OW Certification in Catalina Island area

[BabyAnnaRe]

Well, I am going to the Catalina Island area for a 3 day boat trip over Easter weekend. Nervous. My question is the water temperature. When we did our lake snorkel the water temp was 49 degrees. I had on a 6.5mm farmer john style with jacket and hood, gloves, and booties. I wasn't warm like my boyfriend, but I wasnt too cold, besides my hands. But I wasnt comfortable either. My head didnt even get wet. I am afraid that I am going to freeze next weekend. I thought about getting a 1/2 mil for underneath but I couldnt find one that was long enough in the arms and small enough to fit around so I had to abandon that idea. What is the water temp there? Will 10 degrees be a big difference? I am nervous about the situation and so I want to make all parts of me that I have control over as comfortable as possible. Also, I just read that on live aboards you need to tip? If I am going with the dealer that certifing us, do I still need to tip?

K...I think that is all the questions for now. Thanks for any responses.

 

[tonyc]

I suppose you are going on the Sand Dollar through SSI??? That's the same boat I got certified on. Whose your instructor?? You'll have a great time. Diving Catalina is awesome. I've gone two times in the last month and the water temps have been between 59-61 degrees- actually warmer than lake saguaro. I think the big trick to staying warm is to protect yourself topside from the cold and wind. You might want to take a windproof jacket and I like to wear a skier type cap for out of the water, but I think the weather should be great topside next weekend.

The staff on the sand dollar is great. When I was new they helped me a lot w/ getting my gear on etc. Stacy is a great cook and will feed you well, and yes they work for tips. I figure 20.00 per person is minimum for a three day trip- they deserve it. Don't screw them because your local dive shop charges too much for the charter.

After you get certified if you guys are ever looking for someone to dive with, Let me know.


Gotta go, late for work... again.
Tony.

 

[BomberoDiver]

I also dove the San Dollar and they are great!! Yes, I agree, Stacy is an excellent cook.
As far as the dive, you'll have fun. My wife and I went Oct 2003 and we were there for the 1st day of lobster season. It was awesome. They will pamper you, and they do work for their tips. Two thumbs way up! Have fun!!!

 

[CA Diver]

The water temp last weekend was 56 - 58 degrees in Laguna Beach. I usually wear a 7 mil semi dry with a 2 mil vest. I actually did feel a little chilled after about an hour in the water. I haven't gotten in the water this week so I can not tell you if there is any change this weekend. Shouldn't be much if any.

Check out the SoCal Section of the Board. There is a thread with local dive reports each month
"Mar 04 dive reports Apr 04 Dive reports" These usually show the water temp in different areas of SoCal.

 

[BabyAnnaRe]

Yep...SSI. Tina is our instructor. I have my opinions (good and bad) about the store on a whole, but overall I fully trust Tina. Actually she is the only one I am really comfortable with. Thanks for the tips on tipping. Glad to know before I showed up no money. The weather here in Phoenix during the day requires a beanie cap so I can only imagine what the weather will be out there in the middle of the water.

 

[caveseeker7]

I went once to Catalina last month, temperature was 57?F at 77 fsw.
You can always check your LDS for a vest. When your core temperature is up the body allows more blood into the extremities, so you arms and legs would likely be warmer. Maybe even your hands. Make sure the hood works well, major heat loss area.
I dove 49? in a drysuit with 3mm gloves, my hands still didn't feel particulary cold.

For more temps around here check
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=49239&page=1

 

[pasley]

You already have your temp answer; 53-66 is our normal temp range. Last week we were 55-60 depending on location and other factors.

I dive a 7mm with a hooded vest. If you are getting cold, it may be your wetsuit is not a proper fit. It needs to be a second skin making good suit to skin contact over the entire body. IF you have a void that is more water your body has to heat.

May I suggest your wetsuit may not be properly fitting you.

I have two wetsuits. One is a struggle to put on and fits very tightly. Moving it around on my body is tough. I use a watered down solution of hair conditioner to help me slid it on. It is a warm suit. My second suit is easier to put on and i can easily with out the hair conditioner solution and shift it around, straitening the knee pad so it is over my knee etc. This suit does not keep me as warm as the first one. I am not real cold, but not warm either. It is not as good a fit my first suit by maybe a 1/16 to a 1/4 inch, but that makes a big difference. You can also wear a spring suit over your wetsuit as I do when diving in Monterey’s 52 degree water.

Once certified you can also explore dry suit.

 

[CJ_Albertson]

Well, I am going to the Catalina Island area for a 3 day boat trip over Easter weekend. Nervous. My question is the water temperature. When we did our lake snorkel the water temp was 49 degrees. I had on a 6.5mm farmer john style with jacket and hood, gloves, and booties. I wasn't warm like my boyfriend, but I wasnt too cold, besides my hands.
K...I think that is all the questions for now. Thanks for any responses.

49 is "way cold" it's never that bad here. Expect "high 50's"

The water is warming up. I was at Long Point (half way to other end of the Island) last weekend and my pool thermometer said "62".
A hooded vest under a 7mm suit was warm enough. I think an
exact fit is very importent. If the fit is such that there is minium water circulation a vest under a 7mm will be OK - that's what "everyone" uses That said, some females have problems with fit. and do better with custom suites. If the suit fits well enough so not much water enters you will be fine.