Intro and Shore Diving Questions

[ligersandtions]

Hi all! I'm new to the board and new to diving. My hubby and I just got certified right before our honeymoon, went diving down in Cozumel, and are now hooked. Since we live in socal, we figured there's no sense in being certified and totally hooked on diving that we wouldn't give it a go down here (even though I'm a little bit of a baby when it comes to being cold...).

Anyways, we're going to take a trip out to Old Marineland this weekend. We've never done shore diving so I was hoping to get some pointers (if there's anything to know other than to be careful over rocks, watch the surf, etc). I also had a question regarding what we need for the dive itself. One site (not Old Marineland's website itself) said a flag/float and anchor are required, but we couldn't find anything from the Marineland's owners. It's probably a good idea to let people know you're under there, but we were just curious if it was required.

Anyways, we're hoping to be active divers down here, so we'll be watching for upcoming dives and may join as long as you're cool with the noobs

Thanks in advance....and great information on the board!

Nicole

 

[jlyle]

Nicole,

There will be friendly people at OML (Old Marineland) to help you with your beach dive. You do not need a flag/float, anchor. Beach diving is not easy, but doable.

Do the 3R's program:

Rocks, Rips & Reefs Program (3Rs)

Have fun.

 

[eponym]

Remember when exiting that there is no shame in crawling out of the surf onto the beach on all fours. Some of the funniest stories I've heard involve multiple knock-downs in shin-deep water.

Best practices always,
Bryan

PS When/if you're in the mood for boat diving, I highly recommend the Lois Ann out of San Diego (Mission Bay) for a rewarding half day in the kelp.

 

[ligersandtions]

Remember when exiting that there is no shame in crawling out of the surf onto the beach on all fours. Some of the funniest stories I've heard involve multiple knock-downs in shin-deep water.

Best practices always,
Bryan

PS When/if you're in the mood for boat diving, I highly recommend the Lois Ann out of San Diego (Mission Bay) for a rewarding half day in the kelp.

Haha, sounds like a plan to me....I have about the smallest ego on the earth, I don't care if I look like a complete dork, as long as I keep myself alive and doing good!

We will most definitely be in the mood for boat diving soon. This is going to be our first dives in CA and I kind of wanted to have it be just the two of us until I get a little more comfortable. I have problems equalizing and don't want to waste other peoples' time....but I noticed that the more I dive and the more comfortable I get, the easier the equalization is becoming. So in no time, I suspect I will be ready to go out with a group.

 

[eponym]

Sounds good. Note that the Lois Ann doesn't conduct or lead group dives. It would just be you and your buddy, plan and execute your own dive to your own taste. They're more of a taxi service. Check out their web site (loisann.com?) for more info. I live in Oregon but I've always used them when visiting and made some good friends thereby.

Bryan

 

[MaxBottomtime]

There will be a big crowd there Saturday, with the dozen or so regulars and the Dive n Surf Dive Team. There are only ten parking spaces, so arrive early. There is additional street parking. As for the site itself, the new trail is .6 miles long and it will be very hot this weekend. Bring lots of drinking water.
Most divers tend to enter from the cove and head to the 120 Reef, 120 degrees from the cove. It's not very interesting, but it's only a couple hundred yard swim. The reef at the point is spectacular, but involves a sometimes hazardous entry or a 1/4 mile surface swim from the cove. I have nearly 300 dives at Marineland (Not Old Marineland, or worse, OML!) and I really enjoy diving at the point over just about anywhere in the World.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I wasn't trying to scare you away, but Marineland is considered an advanced site. My fiancee made her 50th Marineland dive on Sunday and after falling three times, decided to take two weeks off from diving there. These are some of the images from the day I met her;

Divers in the waves look like ants

Merry attempts to walk out under her own power

Others rush in to help

The race is on to remove her fins before the next set of waves

They're off!!!

It swallows you up and spits you back

Exhausted, Merry is helped to her feet

Point entry

Don't go now

Wave curls over the main reef

 

[eponym]

Max - great photos. Thanks.

 

[JMdiver]

Hi Nicole,

Max is right Marineland is an advance dive unless there are no waves at all. The 120 reef is one of the nicest dives in SoCal Max is just spoiled after diving the point so often. Laguna Beach is a good dive also. Bryan is right about the boats also it's you & your buddy. Here's a link to the dive boats in SoCal, I personally like the Peace & I hear the Great Escape is nice :California Dive Boats : The Official Page

John

 

[dwaters]

Welcome Nicole,
A great group of divers that will get all the beach dives you wish for is the Beach Crabs
Check them out >> http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/beach-crabs/ << and join in the fun.
A great safer intro to So.Cal. "beach" diving is Casino Point @ Avalon. A bunch of us will be over there on July 12th if you and hubby wish to join in. Hope to see you in the water someday soon.