How tough is Catalina?

[TwinDuct]

I have a 7mm suit but if I could just bring half of it that would be a lot better luggage wise.

I was just there for Sunday and Monday. In the park the water was about 64-68f.
On my sixth dive I dove without a hood and it was great! I didn't get cold at all.
On my seventh dive I decided to wear just the farmer john (7mil) and I honestly did not get cold at all. Mind you that dive was above 40ft and we didn't hit a thermocline.

Water was great this weekend with at least 30ft vis... in the morning at least :11doh:
Gotta love them students.

 

[SnakeRiverPirate]

First of all, thank you all so much for the great info! I want to be a conservative, safe diver. I snorkeled tons as a kid in the Gulf of Mexico and Keys.

Following grad school I moved to Idaho, which is not really a dive Mecca. I had driven by the LDS for 12 years telling myself that someday I'd stop in. Last year I signed up for OW cert form my 42nd birthday. So I find myself wanting to dive within my limits and continue to expand my skill base.

I am sure that I'll just pack my farmer john (due to the one bag restriction on domestic flights). Cold water isn't an issue as some of our lakes are really chilly when you get deep.

The GW shark was the least of my worries. I fully recognize that I am more likely to die from a bee sting.

I will check the shops and find myself an instabuddy. I will post again when I have the date.

Thanks again!

 

[SnakeRiverPirate]

I checked out Scubaluv's site and am stoked for some diving! Thanks for the good word on a lds DrBill!

 

[muddiver]

You are correct, bee stings have killed a large number of divers in the dive park.
But I have not heard of any sightings of dangerous sharks in, or near the park.

 

[D_B]

Tides & Temps ... this info is from the Catalina sticky thread

General Web Links to Catalina Diving Information

Water Temps:
http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnfeb03/EZdivingCatTemp.html
http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnfeb03/graphfeb03/CatTempDia.gif

On-Island Dive Shops:
Catalina Divers Supply www.catalinadiverssupply.com
Scuba Luv www.Scubaluv.biz

Current Conditions:
Sea swell model http://cdip.ucsd.edu/?nav=recent&sub...item=san_pedro
Tide Chart: http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/locations/279.html
Weather http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Catalina.html
NDBC Bouy Info NDBC - Station 46025

Island Activities:
http://www.catalinachamber.com/
http://www.ecatalina.com/
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/
Chamber Day http://www.chamberday.org/


More:
CATALINA CHAMBER
24 HOUR EMERGENCY LINE
310-510-1053

LA COUNTY MEDICAL ALERT CENTER (MAC)
323-869-0578

DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) EMERGENCY LINE
919-684-8111

U.S. COAST GUARD
SECTOR LA/LONG BEACH
SEARCH & RESCUE
310-521-3815
Marine Channel 16

Sunset about 8:00pm ... this is from the World Time Clock link in my sig, clicking on the San Diego time ... Sunrise/sunset
Current local time & weather in San Diego - California - U.S.A.

 

[drbill]

For snorkeling, I prefer Lover's Cove but why not do both!

As for dying from bee stings being much more likely than death from sharks, you also might want to be careful about vending machines... they kill more people too. I stay as far away from them as I can!

 

[SnakeRiverPirate]

Worldwide more folks die from bee stings each year than from shark attack.

I will be on Catalina next Wednesday (July 9th).

I dropped by the LDS yesterday and got the DAN pamphlet. She Who Must Be Obeyed agrees that dive insurance is a wise choice. I also signed up for the Stress and Rescue class.

 

[drbill]

Hmmmm.... "She Who Must Be Obeyed," eh? Sounds like she has good judgment. I wouldn't dive without DAN insurance. Even for an impoverished dive bum like me, it is a small expense for the peace of mind it gives.

 

[SnakeRiverPirate]

She Who Must Be Obeyed is easily the smartest person I know (and a cutie too).

I am really looking forward to the trip. I'll see if I can find an insta buddy through the shop or tag along on one of their tours.

I appreciate all of the guidance!

 

[CompuDude]

You'll have a great time. Conditions were quite nice this past weekend. Around 65F surface temps, a few degrees lower to around 40-50', colder below. Saturday afternoon a bit of a current picked up and brought 55F waters through the park, though... very cold by comparison!