Earlier this week I received a shocking call from Ted. Nils was moving away and this weekend would be the last opportunity to come out and dive with him. So when the discussion turn to "where" the answer was easy.
The Breakwater.
This has been our homebase for many a dive day... our mudhole, our training ground, our bunny slopes... our ground zero. We've had so many good memories of training, diving and just hanging out with our circle of friends that it only made sense that we have our final dive together here.
For this final run we decided on the BW Grand Circuit. We would first check out the Spanish anchor at the wall then scoot out to the Barge, make the jump to the Metridium Fields then finally back to the wall.
http://www.divematrix.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1490
Nils the rockstar!
Don and Cynthia
http://www.divematrix.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1489
Nice calm day
http://www.divematrix.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1487
http://www.divematrix.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1470
First stop the anchor
Notice how we formed a zone defense in case you started to bolt :P
Nah, my getaway driver was sick that day. :D
Ben_ca
March 2nd, 2010, 02:45 AM
And Nils would have given you a big head start and still would have mowed you down with the Cuda...
Maybe one of these days we can give you a taste of the scooter crack... You know the first taste is always free ;)
mikeguerrero
March 2nd, 2010, 02:45 AM
Ben,
That picture of your hand near my instructors left post has to be the funniest thing I have read on scubaboard in a very long time. :rofl3:
I literally almost fell out of my chair when I saw the picture.
You word it so nicely, "I'm always here to give my buddies a hand http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/images/smilies/Standard%20Smiles/04.gif"
I can see the Monterey Herald saying, "Diver is reported safe after a near death experience at Break Water, his valve was accidently not turned on, but fearless diver Ben Ca, happen to be there and lended a hand"... :)
Ben you took the cake on this one, thanks for the great laugh, might I add, is my Instructor Don okay?
MG
Jim Ernst
March 2nd, 2010, 04:38 AM
Great pictures and dive report Ben, Looks like you all had a great time, and good conditions!!
kathydee
March 2nd, 2010, 05:21 AM
It's sad to see Nils go.
But thanks for sharing the pic's and video! Looks like a fun day!
I think I'm having scooter envy ;-).
pacificgal
March 2nd, 2010, 12:47 PM
Ut oh. She's going hard core ;)
Hepcat62
March 2nd, 2010, 01:06 PM
Maybe one of these days we can give you a taste of the scooter crack... You know the first taste is always free ;)
Indeed. I'm sure once I try it the order will be placed within 48 hours.
Man - now is such a bad time financially for me... Not because I'm having money trouble, but because there's SOOO much stuff I'm looking at. :D
Doubles + a second mk25, scooter, classes... The list goes on.
kathydee
March 2nd, 2010, 02:18 PM
Indeed. I'm sure once I try it the order will be placed within 48 hours.
Man - now is such a bad time financially for me... Not because I'm having money trouble, but because there's SOOO much stuff I'm looking at. :D
Doubles + a second mk25, scooter, classes... The list goes on.
Yeah I hear you Brian. I'd be frightened to see my gear bill for the last 5 months, a new drysuit, undergarmet, doubles, two mk25's, two classes, wing b/p, another wing, 2 HP 100 singles, light can, etc, etc.
Done beating up my savings, but longing for the scooter.. ;-).
kathydee
March 2nd, 2010, 02:19 PM
Ut oh. She's going hard core ;)
:D Will be so much fun to give friends tows, once I get it figured out ;)!
mikemill
March 2nd, 2010, 02:28 PM
:D Will be so much fun to give friends tows, once I get it figured out ;)!
Not that hard to tow. Just have to be willing to get a little... friendly with the towee.
Hepcat62
March 2nd, 2010, 02:33 PM
Not that hard to tow. Just have to be willing to get a little... friendly with the towee.
"Just grab that D-ring."
"Huh? What D-ring?"
"The one on my back."
...
"I don't see a D-ring on your back."
"Look lower."
"Nope."
"Loooooooooower."
"Ummm..."
"LOOOOOOOOWER."
"Oh... Oh, seriously?"
"Just grab on, and don't get any bright ideas. It doesn't bite... much."
mikemill
March 2nd, 2010, 02:52 PM
Actually I prefer the crotch strap. That ring is really hard to hold onto.
So Brian when are you gonna convince of these guys to let you buy their Sierra so they can upgrade to the Cuda?
Hepcat62
March 2nd, 2010, 03:05 PM
So Brian when are you gonna convince of these guys to let you buy their Sierra so they can upgrade to the Cuda?
I'm still training the unholy army of garden gnomes I plan to use for a little extra "gentle" persuasion when it comes to pricing. ;)
Soon my pets... very soon...
mikemill
March 2nd, 2010, 03:11 PM
I'm still training the unholy army of garden gnomes I plan to use for a little extra "gentle" persuasion when it comes to pricing. ;)
Soon my pets... very soon...
Do they look like this?
pacificgal
March 2nd, 2010, 03:17 PM
:D Will be so much fun to give friends tows, once I get it figured out ;)!
That's exactly what I was thinking, Kathy!
Hepcat62
March 2nd, 2010, 04:53 PM
Do they look like this?
