New divers need to dive this weekend before Sodwana Bay

[jasong714]

Hey everyone,

My 2 brothers and one of my friends recently just did our final Catalina OW dives for certification last weekend. We are looking to get a dive or 2 in (unguided) before the end of this weekend as we are leaving for South Africa next week to dive in Sodwana Bay (amoungst other things).

What is recommended as far as some quick local diving without going too far. I am aware the surf is pretty crazy as of today, if nothing else, where can we dive this weekend together with the least number of issues to get some group experience under our belts.

Thanks,

Jason

 

[jasong714]

i apologize, we are in Orange County, HB to Laguna is fine...

 

[dwaters]

jasong...welcome to the So.Cal.Kelp Divers forum!!! There is two groups that will gladly help you get wet that are planning to dive this weekend.... check out our "wrinkles beach dive" and the "BeachCrabs" and jump on in....... I just don't know if any of us will really be able to brave the on coming storm though.... you may have to join in after your Africa trip...hope you have a blast there!! Oh, here are the links....http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/beach-crabs/211157-bc-s-weekly-beach-dives-4-december.html and http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tr...er-07-dive-planning-thread-redondo-beach.html
Also, another group in Orange County is South Coast Divers Home Page
Again, not looking to good for this weekend unless your'e into surfing.

 

[Codyjp]

Yeah, this weekend isn't looking good. I would sugest though you vote one of your brothers off the trip Survivor style and invite me to go instead.

Have a great time, and come out to the wrinkles dive if Poseidon lets us do some diving!

 

[TwinDuct]

Wonder if it's legal to dive on the Harbor side of Cabrillo Beach??

If it is legal that would be a good spot to practice. Not much to see but their would be no waves or anything obviously.

 

[jasong714]

Thats too bad, will have to see how it pans out! What would be a good website for checking surf, viz, etc for local beaches? Apprecitate the links, will be sure to join in when we get back!

Jason

 

[orangelion03]

Is it affecting South facing beaches???

Your best "local" bet if conditions are acceptable is Laguna Beach. Diver's, Shaw's, and Crescent are excelent dive sites. Good for training AND sightseeing.

Cheers!

 

[riguerin]

Is it affecting South facing beaches???

With the current swell, YES ! It's strong and coming in almost straight out from the West. So, almost everywhere is getting some decent surf. Laguna is currently seeing ~4-6ft surf, which is almost surely churning up the bottom and adversely affecting the viz.

As far as surf goes, this swell is starting to back down and Friday's system looks like it's less of a concern for Laguna. It's not a big swell producer and is coming in at a steeper (more typical) angle. That means that South facing beaches (like Laguna) should be relatively protected. Headed into the weekend, however, the real potential issue is going to be the big low that lands on shore Friday. In particular, some very strong winds (potentially gale force) and some possible precipitation associated with it.

If you absolutely have to go diving this weekend and want the "least number of issues" to deal with, then Sunday is probably your best bet. By then, some time would have passed to allow things to continue to settle. Also, the high pressure that typically follows the low on shore, may have filled in. If so, then we'll could see some nice bright skies and some favorable offshore winds. The weekend is still a ways off, so nothing is cast in stone ... things can always change. The key is to watch what actually transpires on Friday and early Saturday. The Laguna Sea Sport site is good source for up to date local dive conditions.

Good luck.

 

[orangelion03]

Thanks for the weather report Rick!

Looks like a great weekend for staying home and getting reaquainted with one's family...

 

[ICY ICE]

Bring your surf board!