Newbie advice in monterey?

[typeA]

We've got most of our gear but I'm planning to rent a couple of regs since we haven't got those yet. We're both diving wet in 7mm suits + hoods, gloves, booties, etc. I've been in the water here before without a wetsuit so I'm at least aware of the fact that it's going to be alot different than the 70's temps that we saw in Kauai.

I'll keep an eye on conditions as well cascubabear, thanks for the offer!

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

but how accurate can a swell model prediction for 6 days from now really be? Guess I'll just keep an eye on it and see how things progress.

Net: not bad, not perfect either, but the gist is usually right. If they are predicting,
say 15' six days out, it's very very unlikely to turn out be 3', and vice-versa. I use it
for planning guidance (note: I dive Monterey every weekend day that conditions allow):
should I have a back up plan? or not, but final decisions are left until I see the water.

The occasional diver can use it to cherry-pick their one day every month or two.


Chuck

 

[typeA]

So in looking at the swell prediction models, Sunday definitely looks better, but when I look at the marine forecast they are almost identical between Friday and Sunday. Basically, the forecast calls for 4 to 8 ft swells on both Friday and Sunday.

Is the forecast a better prediction? Maybe the answer is to go both days?

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

It sounds like you are looking at the Monterey Bay forecast. The big range of 4-8 feet
is the giveaway, and the problem. There's always some part of Monterey Bay that's
sheltered, and some part that's not, and it's hard to figure out which is which. I'd
recommend using the Pigeon Pt. to Pt. Piedras Blancas out 20 nm forecast, which will
tell you what Neptune is throwing at you:

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/getcwfzone.php?sid=MTR&zone=PZ555
sez:
.THANKSGIVING DAY...NW WINDS 10 TO 20 KT INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KT
IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 2 TO 5 FT. NW SWELL 9 TO 12 FT AT 12
SECONDS. SLIGHT CHANCE OF LIGHT RAIN IN THE MORNING.
.THU NIGHT...NW WINDS 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 3 TO 5 FT. NW SWELL
8 TO 10 FT.
.FRI...NW WINDS 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 3 TO 5 FT. NW SWELL 6 TO
8 FT.

.SAT...NW WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT. NW SWELL 6 TO 8 FT.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN.
.SUN...NW WINDS 5 TO 15 KT INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KT IN THE
AFTERNOON AND EVENING. WIND WAVES 2 TO 5 FT. NW SWELL 6 TO 8 FT.
SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN.

Yes, that looks pretty much the same F/Sa/Su. Looking at the Navy's models
(http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/swell/wamglance.html) it looks like conditions will
get better as the weekend goes on.

 

[typeA]

Yep, that's the forecast I was looking at, and it looks like you noticed the same thing that I did - the navy models don't really seem to lineup with the forecast. I'll most likely be at Breakwater Sunday if the forecast looks like the navy model.

 

[jarhed]

In general, I tend to avoid the breakwater during Saturday and Sunday, just too many people whereas Lover's Point is usually much less crowded. Other great options are Otter Cove and Maccabe Beach. All these sites will feel a swell more than the breakwater though, but are easy beach dives.

take care,
John

 

[Luvnthelife]

I do agree that these are easy dives, but will also consider that you guys have never dove cold water. It might be better to stick with Breakwater as navigation will be less of a hassle for you so you can concentrate on your conditions more. I do not know your level of navigational comfort but would love to take you guys to one of these sites after you have decided that you do indeed like the cold water diving. Also please don't let the cold water discourage you or the 7mm wetsuits. There are always dry suits which are a dream come true and well worth the cost if you dive here alot. Hope to hear from you about your dive.

 

[Ben_ca]

Hey Alicia,
Take a look out your window and tell how the water looks...

Ben

 

[typeA]

Looks like it might be a bit choppy today, even at Breakwater... Something came up for Sunday, so I'm hoping to go tomorrow morning around 7. If it's too rough, we'll probably just get some breakfast and walk around fisherman's wharf. If anyone else is going to be there, look for a silver pathfinder with a ucla plate holder.

 

[darkpup]

Looks like it might be a bit choppy today, even at Breakwater... Something came up for Sunday, so I'm hoping to go tomorrow morning around 7. If it's too rough, we'll probably just get some breakfast and walk around fisherman's wharf. If anyone else is going to be there, look for a silver pathfinder with a ucla plate holder.

Will do. We're diving Lobos on Saturday (depending on the conditions), and if we get washed out, we'll likely head by Breakwater as a last resort. I have some friends down there today diving Lobos, and will report back on actual conditions when I hear from them. I just called, but they didn't pick up. That could be good news, since they could be in the water by now.

~ Jason