NH-Lakes area (Winnepesaukee, small lakes)

[Oceanseleven]

I quess it really just depends on your preference for diving. Right now Winni has plenty of aquatic life and all within the first 30 ft. because the temps are anywhere from the high 60's to almost 80 at some spots and they continue down all the way to the first thermocline at about 33 ft. The Navy test site and Empty Pockets is an awesome dive. Where else can you see a 30 ft. cabin cruiser and a Navy lazer test site all in the same dive. There's also a large row boat about 20 ft from the wreck. Did this dive last month and tagged the wreck with a dive flag so that Dive Winni could get the GPS coordinates so they know exactly where it is. Just like any lake, It's not the ocean but that's why I said it depends on what your looking for.

 

[sgtdeal]

Had a short dive at Clark's Point on Sunday with my snorkling girlfriend. The guys at Dive Winn were very helpful and I would not have found the dive location without their directions. I was a bit suprised by how YOUNG the guys were that were minding the store.

Clark's Point is an adequate shore dive with a slightly rocky entrance. There is very limited parking and you have to haul your gear down a relatively steep embankment with stone steps. There's a picnic table near the water that's helpful. The point is tucked tightly between private residences and the boat traffic made me a bit nervous. Make sure you float your dive flag.

When we got there, we had it to ourselves. The water was warm, in the 70's in the shallows. We were able to dive 3mm wetsuits, but later on some snorklers arrived and wore only trunks.

There were some interesting rock formations and a sandy bottom begiining at ten feet. The depth supposedly drops to around 45 feet and then there is reportedly a wall to 105'. I did not venture too far out because of the boat traffic and concerns for my GF getting run over at the surface. However, once she is certified we will definitely return.

I found a piece of pottery that I am absolutely convinced is a priceless Native American artifact . I hope to retire on the earnings it generates at auction.

The cool thing about this area is Wolfboro itself. After the dive we found a little pub overlooking the lake, had some chow and a pint and enjoyed some live music.

Great dive to get reaquainted with the sport.

 

[Vtdiver2]

'Need some local info---I'm visiting some relatives and want to make a dive in Winnepesaukee. Can anyone recommend an operator?

Also, I'm having difficulty finding steel tanks to rent around there. Hints?

thanks!

I've used Fathom divers. They treated me right. If you are used to diving salt water, the diving in Winnepesaukee might seem a little tame, with a lot less color and less marine life. But, that doesn't mean it isn't good diving there. Wolfsboro has a park that has good shore diving.
As for the Lady of the Lake, the best time to dive it is as a night dive. I did it a few years ago, and it was amazing. As it's only in 30 ft of water, you could roll on your side, look up and see the moon, and the marinelife was swarming all over the wreck. I saw an eel that was about 3 ft long, and a beautiful blue color.
Another option is a couple of hour drive to Nubble Light in Maine.
Hope this helps,
Chris