Heading to Catalina for my Bday 9/16...need a buddy...

As the title says...

This is my first time to Catalina via the Express with diving on the docket. I read the sticky, but I'm still a bit confused about some of the logistics such as where to gear up and where to leave my gear bag once that's done. I'm also heading out alone, so I could use a buddy who knows the area, and is willing to show me around.

I'll buy you a drink or a meal in return.

You can reach me via PM here, or call me at 562 761 1819.

Thanks!

Russell

Welcome to the casino dive park undrwater.
the sticky has quite a bit of information, but probably could use an update.
Happy birthday, and remember you can ride for free on your birthday on the express. I just did this last weekend.
Most people gear up either next to the wall on either side of the steps, and some people like to gear up up against the casino wall, facing out towards the ocean.
There are lockers close by and they have just been refurbished, it is .75 cents per opening of them. I was there last sunday it was quite busy, but there were still a few lockers available.
Everyone pretty much just leaves their dive bags/case/bags on the ground while diving.
I was quite leary myself about doing this, but after reading many posts and doing it a few times it has worked out well. Divers seem to be a good group overall.
I'm sure the sticky has filled you in on other items, but I like to use the luggauge transfer service. It is $8 RT and located just past the bathroom and ticket booth. Then an easy stroll over, perhaps breakfast, and your gears are there waiting for you. Just call for the return about 10-15 minutes before and they will pick you stuff up and take it back to the lugguage for storage until you are ready to leave.
Here are some tips for you: If you take your own tank, use a hand cart, this saves your back. Fills at the trailer are $7.00 and you can start a tab if you are going to get mutilple fills, you will need to show your C-card. Get to the fill early on the weekends because it can get crowded.
It is good to take a mat/tarp of some sort. The ground gets a bit muddy/dirty/wet. Helps with gearing up/down.
Remember the stairs, going in on the right, exiting on the right.
The closest bathroom is right across from the outdoor restaurant casino dock cafe.
That restaurant has pretty good food, fish tacos, tuna melt are my favs. The beer is pricey, but tap BUD is $3.75 glass, pitcher is $15.00.
Someone has posted a nice map of the park here and at the Pacific Wilderness website you can download it.
If you need a buddy, at least on the weekends there are quite a few people to hook up with. I was solo and met several people without any problems.
Oh, one last tip, there are a couple of private bouys just out from the stairs in about 20' of water. the instructors/students use these for training, so you don't want to be using these while they are in the area.
Have a great time, you will enjoy diving in the kelps, the friendly sheephead, the couple of wrecks, and I liked the Jacques Cousteau monument myself.
Think I've said enough.

While I'm not certified yet and can't join you for your birthday dive, i'd like to wish you a happy birthday and have a great time! Oh, and do tell of your experience!
Best,
Sho

Definitely try asking around when you're there. You may get a few no's, but you should probably be able to find someone --- i almost always can, when I want to. I just leave my stuff out next to the wall (maybe consider bringing a tarp with you though), and have never had an issue.

It's by far one of the friendlier dive sites I've ever been at -- I almost always end up striking conversations with people around me, and sometimes diving with them (i'm always there on my own).

Thanks for all the advice here! I followed it and it made my day easy and stress-free! I must say, I had a really nice day on the island. One of my better birthdays! I was able to get 2 dives in (first one flooded the drysuit ), but I rented a wetsuit for the second and dove till I was an ice cube. Had good food and drinks afterwards, hit the art show that happened to be present, and had a relaxing ride back to the car. Kids welcomed me home with big hugs and kisses and a cake they had helped decorate.

Glad your birthday trip to our island was a very positive one. Happy belated birthday.