Kelp forest in May?

[chs8084]

I have a trip scheduled to San Diego in Mid-may. I was wondering how challenging the kelp forest dives are and how cold the water will be then. I might come an extra day early to do this, but I have a 7 mm wetsuit with a hooded vest. I am taking a drysuit course this spring, but probably won't be done by then. Will that be enough?

thanks.

 

[DeerCreekers]

Challanging? Not really. It's like the idea of driving a car, once you do it, you realize it's just a skill that you learn and then never give another thought to it. You simply move though it, it doesn't reach out and bite/tangle you like some portray it to do. And if a piece gets caught on your gear, keep moving and it slides right off. It is a beautiful expierence though and one of my favorite aspects of diving CA.
As far as a 7mm. That what I dive with, you should be fine

 

[fnfalman]

I have a trip scheduled to San Diego in Mid-may. I was wondering how challenging the kelp forest dives are and how cold the water will be then. I might come an extra day early to do this, but I have a 7 mm wetsuit with a hooded vest. I am taking a drysuit course this spring, but probably won't be done by then. Will that be enough?

thanks.

San Diego water tends to be a bit colder and in May the SoCal water is still cold so the kelp forest should still be nice, green and lush.

As far as how challenging it is to dive in the kelp forest...it's not. Pick your path around the kelp stalks instead of going through them. Or simply use your hands and part them like Moses parted the Red Sea. Just don't roll and twist if you get caught. That's when you can get in big trouble. Also, don't try to swim on your back through the kelp while you're on surface. Put your face down, use your arms to part the kelps and swim/crawl on top. Better yet, swim underneath the kelp and surface next to the boat or clear opening.

With the issue of exposure suit, for some people 7mm is plenty, for others not enough. Which one you are,

 

[diver_doug]

Should be fine in 7mm WS with hooded vest...just make sure you've got boots and gloves too (5mm would be ideal); water temp should be around 56F-60F in May.

Kelp's danger is way overrated...I've only gotten slightly tangled in it a few times. Usually I can just pull it off of me, but worst case scenario is that you have to cut the kelp...piece of cake. Like fnfalman said, you can swim around it-I personally like swimming through it; you can part it before passing through, or just sleeky go through it...as long as you're not moving around all crazy getting tangled usually isn't an issue. Try not to surface in a kelp bed though, that can be troublesome.

 

[fnfalman]

Kelp diving is fun when you have decent control of your buoyancy and swim techniques. When you're a beginner and flop around too much, getting entangled in kelp isn't fun. Not dangerous if you stick to the basic techniques like avoidance or parting with hands, but definitely isn't fun. However, if you're good with buoyancy control? Nirvana! Especially when you just glide with the surges and sneak through the kelps.

 

[calicant]

I had my first dives in kelp forest last Saturday at Casino Point. It was really interesting and although I got snagged a few times it was quite easy to release, especially if you have a buddy to help. I wouldn't want to dive alone in the kelp, but then I wouldn't want to dive alone anywhere. I found this page about diving in kelp but I can't comment on whether all of the advice is relevant.

Kelp Diving Information

Hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

If you dive New Jersey then you are well prepared for So Cal water temps. San Diego can be a bit cooler than expected relative to the LA / Orange County areas even though is is south due to currents, but still nice.

The only thing really dangerous about kelp is the panic reaction some people get from what are really minor entanglements. The stuff is nothing compared to getting snagged in a gill net or fishing line snags on wrecks, but it does sometimes freak out divers the first time it snags them, typically on the tank valve or fin straps.

 

[Teamcasa]

<Snip>The only thing really dangerous about kelp is the panic reaction some people get from what are really minor entanglements....

Exactly. Keep you cool, snap off any stalks that grab you and swim on. Like others have said, San Diego has a touch cooler water but the majority of regular divers use 7mm plus a hooded vest so no worries there.

You are in for a treat!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I am taking a drysuit course this spring, but probably won't be done by then.

How long will it take to take your drysuit course? I had one pool session followed by a couple of ocean dives.

You've been given good advice on this thread. A 7mm wetsuit with hooded vest should be adequate for 45-60 min. dives, depending on your activity level. Of course, diving in a drysuit will allow you to warm up faster during your surface intervals and should keep you warmer during your dives, assuming you wear appropriate undergarments. The water should still be fairly cool in mid-May. In May 2010, I was recording 50-52°F at a depth of 60 fsw at La Jolla Shores. It is typically a couple of degrees warmer at the Casino Point UW Park on Catalina Island.

The kelp should be in pretty good shape that time of year on account of the water temperature. It gets kind of scraggly when the water gets warmer.

Kelp diving is fun. You'll have a great time!

 

[chs8084]

Thanks for all the feedback. Any suggestions for a dive operator to go with?