LA CA Diving

[cwhite6]

I am considering going to a class in November in Torrance, CA this year. I just finished my SSI OW and EANx recently. I am hoping to get a couple more dive days in soon also. I am wondering if doing any diving why I am there in November is conceivable. I could extend my stay a day or so, but I would prefer evening if possible. What do ya'll think? I would renting equipment except for masks and fins. My buddy here has a 7mm farmer john I could borrow and bring with me. I am not looking for anything over the top, just getting wet in a new environment and seeing some different things. Maybe even take the nighttime limited visibility course from a SSI shop I found there in LA while I am there.

 

[mathauck0814]

In addition to the local dive shops, I've had good luck with out of town friends renting gear from Sports Chalet which is a local chain that also has a dive shop in most locations (Sport Chalet).

 

[merxlin]

Welcome in advance to SO Cal. I have moved your post into our So Cal forum so that you get a better response to your question.

The short answer is that yes, it is very conceivable weather and conditions permitting. Post the specific days and times you can dive and I am sure someone will chime in and possibly dive with you. If you could arrange a whole day, a trip to Catalina would be great for you. Otherwise we have some pretty nice shore diving, and evening/night dives can be very fun.

Look at some of the Sticky posts at the top of this forum for some more information.

 

[blue steal]

If you going to be in Torrance, there is a sports chalet very close by. I believe the package for 7mm suit, hood, reg/oct/spg with computer/compass, weighs/belt, BCD, and AL80 tank is 45 bucks. You would need booties, fins, mask, maybe gloves. they have a pretty liberal pick up and return policy and I have found there equip to be in pretty decent condition.
You could check out a few other dive shops in Redondo as well like SeadSea.
Boats trip to catalina don't go as often in November, but there is always the express to Catalina and dive the casino point park. There are shops over there as well that rent gears.

 

[cwhite6]

When it gets closer I will post the days and times I will be there. Thanks for moving it. I have this bookmarked so I can find it again!

 

[Teamcasa]

When it gets closer I will post the days and times I will be there. Thanks for moving it. I have this bookmarked so I can find it again!

Careful, this forum and SoCal diving can become an obsession!

 

[fnfalman]

If you're in Torrance, then you can rent gears at Sea D Sea down at Redondo Beach.

I'd recommend taking a trip to Catalina Island and dive at Casino Point dive park. It's easy entry & exit. All the SoCal diving goodness without lots of hassles. Then you can walk around City of Avalon and play tourist a bit too.

Also by November, I should be back in the area (crossing my fingers), and I will be honored to be your local tour guide.

 

[mselenaous]

+1 on Sea D Sea...tell Barry I said hello. You can rent anything you need there.

You will be near Veterans Park at Redondo Beach, one of the many local shore dive sites. They have a dive club and always dive Wed. nites as well as other times and newbies are welcome. Check them out at DiveVets : Friends Getting Wet! | Join our active and fun group of SoCal divers.

Dive n Surf is also near by and they dive Redondo Beach frequently.
You will be close to great shore diving and boat diving. The Palos Verde area has many great shore dives, so does Laguna Beach (one county south). And of course there is the ferry to Catalina to dive the Casino Point Dive Park or so many dive boats that dive Catalina and the Channel Islands, too.

Lots of Scubaboarders to meet in SoCal. You'll love SoCal diving.

 

[covediver]

November diving in socal can be the finestkind. i recall lots of great dives in late october-early november. great vis, water and air temps are still warm, clear days. rains can start later in november and wipe out diving with outflow. i would definitely try it if i were in your situation

 

[fnfalman]

Just remember that the OP is a new diver AND probably not a cold water diver. Veterans Park can be treacherous at times and Palos Verdes ain't no chump change either.