first dive of the season

[TyGuy]

this past weekend me and a couple of buddies from my club decided to go get wet. originally 7 of us 2 called the dive (one because he had a sore throat and it was moving to his ears, the other just didnt want to spend the money). We dove Fort Wetherhill in Jamestown RI. we dove sunday, there was little to no breeze, partly sunny and not too chilly. This was a big dive since its been awhile for 2 of the guys in the group and i was trying out some new gear (camaro 7mm semi dry and seawing nova fins) and my other buddy was getting into the water for the first time with his new full set of gear.

The dive started off nice, a chilling 46 degrees at the surface (only one of us was diving dry) we kept it shallow for the first dive of the year only going to about 30 feet. at first it was awkward, getting used to being in the water again, bouncing into each other etc. but after about 5 mins of fumbling through the surf we were on an enjoyable dive.

the water was filled with small jellyfish, and the floor covered with pollups that would retreat into the ground with a wave of the hand (felt like a jedi master). vis was about 10 feet and the bottom temp? a balmy 37-39 degrees. we stayed down for about 35 mins and surprisingly i did not feel chilled till about 3/4 of the way through the dive.

didnt see much aside from a few starfish, a lobster and the jellys. it was still great to get into the water after so many months of being dry. the fins are awesome, and so is the new suit. i cant wait to get back in the water, i dont know if i can wait for it to warm up.

 

[Garrobo]

So long as there is an Upper Keys, there is no "season" for me to go diving. And forget about all the expensive cold water gear. If you are a "winterized" Northerner all's you need is a pair of swimming trunks.

 

[JPENDERGRAST]

Nice report- good to hear someone got out. How dry does a semi dry keep you? The only one I've ever used did not keep me dry at all.... All I know, is that the next time I have enough money for a semi dry, I will probably save 500 more and get a dry suit.

 

[diverdude74]

Don't forget about that old anchor we came across too

 

[TMHeimer]

Your temps. and marine life this time of year in RI are similar to here in NS. I think we bottomed out at 35F about a month ago.

 

[TyGuy]

35? now thats diving..how is the diving in NS during the summer months? i recently read that there and Vancouver there is some pretty good diving.

Nice report- good to hear someone got out. How dry does a semi dry keep you? The only one I've ever used did not keep me dry at all.... All I know, is that the next time I have enough money for a semi dry, I will probably save 500 more and get a dry suit.

there not so much 'semi dry' as 'semi wet'. my chest, legs, arms and upper back stayed fairly dry but the small of the back there was a gap where some water slipped in. the thing is, ill only be making 2 or 3 dives a year in this kind of temperature, the suit would work great in water thats above 40. the warmest dive ive been on in new england was 65, and until this past sunday the lowest was 45. this suit is fine for me between these temps.

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

Nice report- good to hear someone got out. How dry does a semi dry keep you? The only one I've ever used did not keep me dry at all.... All I know, is that the next time I have enough money for a semi dry, I will probably save 500 more and get a dry suit.

It keeps you semi dry, or semi wet .