Kelp Diving Only One Day a Week?

[GrumpyOldGuy]

The DM gives you a dive briefing and to assist you getting off and on the boat in a safe manner. Once you descend, you are on your own.

 

[merxlin]

Left off my 3rd question:

What if you don't hire your own DM, you are just on your own?? The fees paid are literally just for ferrying to to the dive spot, there's no overall DM that takes the group?

Most California diving is self guided. There are DM's on the boats, but they are primarily safety divers and will only jump in if there is an issue. You are expected to plan your dive and dive you plan. As you have seen, there are plenty of people to help you with that. Hiring a DM is not a bad idea for your first trip out here if you cannot find a local to go with you.

It can be drysuit weather, since the water temp can vary a lot from year to year. Typically if you have a 7mil and maybe a vest/hood if you get cold easy you should be fine. I'd not worry about a drysuit if you are not certified, since that is just another task load. The kelp and cold water will be enough new things for you to experience. Just remember that all that exposure protection requires extra weight to compensate for the buoyancy.

Finally, unless I am very wrong, the Sundiver Express and/or the Sundiver will be going out (PM galleywench for details). It just looks like the schedule has not been updated yet. Those boats ran all winter, I can't imagine them not running a summer weekend day.

Enjoy your trip. California diving rocks.