First dive of the New Year; Long Point 1.5.10

[FrankPro1]

After a very dry December, Charlie and I finally got back to Marineland. The swell map showed above average conditions for the first time in weeks, so we rushed down to scope out the peninsula. When we arrived conditions were very solid, with only a bit of surge at the point. By the time we suited up and got down to the point entry the swell had picked up. This made timing our entry important, as I had my camera rig and Charlie was diving his dry suit for the first time. After a quick weighting check in the shallows, we swam out past the kelp and descended in the 40ft zone. From there we headed to 65ft and started our nudi search parallel to shore. On one of the first reefs we stopped at, I found a strange snail which was scouring the reef with an extended proboscis "need ID; reference picture below". On our way towards Ted's pinnacle we found Hermissendas, Shawls, Limbaughs and a wide variety of reef fish. As we reached the Lady of the garden an extremely large school of Sargo came into view, as well as the largest Barred Bass I've ever seen. He must have been close to thirty inches! We hung around Ted's pinnacle until reaching close to our NDL's and then began navigating back to shore. Exit was at the point was a bit difficult, again timing was extremely important as the surge and swell was getting quite rough.

Some photographic highlights of the day:

NEED ID ON THIS ONE:

 

[MaxBottomtime]

California Cone Snail, Conus californicus.
Looks like pretty nice vis. I wanted to dive at Marineland this afternoon but Merry said we had to wait for a visitor...who never showed up. Hopefully it will stay nice for awhile.
Lee and Angelique showed me their secret spot for entering at the point. I used it last Saturday and despite the +7' tide and having to time sets, it was pretty easy.

 

[FrankPro1]

Thanks for the id. You'll have to show me Angelique's secret entry sometime. For day's like today I sure could have used it.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Go through the wooden gate and turn right. Follow the yellow line down to the largest rock near the shoreline. At high tide the rock was mostly under water. On Saturday, I leaned against the ocean side of the rock, put my fins on and fell forward. The bottom drops off quickly there, so there are no submerged rocks to trip you up. It way easier than Ted's Rock to the NE of the post. Thanks to Lee Zaro for sharing the info.

 

[Chett L]

Hi Frank,

Nice looking pictures.

Best regards,
Chett L

 

[LLKZ16]

WOW!! I always wanted my own rock!!!! :rockband:

Great top view and guide Phil!! One of us should take some photos of the entry area from the entry angle facing the water to show where we go in. I have two entry points on the right side of the point I like to use but the one I last showed you Phil I think is the best.