looking for buddies/group/dive clubs

[hucqym]

Hi all,
I recently got my open water certification and am pretty excited about doing more. I dont know anyone else in the dive community yet and wanted to join some group (formal/informal) to go with and have fun. I am pretty comfortable in the water but all my previous dives have been in the tropics. I promise not to be a liability but would be nice to go with some experienced folks who would be kind enough to keep an eye on me and give me a tip or two I live in Palo Alto, CA and any place around like monterey, lobos etc will be good.

I am so looking forward to going out this weekend for a couple of dives. Is there something I can join in on?

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

There's a list of bay area dive clubs at http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/
There's also an article about diving here for those who were certified elsewhere.
Pleaese read it. This ain't the tropics.

 

[Gombessa]

Welcome hucqym!

I think we're pretty loose-knit up here for the most part, but you shouldn't have any problems finding good buddies to dive with. Chuck's page is a fantastic place to start, and you'll find a lot of weekend buddy-seekers on this forum as well.

Definitely heed the advice above - this ain't the tropics. You'll be lumbering around in more than a half inch of exposure protection, head to toe, with a ton of weight to get you to sink. Plus, the water's pretty darn cold. The diving is great, but it takes perseverance.

 

[caseyb532]

Welcome to the cold water.

Do have a dry suit or 7MM wet suit yet? That is what it takes, year 'round. I am heading to Monterey tomorrow morning (9/14) if you are interested. I have about 30 dives in Monterey and know my way around. It was not too long ago that I was where you are now so I know the questions and problems you are facing. Are you open for a dive? I am in Sunnyvale.....
Ken

 

[caseyb532]

Welcome to the cold water.

Do have a dry suit or 7MM wet suit yet? That is what it takes, year 'round. I am heading to Monterey tomorrow morning (9/14) if you are interested. I have about 30 dives in Monterey and know my way around. It was not too long ago that I was where you are now so I know the questions and problems you are facing. Are you open for a dive? I am in Sunnyvale.....
Ken

 

[hucqym]

Hi Ken, Thanks so much for your offer but unfortuately i received the email alert too late to be of any use. I have bought a 7mm suit but yet to receive the shipment. In any case I think I'll enrol for an advance open water thingy to get comfortable and then join folks like you for more trips.
Thanks guys! posting on this forum has been encouraging.

 

[hucqym]

Thanks Chuck and Gombessa! I got some pretty useful info and links from chuck's website