New to the Cape

I am moving to the Cape in about two weeks and was hoping I could get some info from you guys. First, I was certified and have done every one of my dives since in Florida, wetsuitless. I know my first step towards Cape diving is going to be to get my drysuit specialty and I saw one guy post that he took his class for free with the purchase of a suit. Do y'all know of anyone doing a promotion like that? Is it something I must take a course one or learn elsewhere? Also, I will be working with the Chatham A's baseball team all summer and therefore don't have any extended time off to take a weekend somewhere. I've heard all about Gloucester and would like to get up there, but incase that doesnt work, can y'all tell me about any places worth seeing on the Cape itself? I've heard tidbits about P-town and some good wrecks on the bayside but havent had much luck in finding details. Also, any shore diving spots would be great since I dont have a boat.... yet. And one more: here in GA we have a group that gets together to dive and cookout at least once a month together. Is there any type of group there on the Cape I could get involved with to meet some new divers and see some new spots? And what kind of initiation hazing is involved? Thanks!

Hi Captndan you can get some info from http://www.capediveclub.com/main.html?src=%2Findex2.html or The Dive Locker there are several dives on cape cod and several on cape Ann and Lots of good dive shops in between I believe the dive locker and sea sports Cape Cod Sea Sports - Home both in Hyannis will be the closest to Chatham if that's where you will be based. also if you search some of the posts in this forum you will find info for both capes. you may not need to go the dry suit route depending on your tolerance of water temps at least not for the south side of cape cod being slightly warmer than water temps up in cape Ann. good luck and happy diving.

Here are a few other good resources for you:

For dive clubs: http://www.divenewengland.com/clubs.php

For ship wrecks: http://www.wreckhunter.net/

For dive sites (including Cape Cod): http://www.scuba-newengland.com/DiveSiteList.asp?StateID=MA

Charters: http://www.divenewengland.com/charters.php

Dive shops: http://www.divenewengland.com/shops.php

Lobster licenses: http://www.sport.state.ma.us/

As far as dry suits, I heard that DUI had a 0% financing (don't remember how many months) deal. My wife and I bought CLX-450s from Undersea Divers in Beverly and love them, we didn't do the class (which was included free - just scheduling issues). I have seen a new dry suit diver have difficulty in 8 feet of water (feet out of the water and couldn't correct herself - ended up slightly panicked and swallowed some seawater but was ok in the end). If you do end up trying it without the class, make sure you have a buddy you're comfortable can help you out of an awkward/bad situation.

BTW, the water north of Cape Cod rarely goes much of 60 degrees. If you're looking at wrecks, some of the better ones are >130 feet and it does get cold down there. If you like lobsters (with claws, not the Florida type), you will be able to get a resident recreational lobster license once you live here and there are quite a few hiding in the rocks up here.

Also check out the dive shop in Sandwich (Aqua Center). They organize a couple dive a week. Saturday nights after the dive they either have a cookout or get pizzas or something like that. Unfortunately I never have time to join them on the Saturday events.

The dive locker in Hyannis (The Dive Locker) now has a charter boat. Unfortunately for you they require at least 25 dives in local waters for most of their charters. That's about the only way without you own boat to see wrecks on Cape Cod.

There is a great charter out of boston (Boston Harbor Diving Company). They are worth the drive to Boston.

I live in Falmouth, and am always looking for new people to dive with. I would also be willing to carpool to other destinations. (boston harbor charters, Gloucester, Jamestown, RI)

There’s lots of here diving on the Cape. I would also recommend stopping by The Dive Locker in Hyannis. There are groups of divers diving all the time out of there. If the shop doesn’t have a dive for you, they can put you in touch with someone that’s diving. I know they run charters out of there all the time and for all levels of divers.
I’ve also dove several time with Aqua Center in Sandwich. There a great group of divers there as well and are always having cookouts and special events. This shop is located just down the street from a popular shore dive here on the Cape.
As far as a dry suit goes… you can get away with a 7mm wetsuit on the Cape in the summer. I opt to dive dry. I bought my suit at The Dive Locker and they did the dry suit training for free. They also have demo days for equipment such as dry suits. I’d give them a call.
Best of luck and we hope to see on diving on the Cape.

Sandwich beach has very good diving right there. Not very deep, 30 ft or so, but a lot of life.

Thats awesome, thanks for all the info. I will definitely be checking out that dive club in Sandwich as well as all those wrecks in Chatham. I would also like to get some dives in at Sandwich beach if anyone is interested. I got some new lights recently and wouldn't mind getting them wet on a night dive or two. Once I get up there, Ill stop by the Dive Locker and see what I can do about a drysuit, I think the season is just gonna be too short otherwise.

Captndan:

I would also like to get some dives in at Sandwich beach if anyone is interested. I got some new lights recently and wouldn't mind getting them wet on a night dive or two. Once I get up there, Ill stop by the Dive Locker and see what I can do about a drysuit, I think the season is just gonna be too short otherwise.

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Anytime you want to Dive Sandwich, shoot me a PM a day or two before, and I'll join you. It is a great spot for both day and night dives.

From around now until September a wetsuit will keep you warm enough in the water, it's just getting out in the cold air soaking wet that makes a drysuit so much better. There is agood chance the dive locker will have a drysuit your size in stock, They have a fairly large inventory.

Definitely will do. I added you to my contact list so I will be able to get a hold of you once Im there. Is renting a drysuit something I will be able to do without the specialty course or do I need to have a c-card for that?

I think they might require the course to rent the suit. If you have a good wetsuit, you shouldn't be too cold during the summer.