Need advise

[jenazah]

Me and my buddy just got certified couple of weeks ago. We are planning to do a lot of beach diving around LA and OC. We already did Veteran's Park. This weekend we are thinking about going to Malaga Cove. Can you guys recommend any other places for beginner ? Is Malaga Cove suitable for new diver ?

Thank You

 

[dgallo]

Some people may have a different opinion, but I still like diving Shaw's Cove. There's enough to see to make it worth it when the conditions are right.

Also, it's worth it to take the Catalina Express over and dive off Casino Point. It will cost around the same as a boat trip, but the entry/exit is easy - it's like boat diving from shore. No real waves to speak of, just a little surge right by the steps. Spring for the taxi to haul your gear between the dock and the point. Tank fills are $5.

I've really been jonesing to dive La Jolla the last few weeks with the stellar dive reports, but haven't gotten a chance to drive down early enough to get parking.

Me and my buddy just got certified couple of weeks ago. We are planning to do a lot of beach diving around LA and OC. We already did Veteran's Park. This weekend we are thinking about going to Malaga Cove. Can you guys recommend any other places for beginner ? Is Malaga Cove suitable for new diver ?

Thank You

 

[scubacalifornia]

I second Shaw's Cove in Laguna. There are other sites in Laguna that are fairly protected from the open sea with easy entry as well. Check out www.lagunaseassports.com/divesite for an overview of the various sites. There's also a group that dives Laguna every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday - www.southcoastdivers.com. New divers are always welcome and supported. Have fun!
Kevin

 

[xSandman3]

I too really like Shaw's. Easy entry/exit, lots to see, ample parking. The only bad thing is the 14 million steps from the beach to the street after the dive. It never ceases to amaze me...about 60 steps down, 14 million back up...oh well, it's still worth it.

 

[jenazah]

Thanks for your input. Looks like I have to check out Shaw's cove. How bad is the crowd during weekend ? How early do I have to get there to secure a parking spot ?

I too really like Shaw's. Easy entry/exit, lots to see, ample parking. The only bad thing is the 14 million steps from the beach to the street after the dive. It never ceases to amaze me...about 60 steps down, 14 million back up...oh well, it's still worth it.

 

[dgallo]

I haven't been down there in a few weeks, but if you get down there by 7am you should be all right for parking - it really depends on how many classes there are. It's a popular site for check-out dives with the local OW classes. You may have to walk a little ways to the stairs, but its not horrible. And Laguna Sea Sports is at the top of the hill if you decide to do a 2nd dive and need your tank filled. I also highly recommend stopping by after you're done diving and use their rinse tubs for your gear.

Don't forget your snorkel or your buddy in Laguna, or the lifeguard may accost you.

Thanks for your input. Looks like I have to check out Shaw's cove. How bad is the crowd during weekend ? How early do I have to get there to secure a parking spot ?

 

[pasley]

Malaga Cove like any other site can be both a great or dangerous place. I have entered with 2 foot waves and surfaced with 5-7 foot waves at night. Nice thing about Malaga is you can do a rock or sand entry or exit. But do watch about getting too close to the rocks if you are trying to swim into the sand beach as the waves can push you into the shallows and then if there is much surf, well life can be interesting.

Recommend you check out http://www.sandeaters.org dive calendar for their Sunday schedule or hook up with an experienced diver.

Two new divers diving together does not IMHO make for the ideal team. Find an experience partner to go with you for and show you the local beaches. You should never dive a site without someone who has dove the site before if possible. There may be hidden dangers you cannot see and would not expect.

 

[ifukuda]

Conditions at Malaga Cove have been mild for a few weeks.

If you've never done a rock beach entry, you may want to consider entering from the edge of RAT beach (right next to Malaga) and surface swim over to the reef. If you decide to enter from the rocks, be very careful. The rocks at Malaga are very slippery.

With that said, pasley does make a good point. It might be a good idea to dive with a local dive club until you gain more experience.

 

[PhotoTJ]

A tour guide is a good idea. Save you making mistakes like this one; http://www.scubaboard.com/t41146.html

Learning from your mistakes is a good idea, learning from other peoples mistakes is a hallmark of genius.

 

[jenazah]

Thank's. I will definetly go with sandeaters or other dive club. Have any of you ever been to the 3R workshop ? How was it ?

A tour guide is a good idea. Save you making mistakes like this one; http://www.scubaboard.com/t41146.html

Learning from your mistakes is a good idea, learning from other peoples mistakes is a hallmark of genius.