Need advice for a April 1 dive

[Flatliner]

Hi all,

I will be in So. Cal. for a business meeting the first week of April. I would like to fly out the weekend before and dive April 1. Most likely I will be staying the weekend in South OC with my brother but my meetings are in Palm Springs. Here is what I would like to know. Would you recommend hiring an instructor/DM to do shore dives with me or signing up for a day of boat diving.

I am a very new diver, have not yet dove in salt-water, dive dry, and want to stay very conservitive.

If you recommend shore diving, could you pm me with any names of shops/instructors you would recommend. If you recommend boat diving, would you also pm with recommendations. Also any recommendations on where to rent tanks/weight would be appreciated.

Any help is appreciated.

Flatliner
aka Robert

 

[LAJim]

If you had more information on your dive history that would help us. Nevertheless, beach diving is unpredictable more than a week in advance. Could be a piece of cake, could be very tough for the experienced.

But if you plan on taking the Catalina Express and diving the Park at Avalon, that is almost always protected and a good enviroment for working out issues. And you can pre-arrange with Scuba Luv for a DM if you want.

Jim

 

[headhunter]

If you'd like a nice intro to SoCal diving and you don't have much experience, I'd have to second the idea of going to Catalina Island and diving in the Dive Park.

As Jim mentioned you can hire a DM to "show you around" at Scuba Luv. I'm not sure if Catalina Divers Supply offers a DM as a guide, but they have the convenience of having a fill station at the Dive Park to refill your tanks.

In my opinion, diving there is a step above diving in a swimming pool or lake when thinking about degree of difficulty. It's also a very scenic place to dive.

Christian

 

[Leejnd]

As a relatively new SoCal diver, I would agree that the Catalina dive park is your best bet. I've been doing a lot of beach diving, and unless you luck out and get a day with ankle-slappers, even the best dive beach can beat you up. I got the sense knocked out of me by a big wave the other day (and my husband lost his mask). Boat diving is great, but you can't guarantee that the boat will take you to places that are easy dives, and conditions can always vary -- you might get current, big swells, whatever. The Dive Park is truly an easy dive, but with lots to see -- kelp forests, bright orange garibaldi, lots of marine life, even the remnants of a wreck if you want to go that deep (it's at about 90-100 ft.).

Have a great time!

 

[LAJim]

Maytag is a verb out here. You don't want to be maytagged. Read the "Sticky" on SoCal about diving Catalina. At least 6 wrecks in or near the park between 70 and 100 ft. Work the shallows (45 ft. or so) first to get everything under control before venturing to 75 and touring the wrecks straight out from the steps. Save the Valiant and Sujac for when you have better ocean experience.

Jim

 

[Archangel]

Rob, I AM a DiveMaster, and would be happy to traipse to Laguna to dive with you. Santa Catalina is beautiful (as others have mentioned) tho, you will be staying in perhaps some of the most pristine diving in all of Southern California.

Heck it is about divers helping divers, the cost. . . . you buy me breakfast, or something like that.

Tevis

 

[60FT NDR]

Robert, As much as I love diving the park in Catalina, Laguna is the bomb when conditions aren't "Maytag". Take Tevis up on his offer! It costs; air fills and gasoline with some quarters at some spots for parking. There is a scuba shop close by that takes good care and plenty of places to get food on your surface intervals or after diving.
Ruth

 

[Flatliner]

Tevis,

That is an awesome offer and I really appreciate it. I would love to dive with you. I will pm you with my personal contact info so we can talk. I should be getting my airfare later today so I will wait to pm after I have it.

Thanks so much for your willingness to dive with me.

Flatliner
aka Robert