What is the appeal of Lake, Cold, Low vis diving?

[SteveC]

And it's cheap too !

 

[do it easy]

And it's cheap too !

I wouldn't call $165 charters cheap- then there are $2000 drysuits and $500 flashlights- it almost starts to sound like a government bid.

 

[Guba]

Stephi, you found clear water diving and it was only 3.5 hours away? Where I live, that's in our back yard! The nearest really clear water to me is 5 hours away, and that's a small freshwater spring. The ocean is 8 hours away no matter how you cut it (by air or by land--takes time to get to the airport, etc...)
The answer to the question "why do we dive freshwater lakes and quarries" is simple. They're the only game in town unless we want to undergo a major trip. Those are great, but I can't afford either the time or money to do them as often as I feel the need to get underwater. Therefore, we hit the only venues available to us and enjoy every minute of the dives we get to make.
Besides, contrary to some people's beliefs, some of those sites do make one a better diver. Fairly early in my diving, I was to accompany a team of science divers and educators to the Gulf of Mexico. Since my diving experience was rather limited, the organizers asked that I make some ocean dives before the expedition. I hit Cozumel and did exactly that. On the science trip and after making some dives, I asked those folks what the reason for the additional ocean dives was for. They replied, "Well, we just wanted you to have some experience with the stresses of ocean dives."
I retorted, "Let me get this straight. Where I normally dive, vis is about to my fin tips, the water is 68 degrees, I'm up to my neck in gear and wetsuit, and it's usually a pretty good hike to get to the water's edge. Here, the vis is 100+, water temp is 82, I'm in a shorty 3 mil and that's overkill, and all my gear is laid out for me just a few steps from the gate on the boat. WHAT STRESSES ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"
I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. Point is, it's all good as long as you approach it with the right attitude. I hope that I do.

 

[bikinichick]

Freshwater wrecks do rule! I almost prefer diving the great lakes to diving down south. Why? Not sure. Perhaps it's the challenge? Perhaps it's because I love my "home sweet home"? Not sure. But all I *can* say is, don't knock it till you've tried it
Katy

 

[do it easy]

I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. Point is, it's all good as long as you approach it with the right attitude. I hope that I do.

Perspective is right- I'm fine once I'm in the water, but if I think about it too much on land, it kinda freaks me out to think about swimming with large fish with teeth.

I've also gotten agoraphobia in a really clear pool once.

 

[MaconBubbles]

which lake did you dive in?

The Hot Hole in lake Keowee (?). Along the rock wall, the water was fairly clear.

 

[MaconBubbles]

Stephi, you found clear water diving and it was only 3.5 hours away? Where I live, that's in our back yard! The nearest really clear water to me is 5 hours away, and that's a small freshwater spring. The ocean is 8 hours away no matter how you cut it (by air or by land--takes time to get to the airport, etc...)

I'm sorry. I suggest you get a backhoe and dig until you hit water. (Note to self: Don't move to Texas.)

 

[jimdiverman]

I have dove in Northern California in 42 degrees at depth. I agree that it is more stressful and more challenging. But I also much prefer warm water diving between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Because if you have warm water, you don't want to dive in cold water. The coldest water we need to dive in is the 68 degrees at the springs in Florida.

 

[PaulSmithTek]

I will dive any conditions anytime. Commercial Or Rec or even Tech

 

[tstormdiver]

3) there is nothing with teeth or venom (except in TX and KY)

You've heard of our piranha, eh?

Well for me I dive the quarries because there's 3 of them within an hour & a half drive from my home. I've got to dive when & where I can. The owners of the quarries put lots of attractions for us to check out & play with. There's been talk of putting up an underwater golf course in one of them. The quarries aren't too bad in mid summer down to about 40'. It does get quite chilly below that though. Even though I wear a dry suit, I still get quite chilled (I'm a warm water wus), but I still enjoy the challenge. Last year the vis was generally good in the local quarries it averaged 20-30' most of the time. Not as good as 100' of vis, but better than zero. I learned to night dive in the quarry (if you can imagine the dark with low vis) so any other kind of night diving doesn't bother me. I also have dove in a couple of abandoned strip mine pits also. My buddy & I have found a sunken truck & an underwater forest. Both were quite interesting for someplace I have never dove before. Sure the nice warm Caribbean is wonderful, but the lakes, quarries & strip mine pits make you appreciate it that much more.