Okay, what next in NJ?

[JFras30]

My son and I had a blast learning to dive last summer. We got certified and got 5 or 6 dives in before the end of summer. Nothing to challenging as we tested are skills. Did some inlet diving in Belmar and visited Dutch springs where we did our deepest to 60 feet. Now we are just thinking about what to do this coming summer. Something that is in the realm of our newbie skills. First boat dive maybe? What does that entail? Experience requirements? Equipment needs? We might be heading to Florida also and I am beginning to research ideas for that trip.

 

[Dive-aholic]

If you visited Dutch Springs, then Round Valley can't be too far. Not much to see, but it's a good place to get wet on the cheap. It's only $5 weekdays and $10 weekends a diver. There's a training platform around 15-20' in Scuba area 1, depending on the water level. You can get down to about 50' or so off shore. Lots of fish hang around the platform. Decent place to keep up your skills on a regular basis. They're open for diving from April 1 to October 31. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, I think you need to be out of the water by 2pm. In between, you can dive until 4pm. Call before you go to verify their diving hours.

Another easy dive if you want to venture to the ocean is the weekly night dives some of the boats do. We've been on dives with Blue Fathoms. Capt. Tony usually heads out on Wednesday nights. It's an easy dive that starts at dusk and ends after dusk. Usually not too far off coast. Nice easy dive for beginners.

PM me when you start planning your Florida trips. I've got a house there and visit a few times a year. I've been diving in most of the springs and off of Ft. Lauderdale and the Keys. Check out the Florida pages in the Dive Sites link on my website for information and photos.

 

[atedeschi]

Chech out Atlantic Divers in NJ, they have boats from Capy up to Belmar and one of the largest schedules on the east coast. I am a dive master for them, good friend and webmaster. The new schedule and a new look to the website will be up soon, check it out at www.njwreckdivers.com

If you want more info PM me.

 

[JFras30]

Thanks. Round Valley looks interesting. I wasn't familiar with that place. Definitely will check it out this summer.

 

[francousteau]

Thanks. Round Valley looks interesting. . . . . . .

Not THAT interesting. I dove there in '05 and there's not much to see/do. But if you don't want to take a boat or drive far and @ $5 per/car load . . . you get what you pay for. Dutch is better for fresh water diving but I think the price is going up again this coming season.

Lakeland Divers in East Hanover has "intro wreck dives" and they'll take you out on their boat the "Sea Lion", leaving from Brielle, NJ, to a shallow wreck (about 60fsw) and buddy you 2 up with a DM.
Blue Water Divers in Rochelle Park has a similar deal and they take out the "Gypsy Blood", leaving from either Brielle or Belmar this year, for their "intro" dives. I'm sure there are others as well, but these are 2 that I personally know of

HTH

 

[JFras30]

That sounds good. Something we're looking for. I'm sure the dive shop I use has similar suggestions just haven't ask yet.

 

[Spratman]

Greetings and congratulations on your new addiction! If you are looking for people to dive with DS or Jersey, check out our website. www.wreckvalley.com.

There is usually a group there every weekend during the summer, and we schedule several boat trips a year. It's a great group of divers.

You might want to consider taking the advanced course, since most wrecks are below 60ft OW limit. It usually involves a boat trip, as well as, deep, night, navigation and wreck dives.

Hope to dive with you at Dutch this year. Fran is right, price for a season pass is up to $140, and that price is good through BTS, Mar 23-25. Then it goes to the normal rate.

Dive safe!

 

[RJP]

What shop do you dive with? They're probably the place to start, as they can hook you up with not just a boat, but also the gear and training you need to advance your diving adventures in and around NJ.

I would also second the recommendation for Gypsy Blood. Will be out of Brielle this year. www.gypsyblooddive.com

Look forward to seeing you out there!

Ray

 

[SharkDiver36]

Anything to get wet is a good thing. Round Valley isn't bad but there are some restrictions/requirments to dive there so make sure you look into it before you just drive up thinking you can hop right in.

If you'll be diving off of New Jersey a lot than an Advanced Class should be on your list to do this summer. With the colder water, low visibility at times things like using a reel and a compass are valuable skills. It will also give you the opportunity to do a night dive which can be a little overwhelming the first time.

LBI Scuba
AquatTech
Mar-Vel
Northeast Scuba
Atlantic Divers

These shops all have boat schedules you can look into getting on one and some of the shops might even have little excursion shore dives at different places that some of the Dive Masters might be running from time to time.

Happy Diving!