No, mine look like this...
72927
They look friendly, so they have the benefit of surprise when they start to bite your nose off.
mikemill
March 2nd, 2010, 05:16 PM
Wonder what's under the hat
kathydee
March 2nd, 2010, 06:14 PM
Not that hard to tow. Just have to be willing to get a little... friendly with the towee.
Yeah it seems pretty easy to tow.
But I'd want to get scooter diving/safety figured out for myself first - towing a buddy along for the learning curb adventure probably isn't the best idea :shakehead:!
But I can dream... guessing scooters are somewhere in the future - at least I hope :D:D...
Need to finish Fundies first ;)! What a class!
kathydee
March 2nd, 2010, 06:19 PM
That's exactly what I was thinking, Kathy!
:D!!! Soon enough I hope!
So excited to hear how your Essentials class goes - I hope you write a class report ;-)!
kanonfodr
March 2nd, 2010, 07:37 PM
You crazy California divers, scootering around in kelp fields, checking out sunken anchors, and attempting murder of my instructor. If I come around again, can we try for this much fun??
Peace,
Greg
mikeguerrero
March 2nd, 2010, 08:03 PM
Looks like all this talk of scooters is making me itch... Brian, so which one are you looking at and will we get a group discount if Kathy, me and you all get one at the same time???
Wishful thinking but I thought I'd ask... :)
Hepcat62
March 2nd, 2010, 08:10 PM
Looks like all this talk of scooters is making me itch... Brian, so which one are you looking at and will we get a group discount if Kathy, me and you all get one at the same time???
I'm looking at the DiveXtras Sierra and Cuda. Interestingly enough, in the new LiON battery models the cost difference is pretty negligible. Of course, the battery is crazy expensive. :)
Right now, I'm leaning towards a standard'ish Sierra. I feel like it would be a lot more comfortable for me to deal with than the Cuda. That said, the speed difference and cruise time on the cuda is pretty awesome.
Do most of the local Sierra divers use the standard or long body?
kathydee
March 2nd, 2010, 08:28 PM
Looks like all this talk of scooters is making me itch... Brian, so which one are you looking at and will we get a group discount if Kathy, me and you all get one at the same time???
Wishful thinking but I thought I'd ask... :)
Go for it Mike & Brian! Can't wait to hear your stories.
It will probably take me a little while till I"m ready for a scooter. Plenty of fun lined up exploring where doubles/our new skills/polished kicks can take us! But ya never know...I do have scooter envy :D!!
pacificgal
March 2nd, 2010, 09:12 PM
Kathy, I'm loking forward to Essentials too, of course I'll write a class report. As you're aware, I'm already immersed in it, that online portion of the class I have been working through for the past 3 weeks. I can't tell you how ready I am to get into the pool then ocean and dive!
I've been practicing with the jets and boy, does Don have some work cut out for him, lol.
I think I'll have a lot more fun with it once I'm in the class, for now it's muddling through the slides and hoping it'll make more sense when I can stop Don and say, what? Can you run that past me again? The bubble theory, totally clueless.
kathydee
March 2nd, 2010, 09:30 PM
Kathy, I'm loking forward to Essentials too, of course I'll write a class report. As you're aware, I'm already immersed in it, that online portion of the class I have been working through for the past 3 weeks. I can't tell you how ready I am to get into the pool then ocean and dive!
I've been practicing with the jets and boy, does Don have some work cut out for him, lol.
I think I'll have a lot more fun with it once I'm in the class, for now it's muddling through the slides and hoping it'll make more sense when I can stop Don and say, what? Can you run that past me again? The bubble theory, totally clueless.
Good for you! The online class has a great forum for asking questions. If you post specific questions you'll be amazed how clearly they are answered. I highly recommend it, even if you think a question is silly or unclear ;-). Don't worry about figuring out diving technique now, that's what class is for ;)!
Trust me, the best prep you can do is try to learn to relax and hold one still position in the water for a period of time ;-).
Ben_ca
March 2nd, 2010, 11:21 PM
Ben you took the cake on this one, thanks for the great laugh, might I add, is my Instructor Don okay?
MG
Mike,
I think he still is... we'll just see if he ever dives with me again ;)
Indeed. I'm sure once I try it the order will be placed within 48 hours.
Man - now is such a bad time financially for me... Not because I'm having money trouble, but because there's SOOO much stuff I'm looking at. :D
Doubles + a second mk25, scooter, classes... The list goes on.
...$1,000 HID light, doubles, stages ect. That's why I had to slowly build up my scooter fund. If I decide to upgrade I'll definitely let the local gang have first dibs.
Yeah it seems pretty easy to tow.
But I'd want to get scooter diving/safety figured out for myself first - towing a buddy along for the learning curb adventure probably isn't the best idea :shakehead:!
But I can dream... guessing scooters are somewhere in the future - at least I hope :D:D...
Need to finish Fundies first ;)! What a class!
Having Fundies is a great baseline... When I hear that a diver has Fundies I know he has a solid foundation of basic skills. This makes dive planning and execution a lot easier. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and you guys will get your chance to strut your stuff in front of the camera ;)
ae3753
March 2nd, 2010, 11:45 PM
If I come around again, can we try for this much fun??
