Where to test equipment in MA?

[matt_unique]

Check out this link: http://www.atlanticdivers.com/

They were in the process of moving to a new location where they would have an onsite pool. I'm not sure if the move is complete but check them out. They have excellent instructors as well.

--Matt

 

[Soggy]

Ocean State Scuba down in Jamestown, RI also has an on-site pool.

www.scuyak.com

I think they charge $5 or something. However, I would definitely recommend trying United Divers in Providence first, since the pool is 15 ft deep with no gradual slant.

 

[macado]

I would gladly join but somehow I don't think my 5mm wetsuit is sufficient right now.

Macado, a buddy and I are going out for a shore dive saturday to try out/get comfortable with new gear. PM me if you're interested.

 

[MSilvia]

I would gladly join but somehow I don't think my 5mm wetsuit is sufficient right now.

I'd question your 5mm wetsuit being sufficient in July. You should really think about going with a 7mm wetsuit for local diving unless you have an extraordinary tolerance for cold. You'll be lucky to see local water temps hit 60 this year.

 

[Soggy]

You'll be lucky to see local water temps hit 60 this year.

....at the surface

The warmest I've seen it below 20 ft or so is mid 50s and that's in late August, early Sept.

 

[MASS-Diver]

Word on the streets is that parts of Long Pond are open (ice free).

 

[MSilvia]

Any word on the e.Coli and enterococcus counts in the pond? Last time I looked it was... unappealingly high.

http://www.sixponds.org/Coliform.html
http://www.s-t.com/daily/06-03/06-27-03/a14lo066.htm

 

[Soggy]

Mmmmmm.....poop.

Any word on the e.Coli and enterococcus counts in the pond? Last time I looked it was... unappealingly high.

http://www.sixponds.org/Coliform.html
http://www.s-t.com/daily/06-03/06-27-03/a14lo066.htm

 

[MASS-Diver]

Any word on the e.Coli and enterococcus counts in the pond? Last time I looked it was... unappealingly high.

http://www.sixponds.org/Coliform.html
http://www.s-t.com/daily/06-03/06-27-03/a14lo066.htm

Hi Matt, I never saw the numbers - but from word of mouth (mostly from Al at SS divers) I stopped diving in this pond last season. That said, I think I would go in now with the water being so cold. I'm done diving there in the summer in though, this vis has been so bad the last few years anyways. Apparently, they are still stocking the hell out of it with salmon this spring - but I don't know if that's much of an indicator.

For those who don't know this pond - it's really big, and it's deep (100'+) but there are some really muddy spots (espically out in the 50-60' range) and there are some serious themoclines in the spring and summer. Vis is often rather low and varies from location to location within the pond. I heard the town is trying to track down the rogue septic system(s) that is causing the recent bacterial spikes - but dirty water is just plain something to avoid.

 

[Damselfish]

but there are some really muddy spots

you sure it's mud?