Los Angeles, shops, where to dive, and a possible buddy???

[BGF]

So I just got a promotion that I've been hoping for and it's going to have me out in the L.A. area quite a bit. My first trip is the 2nd week of August and will be staying out by LAX. Looks like I would have time for an evening dive on the 8th but am wondering if there are any dive shops close by to rent a tank, and where the closest decent shore diving location would be? If not this trip, like I said I'll be out there a lot in the future so I wanted to check out whether it's worth lugging all my gear out. Oh, and are there many clubs/groups in the area that regularly get together for shore dives. I know out here in CT many of the LDS's have weekly "fun dives" where it's easy to grab an insta buddy. Just trying to plan out how easy it will be to fit some diving into my business travel.

 

[David P]

redondo beach is a popular beach dive, especially at night. There are several dive shops around the airport. Eco Diver is one that i can think of this early without any coffee, Hollywood Divers is just over the hill. Check out www.divevets.com, check out the socal part of this site there are "wrinkle dives" where a bunch of people get together in the evening and there are also mo2vation dives, but those are on boats. If you're into tech, we have that covered as well.

 

[Rickster]

We have a scheduling website for beach and boat dives. Come check it out. We do a weekly night dive, and a dive or 2 on the weekends. It is a lot of fun, and the divers that show up, myself included, will be happy to dive with you.

www.bchcrabs.com

Hope to see you at one of the dives,

Rick

 

[cool_hardware52]

So I just got a promotion that I've been hoping for and it's going to have me out in the L.A. area quite a bit. My first trip is the 2nd week of August and will be staying out by LAX. Looks like I would have time for an evening dive on the 8th but am wondering if there are any dive shops close by to rent a tank, and where the closest decent shore diving location would be? If not this trip, like I said I'll be out there a lot in the future so I wanted to check out whether it's worth lugging all my gear out. Oh, and are there many clubs/groups in the area that regularly get together for shore dives. I know out here in CT many of the LDS's have weekly "fun dives" where it's easy to grab an insta buddy. Just trying to plan out how easy it will be to fit some diving into my business travel.

Ocean adventures dive shop in Venice, and Dive and Surf in Redondo.

Tobin

 

[somewhereinla]

I'll be happy to dive with you. The 8th is a Wenesday, which is a perfect day for a night "divevets" park. You'll be able to meet lot's of divers from the L.A area.

 

[Empty V]

As Rickster stated, we do Weekly Malibu Night Dives and we will most likely have one on the 8th, you're more than welcome to come out. I'm sure you'll be able to borrow a tank too. There's lots of generous people on scubaboard

Billy

 

[Archangel]

I strongly support going out with Billy or the Rickster and Beach Crabs. Great buncha guys that will take good care of you if you are unaccustomed to beach entries and exits.

T

 

[ICY ICE]

Welcome to SoCal...There are a variety of sites with differing depths, topographies and environments ... lots of dive sites and divers to keep you company

As far as LDS: If you're looking for more specialty equipment, I would check out www.hollywoodivers.com you can also check www.divensurf.com, they're in Redondo.

Let us know when you get in

 

[Kevfin]

I agree on the Billy/Rickster Beach Crab diving... I enjoy diving with these guys. No attitude, ever! Fun, learning, and enjoyable diving...

... oh, and we get to gossip about Tevis.

 

[liuk3]

Congratulations on the promotion! I'm from back east myself. You will love hanging out in Los Angeles as a change of pace from the east coast. The traffic $ucks out here, but everything else is awesome.

I'll give another resounding kudos to Rickster, Empty V and the guys they dive with. I've found the guys are extremely welcoming to new people/divers and very supportive. When I had an equipment problem, everyone was so quick to get things sorted out for me, and a guy I've never lent me his tank to use. Not only great divers, but more importantly just great people.