Working up to Marineland

[LAJim]

Half Moon Bay and Mavericks. Not.

 

[Mo2vation]

There are some great suggestions here.

The L.A. County programs like the 3Rs class (Rocks, Rips and Reefs) or an L.A. County certification class are probably the best formal route to education about diving our local beaches including Marineland.

Malaga is a good choice as a stepping stone.

More like Pumpkin Patch.

I'm Oh-fer at Malaga. Went once, sucked.

note: to be avoided at low tide. Chica rolled me over there at low tide, and getting in was like walking across a field of wet, slime covered bowling balls in full gear.

Not fun.

If you're gonna be a shore diver, get a tide chart. Very helpful.

---
Ken

 

[CompuDude]

I strongly second the 3 R's recommendation. The 2007 schedule isn't up yet, but classes usually start up in May. Great class, and super cheap! (Like $5-10?)

Beyond that, learn to take a wave at Vets, where you're more likely to lose gear if things go poorly than end up in the ER.

Get a good neoprene mask strap (NOT a simple slap strap that goes over the existing one, but one with good nylon straps that replaces the silicon ones), and consider spring straps for your fins.

 

[Mo2vation]

I strongly second the 3 R's recommendation. The 2007 schedule isn't up yet, but classes usually start up in May. Great class, and super cheap! (Like $5-10?)

Beyond that, learn to take a wave at Vets, where you're more likely to lose gear if things go poorly than end up in the ER.

Get a good neoprene mask strap (NOT a simple slap strap that goes over the existing one, but one with good nylon straps that replaces the silicon ones), and consider spring straps for your fins.

Speed in the surf zone is critical. Springs help there a lot, both donning and getting the damn things off when its time to get back in!

---
Ken

 

[MaxBottomtime]

There is a group called DiveVets who can be found there each Sunday morning at 8:00. Most of us are always willing to take a rookie out and show them a good time. I'll be on a boat this weekend, but I can usually be found at Marineland 2-3 times a week when the conditions are good.

 

[MissyP]

I am headed to Cozumel next week,

Likewise... flying out Monday night... Where ya staying?

 

[jjdub]

Likewise... flying out Monday night... Where ya staying?

I am also leaving Monday night. I am staying at Scuba Club Cozumel. You?

 

[MissyP]

I am also leaving Monday night. I am staying at Scuba Club Cozumel. You?

Haha... yup, same place as you... Are you going with your dive shop, or just a vacation? Guess we'll be on the same plane (Continental out of LAX to Houston)?

 

[jjdub]

Haha... yup, same place as you... Are you going with your dive shop, or just a vacation? Guess we'll be on the same plane (Continental out of LAX to Houston)?

Yes I will be on the same plane. We are going with The Scuba Center on Camp Pendleton. My dad set the trip up it will be my dad, my two brothers and me.

 

[MissyP]

Yes I will be on the same plane. We are going with The Scuba Center on Camp Pendleton. My dad set the trip up it will be my dad, my two brothers and me.

same here.. (I'm a DM @ the Scuba Ctr ). See ya Monday nite.