The stairs at Casino Point (griping and venting thread)

[drbill]

mccabejc- Lover's Cove was set aside as a reserve FOR the glassbottom boats. They predate rec diving by many decades. They also provide a good experience for non-divers to see the underwater world. I'm comfortable with them being there because it serves a greater good (and I'm not referring to profit, but to education).

Doc

Disclaimer: I also consult for one of the operators of the glassbottom boats and try to keep their information as factual as possible.

 

[kymma]

I was at Casino Point on Sunday. The entire "exit" side of the stairs was full of snorkelers. They were just standing there talking about what they wanted to do. My husband and I had to swim up to the stairs and stand on the lowest step to remove our fins. Then push our way through the snorkelers to get up the steps. They weren't about to budge and an "excuse me" got us no where.

The divers all seemed to be fine. Sure some took a little more time getting in than others but that wasn't a problem at all for us.

 

[drbill]

Kymma- Try telling them they are violating the rules of the park regarding "keep the stairs clear." Tell them that the park was set up for SCUBA divers and if they won't follow the rules, they should snorkel in one of the four other places available to them (three of which WE can't use).

Of course be courteous (until they act like idiots).

I'm writing the mayor and a SCUBA diving city councilman about the need to get a group of dive professionals together to review practices there, codify the rules better and post them more clearly. Let's see... when's the next election?

Doc

 

[mccabejc]

Dr. Bill, aside from Lover's Cove, are there any good snorkeling-only sites in the Avalon area?

 

[cool_hardware52]

I'm writing the mayor and a SCUBA diving city councilman about the need to get a group of dive professionals together to review practices there, codify the rules better and post them more clearly. Let's see... when's the next election?

Doc

Dr. Bill for mayor......

 

[ChrisM]

Yeah, the snorkelers are a PITA, and I ask politely if they'll move. If not, hey, if they're ok getting bashed by a 250# guy with a 50# piece of metal on his back as I barrel thru them, then I am too

 

[drbill]

Snorkelers can snorkel in Avalon Bay, Lover's Cove, along Pebbly Beach road and off Descanso Beach. Of course we can only dive Casino Point and Pebbly Beach road past Ring Rock (where the GWS hang out).

No thanks on becoming mayor! I've been asked, but if I took the job seriously I'd have to give up my winter dive travel- can't be gone for 3 months of the winter and still run our government (hmmm, I guess there are examples indicating that might be possible).

Doc

 

[cool_hardware52]

Snorkelers can snorkel in Avalon Bay, Lover's Cove, along Pebbly Beach road and off Descanso Beach. Of course we can only dive Casino Point and Pebbly Beach road past Ring Rock (where the GWS hang out).

No thanks on becoming mayor! I've been asked, but if I took the job seriously I'd have to give up my winter dive travel- can't be gone for 3 months of the winter and still run our government (hmmm, I guess there are examples indicating that might be possible).

Doc

How 'bout "mayor" of Casino Point?

Any way happy Rebirthday, sorry I can't make it.



Tobin

 

[scubaxris]

The comment on "situational awareness" is hopefully right on target (rather than being actively rude). People need to be more aware of others. This also goes for the walk to and from the park (since I no longer have that wonderful jeep I was using this summer). When I'm walking with 125 pounds of SCUBA and video gear, and there are FIVE people walking abreast towards me, I expect a few of them to yield and not expect me to jump over the fence into the water! If they don't yield, I simply tell them... I'm not stopping so it would be best to get over on your side of the sidewalk. Amazing how many people are totally shocked by that. Courtesy seems to be a dying trait whether it be on the dive stairs, the sidewalk or the freeway.

Hey Bill,
You know me-I do mean it with the best of intentions and NOT as an insult. Situational awareness is something that most people dont have. Everyone could learn to be more arware of themselves and how their actions effect people around them. This goes for in the water and on land. Got any ideas how to "teach" it?
Christopher

 

[drbill]

Experience is the best teacher... give them a "situation" they'll remember. Smash into them full force with 225 pounds of lean, mean, fighting machine and 125 pounds of gear if they don't move!

Seriously, I really don't know Christopher (good to see you two a while back). It seems something people should be born with. I wonder if urban environments take it out of you (as I've seen in other countries).

Simple little courtesy- why is it a dead "skill?"

Doc

Hey Bill,
You know me-I do mean it with the best of intentions and NOT as an insult. Situational awareness is something that most people dont have. Everyone could learn to be more arware of themselves and how their actions effect people around them. This goes for in the water and on land. Got any ideas how to "teach" it?
Christopher