first monterey dive!

[capybara]

We did our first dive in Monterey this weekend! We tested our all our new equipment at the pool at Wallins a few days before. Stayed at Monterey Bay Inn which is just across from Monterey Bay Dive Center. We rented our tanks there, and lugged our stuff across the street down to San Carlos Beach. We swam out to the Breakwater and just before we descended I saw an otter in the kelp right next to us and I watched it swim right under us! The colors underwater were amazing-orange, purple, green & red anemones and starfish. We saw some painted greenlings, sculpins, and rockfish. I even saw a seal swim next to us underwater! The water temp was 57 and I was using a 7mm two-piece Bare Arctic SGS and my husband was using a 9/7/6 Xcel and we weren't cold at all. Vis was about 15 ft. It had rained 2 days before but I guess nobody cares about that. There were tons of divers out there on Saturday morning-at least 150 I'd say. Is it always that busy? Lots of classes going on. Anyways, can't wait to return! I want to try Metridium Fields and boat diving (any recommendations for boat ops that are OK for newbies?)

 

[ShakaZulu]

What is that in your hand, a dead sea star??? Will be diving in that area on Saterday.

 

[capybara]

What is that in your hand, a dead sea star???

It's a starfish that was lying in the sand on the way back to shore. I put it right back where it was afterward(didn't pry it off a rock if that's what you're wondering). No harm done, hopefully.

 

[bedmund]

(any recommendations for boat ops that are OK for newbies?)

Congratulations on your first Monterey dives. Any of the boats that run out of Monterey would be ok for newbies I would say (except perhaps the Escapade which would lean toward more advanced/tech divers). You can check them out here:
http://www.californiadiveboats.com/

 

[mweitz]

Where you going to dive Shaka?

 

[CALI68]

Ken (Mo2Vation), His Wife and I are diving Point Lobos on Friday if anyone can make it.

 

[bedmund]

Ken (Mo2Vation), His Wife and I are diving Point Lobos on Friday if anyone can make it.

I'd love to join you as Lobos is such a great site. I once dove with a very very friendly harbor seal there. The dive was about 25 minutes and he was with me the whole time - just him and me. I've got video of my hand scratching him on the head as he hovered by me.

However, I can't pull off Friday, but I'll toss an open invite out too. I'm on the Cypress Sea on December 19 for the early trip if anyone is interested in getting on that boat.

 

[WileEDiver]

Ken (Mo2Vation), His Wife and I are diving Point Lobos on Friday if anyone can make it.

Cali (and Ken)-

What's your PDP (Post Dive Plan)?

I can't do Lobos, but I'll be working with a student at the Breakwater and would love to link up with you guys afterward (maybe grab a bite to eat?).

Let me know.


BTW, Dove Lobos this morning--it was gorgeous!

 

[CALI68]

Cali (and Ken)-

What's your PDP (Post Dive Plan)?

I can't do Lobos, but I'll be working with a student at the Breakwater and would love to link up with you guys afterward (maybe grab a bite to eat?).

Let me know.


BTW, Dove Lobos this morning--it was gorgeous!

I'm always down for Gianni's pizza. Love that place!

 

[WileEDiver]

I'm always down for Gianni's pizza. Love that place!

Sounds good. Let's switch to PM and we'll set it up.