Absolutely!
Do most of the local Sierra divers use the standard or long body?
Standard body is the standard - most flexible for boat and shore diving. If you're considering the long body, then you should opt for the Cuda.
I think he still is... we'll just see if he ever dives with me again ;)
I'll dive with you anytime!
kathydee
March 3rd, 2010, 12:07 AM
Hopefully the weather will cooperate and you guys will get your chance to strut your stuff in front of the camera ;)
Yeah, fingers crossed :D!
You crazy California divers, scootering around in kelp fields, checking out sunken anchors, and attempting murder of my instructor. If I come around again, can we try for this much fun??
Peace, Greg
Sure I hope you make it back Greg! Better yet, one of these days it would be fun to dive Hawaii :D!!
mikemill
March 3rd, 2010, 12:38 AM
Kathy, where are you all gonna be at? I want to know where practice my shark-circling-the-prey interpretation :D
kathydee
March 3rd, 2010, 12:40 AM
Kathy, where are you all gonna be at? I want to know where practice my shark-circling-the-prey interpretation :D
No plan yet.
We'll be at either BW or Lobos, condition and reservation dependant.
Ben_ca
March 3rd, 2010, 01:01 AM
You crazy California divers, scootering around in kelp fields, checking out sunken anchors, and attempting murder of my instructor. If I come around again, can we try for this much fun??
Peace,
Greg
Did your instructor ever tell you about scootering after a sturgeon? ;)
Hepcat62
March 3rd, 2010, 01:26 AM
Standard body is the standard - most flexible for boat and shore diving. If you're considering the long body, then you should opt for the Cuda.
Cool, thanks - that's what I expected. I just wanted to make sure I knew what I was actually comparing this past weekend. :)
Ben_ca
March 3rd, 2010, 01:44 AM
I'll help you get started on your scooter... I have a special X-scooter nose bolt snap...
I'll sell it to you for only $100.00 :D
pacificgal
March 3rd, 2010, 02:32 AM
Kathy, I'm aware of the Essentials forum, but how can someone help answer a "huh?"? And Don gave the same advice, stay still and practice stability. That seems easy enough :)
kathydee
March 3rd, 2010, 03:27 AM
Kathy, I'm aware of the Essentials forum, but how can someone help answer a "huh?"? And Don gave the same advice, stay still and practice stability. That seems easy enough :)
Well I bet you can come up with a better question than "huh" if you go over it a few times :D!
Yeah staying still SEEMS easy enough but give it a go for 20 minutes.... :rofl3::rofl3:!!
kanonfodr
March 4th, 2010, 01:57 AM
Did your instructor ever tell you about scootering after a sturgeon? ;)
Lol, Nope!! We were too busy with all of our crazy stories and funny videos so Don didn't have to reveal his brighter moments. Don??
Peace,
Greg
kanonfodr
March 4th, 2010, 01:59 AM
Kathy, I'm aware of the Essentials forum, but how can someone help answer a "huh?"? And Don gave the same advice, stay still and practice stability. That seems easy enough :)
Don't forget to try back-kicking, or in my case turning around and kicking away from the line, then fighting like mad to stay away from the line. Over and over and over again. BW was great about pushing us over the line, no matter which direction it was!!
Good luck on your class and it was great meeting you when I was there!!
Peace,
Greg
mikeguerrero
March 4th, 2010, 02:21 AM
Ohhh,
How the memories are coming right back, the painful ones, but very memorable.... :)
kanonfodr
March 4th, 2010, 04:25 AM
Ohhh,
How the memories are coming right back, the painful ones, but very memorable.... :)
Mike,
Whenever I see your posts, the "Chicken Dance" song keeps running through my head ;)
Peace,
Greg
pacificgal
March 4th, 2010, 11:50 AM
It was great to meet you, too, Greg. I hear this morning there's an issue with my class, though, my teammate had to cancel. Not sure if we can get another person in 2 weeks. Anyone know of anyone who can study quick?
Hepcat62
March 4th, 2010, 01:00 PM
It was great to meet you, too, Greg. I hear this morning there's an issue with my class, though, my teammate had to cancel. Not sure if we can get another person in 2 weeks. Anyone know of anyone who can study quick?
What are the cost and dates for the class? I'm out of town between 3/24 and 3/31, but I could potentially be interested if the stars align properly.
pacificgal
March 4th, 2010, 01:28 PM
I sent you a PM with the info and an offer. If anyone else is interested please speak up!
Dates are 3/17 pool, 3/19-21 ocean. Total cost is $99 for online class, $25 for pool and $450 instructor fee (and he's worth every cent)
kathydee
March 4th, 2010, 02:32 PM
I sent you a PM with the info and an offer. If anyone else is interested please speak up!
Dates are 3/17 pool, 3/19-21 ocean. Total cost is $99 for online class, $25 for pool and $450 instructor fee (and he's worth every cent)
Kristina,
You should start another thread looking for a partner! 2 weeks is pleny of time to review the material.
