Advice for an extra Friday in LA in September

[topher10]

I am taking a business trip to LA in early September. If it was just the business part, I would fly in Wednesday evening, have meetings on Thursday, and fly back out Friday.

But I am thinking about trying to stay an extra day to dive. So that would mean diving on Friday and flying back on Saturday. The good/bad news is that I have never done any Pacific Coast diving. Therefore, anything new (kelp) would be fun. I also have to fly back Saturday so there is the 24hr no-fly rule to consider.

Any suggestions for shore dive, boat dive, shop to go through, etc? I have all of my own gear, but I am not sure if its worth hauling it for 1 or 2 dives, and regardless I would need to rent a wetsuit since I only have a 3ml

Its also fine for you to suggest that it is too tight of a turnaround and that if I really wanted to dive I should stay a few more days. For instance, I am already considering boat dives out of Ventura, but that results in a much bigger and more expensive trip.

Thanks for input.

 

[beldridg]

Where specifically in LA? That could be the difference between a 15 minute drive and a 3+ hour drive.

If you want to just have a fun, easy shore dive you could dive Shaws Cove in Laguna Beach (and possibly another nearby spot). But, if you are in northern LA, it wouldn't be worth the drive IMO.

- brett

 

[Scared Silly]

Take the ferry over to Catalina Island. Do some dives by the Casino. Grab dinner. Take the ferry back that evening. Could even spend the night. On Saturday go for walk along Venice Beach and enjoy the craziness of the area. Fly home.

 

[kelpdog]

If possible I would definitely extend your trip and try a few different spots. Where are you staying in LA, do you need to return there on Friday night? If you do decide to dive out of Ventura I recommend the Spectre dive boat. Another fast option there is the raptor.

 

[topher10]

Thanks for the replies. I will be staying around USC.

The easiest would be to shore dive, but since I would be solo and have no idea what I am doing its hard to make that work out. I would need to coordinate with a shop, rent a DM to go with me, that sort of thing. Anything more than that, and I almost have to stay 2 extra nights. It would be better to go early and dive before the business stuff. So dive on Wednesday.

 

[topher10]

I thought I would give an update on my plans. I can get an early flight that lands at LAX at 8:30 Wednesday morning. The plan is to get a ride to Longbeach, ferry to Avalon, do 1 or 2 guided shore dives, hopefully sometime between 11 and 4, and then ferry back that afternoon/evening and check into the hotel. I will rent all gear except mask and computer to make it easy. Maybe bring fins... The only unknown is whether I will freeze during the dive, and whether I need to be ready for a dinner that Wednesday night.

I am excited about a new dive experience, so thank you for the advice.

 

[undrwater]

The only unknown is whether I will freeze during the dive, and whether I need to be ready for a dinner that Wednesday night.

Depends on your cold tolerance, though I expect topside will be quite warm.

 

[azstinger11]

I would also recommend a day trip to Catalina island and diving Casino Point. It imho represents some of the best shore diving in southern California.