New to area

[midwestdvr]

Hi, y'all. Just recently moved to the bay area and will probably stay at least til March in this area. Was wondering what I'll need to do to be able to do some diving around here. I have only dove warm water and the thickest suit I've ever worn is a 3/2 mil fullsuit. I understand that I probably will need something a whole lot thicker than that to dive the waters here plus gloves and hood. Will I need some sort of intro class for the areas around here? Thanks for all the input.

midwestdvr

 

[dannobee]

Here's a link to one of Chuck's websites. A lot of your questions will be answered by thumbing around.

http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/index.html

In a nutshell, you'll need a 7mm suit, a hood or hooded vest, thicker gloves and booties. As far as taking a class, I'd say no, just post here when you want to go and I'll be one of us locals who would be willing to show you around. Just let us know when you can go.

 

[Wristshot]

Most of the local dive shops will be able to rent you a 7mm wetsuit (if you can handle the idea of wearing a rental) That would be cheaper than buying before you are sure whether you want to stick with it out here.

It is a little different in a thinker wetsuit.

Many people learn to dive here, but many become WWW's. Of course IT's NOT A COMPETITION.

*thumbs up* on the recommendation to check out Chuck's pages. There are many locals that dive often, and many would love to introduce you to the area.

Welcome to the area! (Where in CA?)


Wristshot

 

[midwestdvr]

dannobee, thanks for the link. Very helpful. Wristshot, currently staying in Novato. Nice place but traffic can be horrible.

 

[dsafanda]

I live nearby in San Rafael. While stuck in traffic you may have noticed a dive shop just off of 101 in San Rafael.

http://www.marindivecenter.com/

Might be a good place to rent cold water gear close to home. I did my certification with them years ago. They've since changed ownership and are now owned by the Monterey Dive Center.

http://www.montereybaydivecenter.com/

 

[Wristshot]

Californians laugh at the phrase "rush hour". More like 3 hours.

Novato is a bit of a drive from Monterey, but well worth it most times. Chuck's links will give you indicators about the conditions so that you can avoid a long drive for nothing.

According to the local newspaper, the water temp is about 56 degrees right now. That is warmer than summer time usually. Renting "locally" as suggested is probably a good idea. There may be more choices in the Monterey area, but you can take your time at a local shop without feeling the pressure to hurry to the water.

It's hard for me to get away for diving during ski race season, but there are many that dive often, and some that would use a "visitor" as an excuse to go get wet.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay here. Please do submit reports if you do any "local" diving.


Wristshot

 

[Drewpy]

Welcome to the area! Gotta love that 101 huh?
Im with Dannobee..just give a shout when you get situated,we'll show you some good stuff!
Chucks site is great-lots of info there!

Hey Wristshot-whats up with the snow....this sucks-was supposed to be skiing this weekend?Wheres the storms....?

Happy Holidays!
Drew

 

[midwestdvr]

I did see that dive shop by 101 and will be checking it out. Thanks for the link dsfanda. Will probably wait to try out diving in this area til the holidays are over. And I'm starting to get used to driving in the 101, you're right about that rush hour wristshot.