Possibilities in Sept/Oct

[simbrooks]

In the spirit of Mo2vation's (and Jaye) trip over to the sunny (and warm) waters of FL this august and the subsequent SB get-together that is currently coming together for the boat and beach dives, and also due to what i hear of the coast and those folks around there, i was wondering about making a trip out in Sept/Oct time to do some diving.

I have already discussed a few ideas with one of your young ladies over there (jessejean) about this trip and searched around the web (and SB) a little about what is on offer. I was thinking of coming in on a friday night/saturday morning, catching a liveaboard trip out to the Channel Islands for the typical two day trips, maybe another boat day-trip in the week, plenty of shore diving, as well as some off days in there for biking, kayaking and whatever else comes up in that area. I would probably be staying in the Ventura area and hitting the boats and beaches around there during that week and heading off the following weekend.

I have read a few trip reports and suggestions on boats from a few threads around here and am still a little undecided on that front as well as the exact dates. I was wondering if anyone else (JJ is already in on this) might be up for some of this action during the week? I think the cost sounds pretty fine of about 120-140 for two days diving. Biking sounds a little pricey for what things there are and just a shuttle to the top of some hills - need cheap options there although the kayak prices dont seem too bad.

Just fishing for interest, comments etc. I had heard that the air temps could get a little stiffling around that time 100+, and the water would be in the higher 50's most likely - 5mm weather w/ hood i think is the order there - or else i buy a new suit.

 

[kelpmermaid]

I had heard that the air temps could get a little stiffling around that time 100+, and the water would be in the higher 50's most likely - 5mm weather w/ hood i think is the order there - or else i buy a new suit.

Actually, it does go over 100 in the valleys, but along the coast, it is generally a lot cooler (70's.) Water temps may be low 60's up there. You'll have to check again to see as it gets closer. Personally, I'd still do 7mm and a hooded vest, particularly for multiple dive days.

 

[simbrooks]

Actually, it does go over 100 in the valleys, but along the coast, it is generally a lot cooler (70's.) Water temps may be low 60's up there. You'll have to check again to see as it gets closer. Personally, I'd still do 7mm and a hooded vest, particularly for multiple dive days.

Opps yes i was corrected, the coast it will be cooler, but i might spend some time in the hills and valleys too during that week. I will keep my diver friend in work by checking the water temps for me before that trip comes about. Thanks for your help though.

 

[kelpmermaid]

Well, even if it is cool and overcast, don't forget the sunscreen. I have made that mistake and suffered for it.

 

[simbrooks]

Well, even if it is cool and overcast, don't forget the sunscreen. I have made that mistake and suffered for it.

I live in FL, 350 days of the year are sunscreen days

 

[Diver_Jan]

Simbrooks, I recently camped, dove, and kayaked at Santa Cruz Island. It was awesome! Water however, being further north, than good ol' sunny So Cal, was a bit chillier than expected. You should wear a 7mm. Especially coming from Florida, our water is way cooler. Santa Cruz Island has some world class kayaking too. Especially if you like going into caves. Pretty amazing. You do need to wear a PFD and a helmet when kayaking the island. I went aboard Island Packers. We hauled all of our gear onto the island, but all in all, it was a cheap and very exciting weekend.

I hope this helps.

 

[simbrooks]

Simbrooks, I recently camped, dove, and kayaked at Santa Cruz Island. It was awesome! Water however, being further north, than good ol' sunny So Cal, was a bit chillier than expected. You should wear a 7mm. Especially coming from Florida, our water is way cooler. Santa Cruz Island has some world class kayaking too. Especially if you like going into caves. Pretty amazing. You do need to wear a PFD and a helmet when kayaking the island. I went aboard Island Packers. We hauled all of our gear onto the island, but all in all, it was a cheap and very exciting weekend.

I hope this helps.

I promise you all i am not a WWW, it gets down into the high 50's on the gulf (5mm and very comfortable) in the winter and even last week we had mid 60's off Daytona (3mm reasonably comfortable) with an Atlantic upwelling - wasnt expecting that one Also spending years in the UK waters kind of hardens you in a way only other cold water watersports enthusiasts can appreciate. I can bring along my PFD and other stuff, but it might cause less packing headache to rent out there - essentially i think i need to just get in the car and haul all my good toys out there for a little playtime, maybe one day! I shall definately bring my hood, just hate the thought of buying a 7mm which i wont use much again (particularly when i get a drysuit for caving here) - are the shore dives at least warmer? Maybe i can strap on my 3mm shorty (as it is a little looser) outside my 5mm suit to get some core warmth - my buddy will be diving a 3mm full with 3mm shorty - and she is a girl! I am definately thinking about getting a parka for between dives, as you dont have quite as much sun over there to warm up with as we seem to - still very much in the planning stages on this one, or at least exactly which boats, dates and equipment to bring (mostly wetsuit choice), but thanks for your input.