Looking for an introduction to SD

[Av06]

Hi there, I'm a freshman at USD, just moved down here from Portland. I didn't have a car first semester but I do now and so want to start diving as much as I can. As I said I'm from Portland and have gone on many trips up to Puget Sound to dive so am very versed in cold water diving. I have been diving for about 2.5 years and have about 25 dives and 5 specialties, so i have advanced open water. I have all my own gear except for a tank and suit. I'm looking for some people who don't mind showing me around the sites here. The times I can dive vary, some nights of the week I'm free, most weekends, it will change from time to time.

Thanks a lot
Kevin

 

[rakkis]

You really need to get out there and dive for fun. Classes are great, but nothing beats experience. Check out the links below as a starting point. You should have no problem getting dive buddies in SD.

http://www.divebums.com/main.html

http://www.sandiegodiving.com/resources/links/diveClubs/

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Dude, just moved down where from Portland?

San Diego?

Good on you for heading to college, and we hope you enjoy the whole higher education boogie. It can be daunting at times, remember that scuba is cheaper than therapy.

People will most likely be happy to dive with you and show you around, but you may want to fill out that profile a little so they know more specifically where "around" is.

It's also useful in giving responders some information about you so they put their remarks in 'context' - makes it easier for people to reply with relevant information.

In terms of a suit you may want to start looking for a drysuit. It isn't so much that you'll be substantially warmer in the water, (although that may be true,) but that using a drysuit can turn you into a 4-season west coast diver instead of a 2 or 3-season west coast diver!
(I lived in San Clemente for 3 or 4 years, and sitting on a boat on an SI in February in a wet wetsuit offers interesting opportunities for decision making )

Best with your education and welcome to ScubaBoard.

Dive safe...

Doc

 

[Av06]

Yep, San Diego (University of San Diego). I'm sure I will end up getting a drysuit eventaully but I don't have the money to spend now, so I am just looking to find some people who dive regulary and wouldn't mind if I tagged along.

Thanks for all the input

If there's any more info you want to know just let me know.

 

[rakkis]

If you dive in Puget Sound with a wetsuit, I'm willing to bet you won't find a dry suit a necessity in San Diego

Water temps are typically 60-65 for most of the year, dipping into the high 40's at depth in winter.

 

[Robert Phillips]

Water temps are typically 60-65 for most of the year, dipping into the high 40's at depth in winter.

Winter?!!! The coldest water I have been in was in the middle of August at Crescent Bay! Temps are usually in the mid to high 50's with occasional (flukes) highs in the mid 60's. Last fall and the beginning of winter we had unusually warm water.
Think Santa Ana winds and upwellings during the summer months. In winter the water is sometimes warmer than the air.

 

[SoCalAngel]

Hi Kevin! Welcome to So Cal!!!!

ok... water is ALWAYS cold here. I don't care what anyone else says! COLD... temperate, my arse! Temps usually between 51 - 58 most of the year. (I hate admitting when Robert is correct - YUCK!!!)

I'd advise you to fill in your profile a LOT more. Us Cally peeps like to know info about who we are talking to, k?

GO to **************, also, because that is a San Diego scuba board. In the meantime, join us on the Wrinkles and Mo2 Boat trips! They are loads on fun and you will meet tons of divers that dive regularly... and we have a total blast! The stickys for them are in the trip section.

Another thing you can do is PM any diver you see in the So Cal forum and ask 'em when and where they are diving... most likely, you can tag along.

Hope to see you in the water soon!!!

 

[TheSmoothDome]

Hi Kevin! Welcome to So Cal!!!!

ok... water is ALWAYS cold here. I don't care what anyone else says! COLD... temperate, my arse! Temps usually between 51 - 58 most of the year. (I hate admitting when Robert is correct - YUCK!!!)

Heh...aside from the middle of the summer, I agree the water is always cold, but it is divable in a good wetsuit. As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been out of the water for a few good years but am getting back into the dive world and would be glad to hook up and get some dives in. Feel free to PM me.

I know there's a Bottom Bunch dive meeting at Casa Machado on Wednesday evening if you want to meet some of the locals. I've been trying to make one for the last 2 months, but life keeps getting in the way.

 

[Av06]

Thanks again for all the responses, sounds like the water is about what I'm used to. I am going to be busy the next two weekends at tournaments but after that I might take you up on your offer if you're still willing SmoothDome.