Finally Dove Beautiful Monterey!

[Pamdiv]

Luvs,
Go see Mike at Dolphin and get fitted for a custom wetsuit. It is not expensive at all. Ours were under $300 each. I'm a little undertall for my weight and could never find a suit off the rack that could keep me warm enough. A custom suit is so much more affective in these cold California waters.

I might also suggest you stay away from Thunderball and spend your money on dive trips instead.:lol2:

Your neighbor
Pam

 

[northcoast_diver]

Thick wetsuits are OK for single dives. But if you want to do 2 or 3 dives within 6 hours, then you are better off in a drysuit. If you want to dive Lake Tahoe as well, then a dry suit will keep you warmer as well, even for a single dive.

I agree that custom wetsuits are better than rack wetsuits, however for anything thicker than a 3mm farmer john (Hawaii) I would recommend a dry suit instead.

The "beginner boat" in Monterey is the Monterey Express. They go to nice dive sites that are closer in, like Hopkins Reef, although I have seen them a time or two as far south as Monastery as well (Mono Lobo Wall). The boat is built lower to the waterline, and it rocks less, than do the bigger boats. If I go diving on the Express, I know I will have a good time. On any other boat, I have to worry about rough seas and seasickness.

 

[northcoast_diver]

luvspoodles

Here is a thought. Go to Monterey on your own. When you get home, regale your husband with tales (and pictures) of how great it is. Tell him that you really enjoy it, but that you wish that he was there to share it with you.

But continue to go even if he doesn't.

Wristshot

Of course it must be noted that I have no SO, so any relationship advice coming from me is truly dangerous.

Maybe you two should get together and buddy dive? Dont forget that jealousy lights a fire faster than anything else. Plus, scuba should not be done without a buddy. And the better you know your buddy, versus a boat-assiged buddy, the better your diving together will be.

Another alternative is to join a local dive club. CENCAL has a list of them, there are many, all up and down the central and north coast, and inland as well.

 

[nkw5]

Luvspoodles, congrats on going back out to Monterey. I knew you would love it. As for an alternate route to drysuits, I'd second the well-fitting wetsuit (makes a huge difference), but you might consider a semi-dry. I love mine! Yes, I get wet, but I can dive right alongside my drysuit pals in CA water. I'm rarely cold underwater, but it's true the surface intervals can be a challenge.

I think Wristshot gave you good advice Re: reluctant hubby. (I loved his disclaimer!) My 2CW is that there are advantages to not diving with your SO. At first it was really hard not to have my hubby enjoy my what has become my passion, but now I'm glad to have a hobby that doesn't include him.

Navigation comes easy to some, harder to others, and perhaps never to a few. If you dive local (i.e. Folsom Lake), you can really work on navigation since viz is so bad most of the time!

Need a buddy? You know where I am.

 

[Rick Inman]

luvspoodles

Here is a thought. Go to Monterey on your own. When you get home, regale your husband with tales (and pictures) of how great it is. Tell him that you really enjoy it, but that you wish that he was there to share it with you.

Or, send your hubby up here and dive with us. I'll take him to the local pond with cold water, 2' vis and only trash & silt to look at. Then he can go back and enjoy the tropical Monterey diving.
Seriously, Monterey is my favorite place to dive. And if your husband is warm, he will enjoy it, too. Get the good drysuits!