Planning First Trip to Catalina

[glocklt4]

Hey guys, glad to see some current info about Catalina. I'm sailing out there over the 4th of July and will be on the island for 2 full days on the 3rd and 4th. I'm considering diving there (like to dive anytime I can since based in DFW away from the ocean), however I'm concerned about the water temp. Just got back from French Polynesia where I enjoyed nice 85deg water . Ridiculously nice...

Anyway, looking over sea temp charts, it appears that June-July surface temps are in the mid 60's with thermoclines dropping down to 50's around 30-50ft. Is this accurate for Catalina? I am not drysuit certified, and frankly hope I don't have to be because I would much rather be in 70-80 deg water haha. However, seeing the kelp forest and running into a friendly seal would be pretty sweet, so I might be convinced. So without a drysuit (5mm or 7mm plus hooded vest??), I'm trying to decide if it's worth taking gear and trying it.

Thoughts?

 

[Esprise Me]

You're not going to get 80 degree water. You might luck out and get surface temps in the low 70s, but mid-to-high 60s are more likely, with a slight drop in temperature as you go down. (I don't think it's quite accurate to refer to it as a thermocline.) You'll want a 7mm wetsuit, which you can rent from the dive shops there along with a hood, gloves, and any other gear you need. (I'm kind of a wuss and I survived getting certified in 63 degree water with no hood or gloves. I'll probably get a drysuit eventually but it's not at the top of my list of priorities.) You can also fill a thermos with hot water in your hotel room to pour into your suit before you get in the water. It won't be French Polynesia, but you'll be OK.

 

[glocklt4]

Thanks for the comments - I'm going to go for it! 7mm rental sounds good (haven't ever needed one that thick before though!). I have a 2mm hooded vest which worked well with a 3mm full suit for my rescue training in a lake here in Dallas a couple months ago. Mid-High 60's water I think.

Good idea with the thermos of hot water, haha. We've taken hot water bottles with us on safari in the early mornings when it's very chilly out.

 

[George Monnat Jr]

I was supposed to be diving there tomorrow, but there was a family emergency which cancelled my trip. We'll re-plan for the future, though.

 

[George Monnat Jr]

Thanks for the comments - I'm going to go for it! 7mm rental sounds good (haven't ever needed one that thick before though!). I have a 2mm hooded vest which worked well with a 3mm full suit for my rescue training in a lake here in Dallas a couple months ago. Mid-High 60's water I think.

Good idea with the thermos of hot water, haha. We've taken hot water bottles with us on safari in the early mornings when it's very chilly out.

My wife and I dove Monterey Bay a few years ago. We were in drysuits in the 48F / 9C water, including the DM tour guide, but he refused to wear gloves. He used the thermos of hot water to warm his hands between dives.

If you're diving off CA in a wetsuit, I highly recommend you get some 5mm neoprene socks. They'll help plus make it easier to get on thick wetsuits and more padding for walking on rocks.