Is it too cold to dive in February?

[sunshinecat]

I have the last week of February off and I'd really like to get some diving in. I'm from AZ, so California would be the best place for me to go. Is it too cold to dive in February with a 7 mm wetsuit? If not, where would be the best place to go at that time of year for a beginning diver? I was thinking either San Diego or one of the Channel Islands. Thanks!

 

[FrankPro1]

Personally, I have no problem diving wet anytime of the year here in SoCal. There are areas that are colder then others "such as the Northern Channel Islands" which start to put you in the drysuit temps during the winter. I use a 6.5mm during the summer and add a 3mm undersuit for the winter. Cold is a subjective term, I know of divers which wouldn't be caught diving wet during the winter, while others like myself can tolerate the cold. My suggestion would be to go out to Catalina, rather then the Northern Channel islands, because it is considerably warmer the more south you go. If your into shorediving, I would also try out the various Laguna sites or even farther south at Lo Jolla. The temps in February will be in the 50's at depth, so if you have prior experience in this range you know what to expect.

 

[DwayneJ]

7 to 8mm is perfect. Make sure you have boots, gloves, and a hood.

 

[scottfiji]

For a beginner in February I'd recommend Catalina Island. You should be good in a 7mm, expect temps in the high 50's. Wear a 2-piece 7mm or a 1 piece 7mm with a 3mm hooded vest. Have fun!

 

[Venom]

Yup, 7mm suit with a 3mm hooded vest work good for me.
Also I prefer the 5mm gloves for winter.

and second the catalina either by boat or ferry to the park.

 

[sunshinecat]

Thanks for the replies! I'll definitely look into Catalina. What about Los Coronados or La Jolla Kelp forests?

 

[Oside Jimc]

Thanks for the replies! I'll definitely look into Catalina. What about Los Coronados or La Jolla Kelp forests?

OK, but a pale shadow of Catalina.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Yep, mid 50s in February. 1 dive in a 7 mm no problem, 2 is OK 3 or 4 in the same day brrrr. Well at least for me. You have to know your own cold tolerance. Casino Point on Catalina is nice for a beginner. Check out the sticky in this form.

 

[scottfiji]

OK, but a pale shadow of Catalina.

I'd recommend Catalina for you in Feb for a variety of reasons.

 

[fnfalman]

Catalina Island tends to be warmer than the other locations, especially at Casino Point Dive Park.