Sunday is expected to be a bit rough on waves.
Key points to remember are as follows:
1. Watch the water for 20 minutes to get a good feel for the size of the waves. If you have any question in your own mind, skip the dive and go to breakfast.
2. Suit up, go to the waters edge and watch again for a few minutes. Conditions may have changed. Get a feel for the rhythm of the waves. They usually come in sets of 3 to 5 waves. See a wave break, and start counting 1001, 1002 etc until the next wave breaks. Keep count of how many waves until you hit the lull (long pause) and then start counting the waves in the set.
3. Once you know the count, time your entrance just as the last wave in the set is breaking. You want the last wave to hit you about mid calf or lower. Fins in one hand, regulator in mouth breathing around it or in your other hand.
4. Move as fast as you can past the wave zone into the water. You must get past where the waves are breaking before the next set comes in.
5. If you fail to make it past the break before the next wave comes in, size up the wave, if it will hit you mid thigh or lower, you might try to jump over it (leap up as it hits). But if it is higher, or if in doubt, dive into the bottom of the wave and let it wash over you. Note, bottom of wave, an empty BC helps here. You want to be facing the wave. If you face away from the wave it will suck the mask right off your face.
6. Once past the wave/surf zone, inflate your BC and while floating put your fins on quickly and move out to sea. Keep an eye on the ocean while you do this in case a larger wave (rouge wave) comes in.
7. If the waves are more than 3 feet tall, this could get “interesting” and even dangerous. Waves are powerful things. Know when to call the dive and go home.
8. I enter with fins off, most people I dive with who beach dive regularly do the same. Some choose to enter with fins on. Your call. Fins on, slower entrance, bigger chance of a wave catching you, but then you have your fins on. Fins off, move faster, less chance of getting hit by a wave. But if you do get hit you have your fins off (I just stand up after the wave hits so it is no big deal). If you are in water greater than shoulder high and waves are still breaking were you are or further out to sea, you are entering in surf over 5 feet and, well…..life, what few moments may be left of it, is going to be very interesting in the imediate future. This is not a good thing.
On exiting the water, remove fins when you can touch bottom and on the seaward side of the surf zone, time waves, exit on the lull. If the water around you suddenly goes from waist to ankle deep, a wave is about to hit, face it and brace yourself. Many have crawled on hands and knees out of the surf, it is a technique and one to use if necessary.
I have use up all my dive privileges with the wife this weekend (4 dives in 2 days), but you can call me next week for a dive if you like (562) 421-3094, or come to the
http://www.sandeaters.org dive next Sunday. You would be well advised to find someone knowledgeable to teach you the tricks of beach dive.
. We are very interested in beach diving some easy spots in LA or OC, but aware that "real" beach diving can present challenges, especially if you don't know the site. If anyone out there is palnning a beach dive for Sunday morning after Thanksgiving, and you don't mind giving some pointers on the dive site and/or having another buddy pair in the vicinity, we would be greatly appreciative!
