickens today in overcast and rainy conditions . High tide was early in the morning and I was hoping that the current hadn't picked up too much yet. I knew conditions wouldn't be great, but I figured I may be able to gather some more data for for the dive map. I splashed in around 08:30 and the current quickly swept me to the West into the 10' cage area. I redirected myself to the East and kicked hard against the current and made it to the tire and cage that I usually use to tie a dive flag to. Visibility was 5 feet at best with lots of sea weed blowing. I held my position at the tire and cage and saw a large stingray go by. When I looked inside the tire I was pleased to see the french angel hiding from the current. I unfortunately couldn't hide from the current and I looked like this holding onto the cage: :storm:

Doing any kind of survey work in these conditions was beyond a stupid idea so after 20 minutes I came up and enjoyed the one and two foot waves that were now coming to shore . I made the best out of the day and even though it was an el crapo dive at least I got wet.

 

[Hetland]

I've had dives at Pickens like that too.

I figured it was going to be bad today, and I appreciate you confirming that for me.

I stayed home and watched Into The Blue. I was tempted to grab a tank and reg so I could dive vicariously through the movie, but I decided to freedive it instead and save my air for a real dive.

 

[msuman]

Well, like you said. At least you got wet.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Thanks for the report Walter, getting wet on a bad day is better than not

Hetland - I'll paraphrase the best parts of the movie.

Jessica Alba is perfect.

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

Walter still sounds like you had a good time. Hetland good movie. Mat, GREAT post. That topped off my day. I did Morrisons today and its was great.

 

[jhayes75]

Those pics just made the dive worth it.

 

[denisegg]

I just consider bad conditions as an opportunity to learn something. Stas and I tried to do a night dive at Navarre Pier one time and I think a hurricane was blowing in We were being pounded by the surf and I couldn't even keep my compass still long enough to get an accurate reading. We crawled out (I'm glad it was dark) but that wasn't good enough. We had to try it again. We got pounded again and crawled out again. This time further down the shore.

 

[GLENFWB]

Okay Denise, for future reference....water SOUTH.....beach NORTH. Let me know if you want me to review that again.

I just consider bad conditions as an opportunity to learn something. Stas and I tried to do a night dive at Navarre Pier one time and I think a hurricane was blowing in We were being pounded by the surf and I couldn't even keep my compass still long enough to get an accurate reading. We crawled out (I'm glad it was dark) but that wasn't good enough. We had to try it again. We got pounded again and crawled out again. This time further down the shore.

 

[denisegg]

Okay Denise, for future reference....water SOUTH.....beach NORTH. Let me know if you want me to review that again.

Please do.