Yukon Dive Difficulty Level

[cwhite6]

I will be in town in San Diego for Easter weekend. In looking for something to do, I found a two tank afternoon dive trip to the Yukon I would like to try. I have a 2 nitrox tank credit I could use for this since the depth of the Yukon is listed as 100' maximum and the MOD of the 32% I would use is 111'. How difficult is this dive? I have 12 dives so far with 3 of them in S Cal waters. I am really interested in diving a wreck and this one looks cool. It looks to me as a good way to spend a Easter afternoon.

 

[merxlin]

With 12 dives and only 3 in So Cal waters I might think twice about this. One, this is not recreational depth. Unless you have had training at depth (deep diver course, advanced OW, etc.), there is not much to see above 60 ft, and this is no place to just check out what 100ft feels like. Also, the water will be cold (low 50's). If your other dives were not also in cold water and you are not used to it, it can be a challenge. You have to have the right exposure protection, and know how to handle the extra weight you will need because of it. And with only 12 dives I am going to say you probably use your air quickly. At this depth your air consumption will probably be so fast that you will not get much time there. My opinion is to come back when you have more experience, more training, and when you can enjoy it. There are plenty of other dive spots in San Diego that are more in line with your level of experience.

 

[Rainer]

You'll enjoy it more with some further experience under your belt (for the reasons merxlin outlined). Great dive, just maybe not the best dive for you right now. So many other fun sites down in San Diego to choose, so you'll be well satisfied.

 

[fisheater]

Pass on this.

Instead, book a trip to the Pt. Loma kelp beds. You'll be safer and have a better time with your experience level.


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[cwhite6]

Thanks guys! I was hoping to hear honest advice. So, I will heed it and not do the Yukon dive. I think I found a two different trips. One is a two tank dive to the Pt. Loma kelp beds and the other one is a three tank dive to the Tower, Horsehead and Broomtail. What do ya'll think of those?

 

[Rainer]

Either would be a great fit and a lot of fun.

 

[cwhite6]

Either would be a great fit and a lot of fun.

Cool. Thanks Rainer.

 

[Hatul]

I agree with the others to go for easier kelp dives with your experience. The conditions on the Yukon are very variable and can be quite challenging.

I was there last Sat and at 2pm below 80 ft or so it turned into a night dive with about 5 foot vis. My buddy was renting and had no light, and, as I handed him my backup light we lost sight of the wreck, so we aborted and decided to ascend. It's very disorienting doing a blue water ascent in such poor vis and no landmarks.

 

[cwhite6]

Thanks Hatul. That's the kind of stuff I was worried about. I will hopefully be doing a dive on the Black Bart in Panama this summer, so I will get some experience there in a little easier conditions. I see taking a wreck and deep class in my future as wrecks really interest me. The ones in recreational limits that is.

 

[merxlin]

Of course, kelp diving has it's own challenges. Entanglement issues need to be considered (but easily handled- remember: no twisting and turning like a fork in spaghetti! And it breaks if you bend it, but not if you pull on it), and navigation can be a challenge. Hopefully you will have a knowledgeable buddy to accompany you.