July 7 Huntington Beach

[ddavies]

Someone here mentioned that it may be harder to find a dive buddy because I mentioned I have not done any Ocean diving. Although that is true, I am not a stranger to the Ocean. I grew up in Orange County and spent a lot of time at the beach. It is ironic that I lived there for decades and did not learn to dive but then move to Denver where I do learn to dive.

I have come to the conclusion that it is because I miss the water. Diving has added a whole new dimension to that love. I have been diving here in Denver in conditions that most divers hate (cold, low-viz) and have enjoyed it. I look forward to being able to dive when I get to CA next week.

I have been reading that Laguna Beach has been closed to diving. Is that a surf condition or something else?

Thanks,

Dan Davies

 

[eyasha]

The beach has been closed due to a surf condition. The landslides were on
Bluebird Canyon, so you might want to prep your wife.

 

[ddavies]

I want to publicly thank Mel for going diving with me. I had a great time. I was surprised by how much life is right off the shore. Growing up in Southern California I went to the beach a lot but did not think much about what was out there (except for the occasional sting from a jelly fish).

I did give Mel some amusing moments. I had gotten some sand in my BC valve and after about three minutes I started drifting up. I would dump the air come back down. Then back up again. It took three times before I realized what was happening. I signaled Mel I was having trouble and then removed my hose. I used the inflation valve to dump some air and reconnected the hose. I was hoping this would flush out whatever was in the valve. The trick worked but by now I had lost sight of Mel. He found me again and we continued the dive. Not being used to the surge, I banged my fin on a rock which caused the quick release to work. I don't know how because you have to squeeze top and bottom for the release to work. Any way, it made for an amusing situation as I struggled to get it back on. Fortunately, the second dive went much better. I look forward to my next ocean dive. Next time I will not be quite so 'dry'.

Once again, thank you Mel.

Dan Davies