CA Newbie

sfgirl · Nov 28, 2006

Hi,

I moved out here from the East Coast and haven't been able to dive into the Northern California waters yet. My thickest suit is a 5mm, so I feel equipped, but I am REALLY missing getting wet (it has been over a year!). Any advice on how to transition into the California dive scene? And, is there any good diving in January? I am looking to take a local trip (either northern or southern CA) during that month and was wondering if there was somewhere suitable for that time of year.

Thanks for the help & advice!

dannobee · Nov 28, 2006

I'll probably get some arguments from some hard core cold water people, but IMHO, a 5mm is no where near thick enough. 7mm with a hooded vest is warmer, but a drysuit is best. It's worth all of the trouble though, as Monterey is world class diving with plenty of color and critters, especially if you go south to Carmel or Big Sur.

Hit me up, or one of the other locals when you're ready to go. One of us will dive with you.

Luvnthelife · Nov 28, 2006

I'm in. I do agree with Dannobee though. 5mm is to thin. I have a drysuit as well and I love it! Worth every single penny.

jritterman · Nov 28, 2006

I am new, just out of OW.. but if you are into a newbee tagging along for a some Diving in Monetary (would be willing to go to SoCal too) in January I am really looking to get some more experience in.

jbronwen · Nov 29, 2006

I agree about the 5mm being too thin -- I was certified in Monterey in a 7mm and was still freezing after being in there about 20 minutes!

Also, my buddy and I are going on a January 14 dive on the Cypress Sea: http://www.cypresscharters.com/. Technically our local dive shop is putting it on, but they're a good operation out there if you want to do some boat diving. When I was getting certified, my boyfriend went solo with them and had a really great time!

Ben_ca · Nov 29, 2006

welcome.... Like the others said 7mil minimum....

And pass onthe boat diving until you get a couple round off at the bunny slopes (Breakwater/Macabee)

Lake Mead Tony · Nov 29, 2006

Welcome to waterworld. All I can say is, get a 6.5 or 7mm and get use to it. It's not that bad. A good idea is either a dry suit or at least a farmerjohn.

Chuck Tribolet · Nov 29, 2006

Lake Mead Tony:
Welcome to waterworld. All I can say is, get a 6.5 or 7mm and get use to it. It's not that bad. A good idea is either a dry suit or at least a farmerjohn.

When I wore a wetsuit, it was three 7mm layers: hooded vest,
Farmer John, beavertail jacket, in that order. After I bought a dry suit, I would never
go back.

Nobody answered whether the diving is good in January. Ans: YES, it can be very good,
IF you can dive. We get big surf in the winter two weekends out of three, so watch
the forecasts: http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/swell/wamglance.html and pick your days.

The advice to try the bunny slopes first was good.

Luvnthelife · Nov 29, 2006

I forgot about that question. Winter and Fall is the best diving season here in Monterey. I call it the Locals Summer. Very few tourists and the classes have settled down.

Cypress Sea is a very good boat. I had a blast on it when I dove off of it.

I work on the Silver Prince almost every weekend. It is from MBDC (Monterey Bay Dive Center). If you decide to do a boat dive come out and see me. I would love to get a dive in. I work on the boat on weekends, but it is all volunteer time. So they let me get a dive or two in some weekends.

drbill · Nov 29, 2006

Definitely a 7mm, probably with hooded vest for NorCal diving. From what my friends tell me, Monterey offers fantastic diving (never been myself). However, you can always try the "warmer" waters of SoCal... especially out here on Catalina Island where we dive year-round in 3mm shorties (worn over our 7mm full suits with 5mm hooded vests underneath... just kidding).

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