Need experienced buddies/group ST Andrews Jetties Sunday May 29

[Conan3]

We are comming down to dive Panama City May 28-29. We're doing boat dive Saturday and plan on diving ST Adnews Sunday morning.

We would like to tag along or get diving tips from more experanced divers.

Best time to dive during tide change?

Best route to take? Kiddie pool north or south etc...

Towing dive flag?

All OW divers (3-4), varying skill levels etc.

David

 

[Hetland]

Best time to dive during tide change?

The best water is generally the last hour of the incoming tide. If you are doing 2 tanks, remember to plan for tank changes and dive durations to keep both dives before the tide change.

Best route to take? Kiddie pool north or south etc...

Both routes have pros and cons. I usually go South, near the bottom of the jetty (deeper) on the first dive. After making my turn, I get into the 30ft range and work my way back to the entry point.

Second tank is the same strategy, but to the North.

Towing dive flag?

If possible, tie one at your entry spot (easier to find your way back) and make note of the depth of your reel so it's easier to find. In addition to this, it's best to tow a second flag.

 

[RaginCajun]

See this thread: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/deep-dixie-divers/381475-st-andrews-jetty-access-denied.html

Call ahead to park office first to make sure jetties are open after dredging.

Another option is to hire a DM from one of the local shops. A few years ago for my first jetty dive with the wife, we went with Chris Berry from the Dive Locker. Wasn't expensive and afforded additional confidence in navigating the jetties for the first time.

 

[Native Spear-It]

The best water is generally the last hour of the incoming tide. If you are doing 2 tanks, remember to plan for tank changes and dive durations to keep both dives before the tide change.



Both routes have pros and cons. I usually go South, near the bottom of the jetty (deeper) on the first dive. After making my turn, I get into the 30ft range and work my way back to the entry point.

Second tank is the same strategy, but to the North.



If possible, tie one at your entry spot (easier to find your way back) and make note of the depth of your reel so it's easier to find. In addition to this, it's best to tow a second flag.

+1 for hetland's advice.

 

[PatMyGreen]

Hetland's advise is very good (as usual) btu I'd point out that since its a holiday weekend many of the shops will be utilizing all of their employees. I know we will.

FYI I usually look for the horizonally flat triangular rock laying in 20' just a hair North of the part of the dip in the jetty as a waypoint.

 

[Conan3]

Well, looks like the park does not open till after High Tide comes in. We are not camping over night so that's that.

Guess, we will look into another Boat dive for sunday....

 

[RaginCajun]

Does anyone know an Annual Pass for the Florida State parks includes the gate code to St. Andrews?