Summersville Rundown?

[slackercruster]

I would be interested in diving at Summersville. I have never been there. Is solo diving permitted? Is shore diving good or boat only? Can anyone give a rundown on diving conditions around August? Do conditions get better in late summer or is it past its prime by then? I would like to go there when it is a little warmer. I do not have a drysuit. Just have 5mm wetsuit and hood...will that cut it in August?

Thanks

 

[Doc Harry]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=74174

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=145899

5mm is fine in August as long as you stay above 50 or 60 feet.

 

[bankey]

August and September it gets good. Checking my log from last year it was 66 degrees at 60 feet in july, and 73 degrees at 80 feet in September. Didn't get over there in August. I normally shore dive from the winter boat ramp or battle run. The above conditions were at the winter boat ramp.

The best conditions are Aug through Gauley season depending on the water release. Diving isn't really regulated as long as you dive with a flag following DNR regulations.

5mm and a hood is perfect for late summer

 

[slackercruster]

Thanks for the info.

Is there much boat traffic on the weekends? If so, is diving mid week preferable so the boats do not cloud up the viz?

 

[Cfdsmokeater]

Thanks for the info.

Is there much boat traffic on the weekends? If so, is diving mid week preferable so the boats do not cloud up the viz?

There is a lot of boat traffic on weekends and after 17:00 on weekdays. I like diving midweek, but no guarantees on viz. Remember you are sharing the lake with others. Sometimes there can be nobody their on...lets say a Tues... or on this Tues, you can be sharing the winter access with 12 people and two dogs. Dogs kill all viz near shore. Still didn't ruin the dives.:14: