If you live in SoCal, consider a dive trip to NorCal

[formula1mb@aol.com]

Definitely on my to-do list of places to dive. Have a used drysuit I picked up, now just have to actually learn to dive with it and one of these days would love to try Pt Lobos.

 

[Rainer]

Sure, sure, Central Coast is more accurate, but alas, SB only distinguishes "SoCal" and "NorCal" subforums.

In any case, let's be honest, anything north of about Ventura is "Northern" CA.

I've been lucky to have good conditions on every trip there but one, when we had vis of less than six inches. One thing, though. The divers there and the ones on the North Coast might be offended by referring to Pt. Lobos and Monterey as Northern California. Central Coast is just fine with them.

 

[Rainer]

BIG difference between 50 and 42, that's for sure! While I agree we certainly have a lot of convenient and varied dive spots down here in SoCal, Lobos is hard to beat in terms of downright great diving.

Lobos at 50F is actually kinda nice. A majority of the divers I see there are in wetsuits. In the summer my dives were always between 42-44F at 70ft, so enjoy it while you can.

Moving up north I was sad to give up the convenience of socal shore diving, but then I discovered Lobos. Easily a full day's excursion without hassles, and very pretty underwater.

 

[Rainer]

Congrats! Going dry is going to change your diving. Forewarned, it does take time to get comfortable with it (at least it did for me), but afterward, you'll wonder how you ever dived wet for so long.

Definitely on my to-do list of places to dive. Have a used drysuit I picked up, now just have to actually learn to dive with it and one of these days would love to try Pt Lobos.

 

[formula1mb@aol.com]

Did you ever take a class for it or just go out with a mentor for a couple of easy dives first?

 

[Rainer]

I did take a class. It was mildly helpful. I mentored my wife, though, and that worked for her. Ultimately, it's like most things. A *good* class can help, but in the end, it comes down to experience. You just have to get out and practice (i.e. dive it). Some useful pointers in the beginning, though, can go a long way. It took about 40-50 dives dry before I felt really comfortable (on par with how I felt diving wet).