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I did the rescue diving class shortly after being certified. It was a nice transition that got me doing a lot more diving. California water can be "cold" as I discovered after diving off San Diego on my way back to Alaska from the Cayman Islands, but get a good fitting wetsuit and that will solve part of the problem or consider a drysuit. Water temperature also varies seasonally a bit and generally gets warmer as one heads south. Channel Islands, for my money, is some of the best diving, warm or cold, in the world. Anacapa Island is close to the mainland and offers great diving. One of my most favorite spots is the landing cove at Anacapa Island. That said, I hope you will find California diving as exciting and wonderful as I did. Lots of good memories, lots of great friends.
- It will get warmer month by month and will peak out around September/October before reversing direction again. I assume you dove with a hood, but if not, it will make a big difference. If you don't want to add the expense of a drysuit, I would suggest adding a 3mm vest/5mm hood under your 7mm wetsuit to up the warmth factor. If you plan to live here for an extended period of time and plan to dive regularly and consistently, then a drysuit is a really good idea. Happy to help in any way I can. Don't hesitate to reach out. -- Greg
