Moving to DC Area

[Seawitch2]

Hello Everyone,

I am relocating to the DC area, and as a good scuba junkie, I have to consider my diving options as part of my move. I read on another thread about diving sites in the area ( or lack of).
I live in Atlanta, GA and when I can't make it to the coast, I dive the Florida springs where the water stays at a constant 72 degrees. I was wondering if I should consider a drysuit diving course. Is a drysuit a must have in the area?

Any additional information would be appreciated as well. Thanks

Dive safe,

Seawitch2

 

[DivePartner1]

Well, it's a far cry from being in Florida. The closest site is a quarry out past Manassas on I 66: Millbrook. There are other quarries in Pa. and one south of Petersburg hours away.

The closest ocean diving is Indian River Delaware or Ocean City Md. About a 3 hour dive from DC (2 hours from Annap), longer from Va. The boats leave at 7 which means a red eye drive or night at the beach. The boat rides are long, 3 hours, and most diving is over 100 fsw with currents and low viz (in my experience 10 to 30 feet), and always about 56F on the bottom. Still, I like to do it a few times a year and recommend Surface Interval. Bring a drysuit.

The closest quality diving is the Morehead City south of the Outer Banks: about a 6 hour dive. Like the Del/OC diving, weahter is always a risk. The diving is good when things work and it's temperate far from the the shore in the Gulf Stream. But you'll get blown out by bad weather about a third of the time.

For info, cruise postings on this forum. And welcome to our beautiful city (despite the anti-hype)!

 

[MAK52580]

I agree with DivePartner1. Most of the diving is in quarries in the immediate area. But along with Surface Interval, you can drive to Va Beach (about 3-4 hrs from DC) or an hour further to the Outer Banks. Needless to say, most diving in this area can't be done on a whim. It takes planning due to the travel involved. But if you are willing to make time it is worth it.

A dry suit is definitely a good idea since unless you plan to always drive to the Outer Banks and then a 3 hr boat ride to the Gulf Stream, the diving will always be cold, in the 45-65 degree range. Good luck with your decision!

Marc

 

[Seawitch2]

Thank you very much for the input and the useful information. I'll see you soon around the quarries.

Dive safe,

Seawitch2

Hello Everyone,

I am relocating to the DC area, and as a good scuba junkie, I have to consider my diving options as part of my move. I read on another thread about diving sites in the area ( or lack of).
I live in Atlanta, GA and when I can't make it to the coast, I dive the Florida springs where the water stays at a constant 72 degrees. I was wondering if I should consider a drysuit diving course. Is a drysuit a must have in the area?

Any additional information would be appreciated as well. Thanks

Dive safe,

Seawitch2

 

[gfac]

Hello Everyone,

I am relocating to the DC area, and as a good scuba junkie, I have to consider my diving options as part of my move. I read on another thread about diving sites in the area ( or lack of).
I live in Atlanta, GA and when I can't make it to the coast, I dive the Florida springs where the water stays at a constant 72 degrees. I was wondering if I should consider a drysuit diving course. Is a drysuit a must have in the area?

Any additional information would be appreciated as well. Thanks

Dive safe,

Seawitch2

Hi Seawitch2 and Welcome to the DC area. So far I have been a fair weather diver so will let others speak for local/drivable dive situation. If you also like warm water I can tell you that such diving is not so far away; there are many cheap flights from DC area to FLA, from which you can pick a Caribbean destination, and be there in as little as 4-5 hours.
Glo

 

[Seawitch2]

Thanks, gfac,

I am a fair weather diver. I am not crazy about diving in cold waters, but it's better than not diving at all.

I'll be checking a good deals to the warm weather destinations. Thanks for the input!!

Dive safe,

Seawitch2

Hi Seawitch2 and Welcome to the DC area. So far I have been a fair weather diver so will let others speak for local/drivable dive situation. If you also like warm water I can tell you that such diving is not so far away; there are many cheap flights from DC area to FLA, from which you can pick a Caribbean destination, and be there in as little as 4-5 hours.
Glo

 

[cornfed]

I am a fair weather diver. I am not crazy about diving in cold waters, but it's better than not diving at all.

If you go south of Hatteras, NC you'll be in the gulf stream where temps generally run in the lower 70's. It's about a 6 hour drive from DC. VA Beach and Nags Head, NC have temps in the mid to lower 60's during the summer and they're only 3 hours from DC.