Lake Rawlings (currnent conditions)

[Jason B]

For those who plan on making the trek to Lake Rawlings next week-end (Nov 6), I thought I'd give a little info on the current conditions there. Ken and myself meet up with Joe (medic13) this morning for a great day of diving. Joe checked out the DUI drysuits, while Ken and myself kept it old school diving wet. The water temps were not to bad at all. We did two dives, one to 52 ft and one to 53. Once you get around 50 ft it did start to get a little cold to me as I was wearing a 3mm (Ken had a 7mm). The hood really does the trick. As for the vis...let's just say that everyone who came to the last get-together (Rolesville) will be very happy. It was probably 20-30 feet depending on where you were (much better than 4ft!!).
Since I live rather close, I'm going to get there a little early and try and claim this prime spot we found today for Ken's screen tent. Look forward to seeing everyone next week-end!

Jason

 

[suthnbelle]

Thanks for the report Jason. I'll see you guys on Saturday. I just ordered my own gear (Yipee!!!) so hopefully I'll have it ready by Saturday to try out at Rawlings.

So what was the water temp? I just don't know what I'm going to do with 20-30' vis. I've gotten so accustomed to 2-10' at the quarry.

 

[dwright]

Thanks for the report Jason. I'll be there around 10:00 (I hope) I'll be on the lookout for the tent.

 

[Charlie J]

Hi Folks!

I pretty sure I'm in for Saturday the 9th at Rawlings! Just a couple of questions, Jason - like Mel said, how "bad" is "not too bad"? I just finished two days at Portage Quarry in OH, and the CONSTANT water temp was 59 degrees, as the thermocline had already inverted there! Pretty cold after an hour or so in a 3mm!

I assume tank rental is no issue there - haven't really checked out their website, will do this week. Mapquest says I'm about 2 1/2 hours away, so about 10 or 10:30 am should be ok for me, I guess.

What's the marker for our gathering - screen tent plus who's car? I'll be driving a red Toyota Tacoma.

OH! BTW, bought a new toy from one of the guys I was diving with in OH - a See-Doo DPV - it's fun and really moves you through the water - ya'll can take it for a spin!

See you there!

Charlie

 

[Jason B]

Hey Charlie,
Water temps at the surface were about 72. Once we got to about 30 feet it was about 66 which felt great (I get cold real easy). Once below 50 feet is when it would start to drop to around 60 degrees.
They have tank rentals there. Din or yoke...steel or aluminum.
As for the marker, well, you can't really park to near the water here so you drive down, unload, and then go park and walk down to the water.
I plan on getting there early to claim a spot by the water, once that is claimed we can wait up in the parking lot if needed. I'll be in a bright red dodge dokota pick-up.
As an after thought, I may pick up a piece of poster board and make an "NCWD" (North Carolina Wreck Divers) sign to hang on the tent so all can find it.
Looking forward to this!

Jason

 

[pairizarry]

For those who plan on making the trek to Lake Rawlings next week-end (Nov 6), I thought I'd give a little info on the current conditions there. Ken and myself meet up with Joe (medic13) this morning for a great day of diving. Joe checked out the DUI drysuits, while Ken and myself kept it old school diving wet. The water temps were not to bad at all. We did two dives, one to 52 ft and one to 53. Once you get around 50 ft it did start to get a little cold to me as I was wearing a 3mm (Ken had a 7mm). The hood really does the trick. As for the vis...let's just say that everyone who came to the last get-together (Rolesville) will be very happy. It was probably 20-30 feet depending on where you were (much better than 4ft!!).
Since I live rather close, I'm going to get there a little early and try and claim this prime spot we found today for Ken's screen tent. Look forward to seeing everyone next week-end!

Jason

Jason,

Is the meeting time officiallly around 10 am or earlier? If anyone is doing a dive before 10 am, I would like to tag along. How many dives do you plan on doing Saturday?
Is there any parking close to the water or is it very limited?

I went to the Morgan wreck off of VA Beach with Lynnhaven on Saturday 10/30, and the good news was it was warm (62 F) but the bad news was no vis and dark. Good thing I bought that dive light. It was an experience but it would have been nice to actually see the wreck and its surroundings, instead of what was right in front of my light. A spade fish and some tires was the only thing I saw or recognized. I still have to work on my sea legs because once the boat stopped, I began feeling queezy. I managed to get it under control and do both dives. I also learned the importance of having a wreck reel, since my dive buddy had one. Without it I probably would've circled around the anchor line.

Just let me know when you plan being there, so I can claim a good spot as well.

Thanks

Pedro

 

[kwickert]

The vis was really quite amazing, as Jason said, compared to Fantasy Lake. At one point on the surface, we could see a boat on the bottom! :dropmouth

I believe it's supposed to be a bit cooler topside next weekend, but other than that the conditions should be great! I have a green screen tent, and will try to be there at least by 10, hopefully before.

Thanks for the inflator link Jason, I will work on that tonight.

I am definately looking forward to next weekend! :jump013:


Ken

 

[Jason B]

Jason B with rare artifact

LOL! I forgot all about the head. Oh, and thanks for the hood.

Is the meeting time officiallly around 10 am or earlier? If anyone is doing a dive before 10 am, I would like to tag along. How many dives do you plan on doing Saturday?
Is there any parking close to the water or is it very limited?
.....
Just let me know when you plan being there, so I can claim a good spot as well

Welcome Pedro, They have plenty of parking but the lot closest to the water is reserved for instructors. We usually drive to the water and unload, then drive up to the main parking lot. It sounds as though most are showing up around 10:00-11:00. I'm going to get there at 9:30.

Jason