laguna beach cali info?

[EliteDetail]

anyone have any info as to what locations in or around laguna are good for beginner divers and also any sites I can look up that will show some info on the underwater life to be found in these areas?

 

[JustAddWater]

Shaw's Cove is very nice for shore diving. It has a fairly shallow depth (to about 40 feet) and is easy to navigate. The reef provides much to see. Laguna Sea Sports is close (walking distance) and a convenient place to get air fills. Don't dive solo in Laguna, you'll get a citation.
P.S. The stairs to the beach provide a great leg workout!!

 

[norcaldiver]

JustAddWater once bubbled...
Don't dive solo in Laguna, you'll get a citation.

Huh? Is that a city code or something? Who gives these tickets out?

 

[kelpmermaid]

http://www.lagunaseasports.com/

In addition to the site maps, there is an area with current conditions. And don't forget your snorkel, either!

 

[JustAddWater]

It's enforced by the lifeguards. Here's a link that addresses it:

http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnsept00/letters9.html

 

[DFC5343]

Start with Divers Cove. The best days are the calm days. Easy access. All Laguna dives require a stair climb so be in shape for the haul...with all your gear on, down...dive and back to your car.

 

[RichLockyer]

norcaldiver once bubbled...
Huh? Is that a city code or something? Who gives these tickets out?

Yup... city ordinance, enforced by the County life guards.

Must have:
Buddy
Octo
Snorkel

 

[JustAddWater]

I've heard stories that there are times when these laws are enforced quite aggressively. Is this predicated by a history of accidents in the area, or is it just a good way to generate revenue?

 

[RichLockyer]

JustAddWater once bubbled...
I've heard stories that there are times when these laws are enforced quite aggressively. Is this predicated by a history of accidents in the area, or is it just a good way to generate revenue?

The local residents, for the most part (obviously some exceptions) do not want us around. Extremely big-buck homes with beautiful ocean views. Well, legally, they can't restrict public access to the beaches, but they can make life difficult through extremely strict parking regulations (metered in many places, and still a 2-hour limit), and of course, "nanny" laws which are very easy to push through a liberal city council (Laguna is a VERY liberal area).

Understand the situation from their viewpoint though... during the summer, you simply cannot park within a half mile of Shaw's Cove unless you get there at 5:30am. Every dive shop in OC uses that beach for OW classes.

If I lived on that street, I would have to deal with:
Visiting friends not having a place to park in front of my home.
The screaming hiss of tanks being cracked open at sunrise.
People blocking my driveway or walkway with equipment or vehicle.
etc....

We can be a bit of a pain. We're not trying to be a problem, but (especially OW students) may simply not be aware of an issue, like the neighbor mowing his lawn at 10am (when you've been hunting lobster all night and want to sleep in).

 

[pasley]

Don't forget your snorkel either. Laguna Beach lifeguards also enforce this regulation. At least they don't close the beach at sunset like Malibu does.