Windy Point - Why the Price Increase?

[PvilleStang]

Mansfield isn't all that bad. I've seen better viz out at mansfield than I've seen at WPPrivate.

BUT, not to Hijack:
I noticed earlier this year that there is a $2 surcharge (same as Hippy Hollow) to enter into Mansfield on top of either your Annual Pass or Gate Fee. Now has anyone noticed this? I've only gone out several times this year, and each were after they closed the front building.

 

[NadMat]

They always just look at my pass on windshield and wave me in so far this year. No one has tried to charge me anything extra.

 

[chrispete]

They always just look at my pass on windshield and wave me in so far this year. No one has tried to charge me anything extra.

Ditto.

 

[RumBum]

I have never dove Mansfield Dam. It seems like every picture I have ever seen the water was really low and there was quite a walk over rocks to get to the water. AM I way off on that assessment? Anyone have any topside pics of the Dam area?

It's a bit of a hump down to the water. There are 2 picnic tables under a pavillion so if you get there early you can claim that area. Otherwise, most people gear up in the parking lot and walk it down. From your car (depending on your parking spot) it's maybe 70 feet to the stairs (you can take a ramp or a rough stone short-cut down the hill) to the top of the stairs. There are about 20 steps I guess. These numbers are guesses off the top of my head - if anyone wants to go measure it, be my guest! Anyway, it's a little bit of a trip to get to the water but not really bad. The steps are much worse on the way up, of course.

Anyway, another thing about Mansfield is that it is a more advanced dive. Most of the stuff to see is 50'+ and there's not a lot of anything in the shallows except dead twiggy brush and rocks. Oh, and a toilet, a teeny skiff, and an unnamed square object in the 20-30 range. I have found some nasty cable in Mansfield. And I must disagree with Pvillestang- I think viz at WP is much better on an average day IF you swim away from the OW classes. Less fishes at Mansfield, too.

If you're looking for something more challenging, though, Mansfield is the place you want to be. IMO If you want to be social, watch fishies, or take students, then you should stick with WP. Both great dive spots just depends on what you need.

Hopefully someone will chime in with pics.

Happy diving!

 

[lmwb_1977]

It's a bit of a hump down to the water. There are 2 picnic tables under a pavillion so if you get there early you can claim that area. Otherwise, most people gear up in the parking lot and walk it down. From your car (depending on your parking spot) it's maybe 70 feet to the stairs (you can take a ramp or a rough stone short-cut down the hill) to the top of the stairs. There are about 20 steps I guess. These numbers are guesses off the top of my head - if anyone wants to go measure it, be my guest! Anyway, it's a little bit of a trip to get to the water but not really bad. The steps are much worse on the way up, of course.

Anyway, another thing about Mansfield is that it is a more advanced dive. Most of the stuff to see is 50'+ and there's not a lot of anything in the shallows except dead twiggy brush and rocks. Oh, and a toilet, a teeny skiff, and an unnamed square object in the 20-30 range. I have found some nasty cable in Mansfield. And I must disagree with Pvillestang- I think viz at WP is much better on an average day IF you swim away from the OW classes. Less fishes at Mansfield, too.

If you're looking for something more challenging, though, Mansfield is the place you want to be. IMO If you want to be social, watch fishies, or take students, then you should stick with WP. Both great dive spots just depends on what you need.

Hopefully someone will chime in with pics.

Happy diving!

EXACTLY... Thats the perfect way to put it. Plus I got attacked by Ninja fish at Mansfield, they stalked and attempted to eat me, I am not made of meat GRRR...

I think it just boils down to what someone is looking for, from the other sports I have or do participate in, SCUBA is the cheapest so WP to me is not over priced and one day Ill be able to pee in the wet suit so I wont care about the porta potties

 

[ianr33]

It seems like every picture I have ever seen the water was really low and there was quite a walk over rocks to get to the water. AM I way off on that assessment?

At anything like normal lake levels the steps go down to the water. The steps nearest the dam are a pain in double 104's but should be fine in a single. The other set of steps is much shorter.
The dam face is a nice dive,especially as there are 3 wrecked boats piled up on it.

 

[k-valve]

At anything like normal lake levels the steps go down to the water. The steps nearest the dam are a pain in double 104's but should be fine in a single. The other set of steps is much shorter.
The dam face is a nice dive,especially as there are 3 wrecked boats piled up on it.

Those boats are all pretty shallow too...definitely within rec limits and far, far from an advanced dive. There's plenty of other stuff...boats, platforms, a statue of a hand, etc, etc. All of the "stuff" is in 90' or less...much of it is in 60'.

I walked my dbl steel 85s up and down those stairs near the dam a couple of times last weekend...and I'm old, fat and out of shape...and a grandpa too. It's definitely no more difficult than hauling your gear down to the water at WP private in a little cart with wobbly wheels...and I've never had a problem finding a spot at one of the two pavilions at the top of each staircase.

 

[ianr33]

Mansfield is a good site for deep dives as well. Keep your right hand on the dam going down,left hand on it coming up.Makes it hard to get lost even in the worst viz! Also has the advantage of not having any trees to get tangled up in (although there are some rather thick cables)

Another good thing about Mansfield is that it does not close at dark.

 

[driftwood]

The last time Becky and me were at Windy Point was during the last big flood to see what the water levels were like. Told the lady why we were there and would not be staying long. After about 2 minutes the witch said we needed to pay or leave. No tears for deciding never to return after that encounter.

Even if it is only $5, it is still a 50% increase at a time when people are having to watch recreational expenses. A dollar, people don't notice, 50%, people notice. With this price increase, Richard is cutting his own throat. I have seen it happen in Mexico. When the traffic decreases, the owner decides to increase prices to milk the remaining suckers. It works in the short term, but leaves a very bad taste in the mouth of the long time regulars. Richard is well down the road to killing a goose that lays golden eggs.

 

[Zinc]

Nevermind. I'll just vote with my $$$.

Wag more, bark less.