Hi,
My questions are somewhat similar to lionsandtigers' thread, but we're just visiting vs. living there and I didn't want to hijack that thread. My wife and I will be OW certified in Philadelphia next week (so complete n00bies) and will be in LA from July 6 (PM arrival) to July 13 (AM departure).
We're planning on diving Casino Point for a full day, but would like to get in a day of shore diving as well. We could dive either July 7 or 8, then are otherwise occupied July 9-10, and then are hoping to do another day of diving July 11. Due to the whole air travel thing July 12th is out, although I suppose we could do a shallow early AM dive that Saturday and stay within 18 hours of the liftoff.
From the earlier thread and some other reading it seems as though Laguna Beach has the best shore dives for beginners around the area. It also seems as though shore dives, however "easy," are best done with someone experienced the first time out.
That leads to two questions: Where specifically should we plan on heading--Laguna Beach and if so which dive site is best for beginners (Crystal Cove seems highly recommended)? And are there any groups going out on those days that would be tolerant of having 2 newbies along and might be willing to share some advice with (South Coast Divers looks like they organize a Saturday morning dive which might work subject to getting out of the water in time to be safe for the flight and a Tuesday evening dive that week--or is that a night dive, in which case we're obviously not night trained or equipped)? We can move the Catalina day around to accommodate the shore diving if need be.
In general, we're not so interested in pushing depth or seeing wrecks and are more interested in refining skills and seeing marine life.
Thanks very much,
Ari
My questions are somewhat similar to lionsandtigers' thread, but we're just visiting vs. living there and I didn't want to hijack that thread. My wife and I will be OW certified in Philadelphia next week (so complete n00bies) and will be in LA from July 6 (PM arrival) to July 13 (AM departure).
We're planning on diving Casino Point for a full day, but would like to get in a day of shore diving as well. We could dive either July 7 or 8, then are otherwise occupied July 9-10, and then are hoping to do another day of diving July 11. Due to the whole air travel thing July 12th is out, although I suppose we could do a shallow early AM dive that Saturday and stay within 18 hours of the liftoff.
From the earlier thread and some other reading it seems as though Laguna Beach has the best shore dives for beginners around the area. It also seems as though shore dives, however "easy," are best done with someone experienced the first time out.
That leads to two questions: Where specifically should we plan on heading--Laguna Beach and if so which dive site is best for beginners (Crystal Cove seems highly recommended)? And are there any groups going out on those days that would be tolerant of having 2 newbies along and might be willing to share some advice with (South Coast Divers looks like they organize a Saturday morning dive which might work subject to getting out of the water in time to be safe for the flight and a Tuesday evening dive that week--or is that a night dive, in which case we're obviously not night trained or equipped)? We can move the Catalina day around to accommodate the shore diving if need be.
In general, we're not so interested in pushing depth or seeing wrecks and are more interested in refining skills and seeing marine life.
Thanks very much,
Ari
