Sat Dive at Rockport

[Diver Joe]

For anyone interested...come on out and hook up at Rockport at about 10am on Sat morning. Plan is to surface swim out to the Kingshorn drop down and do 30min then a submerged swim to shore.

Total run time is about an hour.

Then probably get some soup and tanks refilled and maybe do the Wall in the afternoon if I can talk anyone into it.

All welcomed... we can all go as a group/team or go in smaller groups if there are a few clicks :o)

See you there

[Doppler]

Unfortunately Joe: Pete and I will be in Sandusky at Shipwrecks and Scuba on Saturday... have fun, play safe, watch for icebergs

Steve

[FreeFloat]

Wish I could, honest, but my SigOthr has been whining loudly about the lack of quality time with me lately since I got bit by the diving bug...... so Saturday is my designated Don't Go Anywhere Day.

Please, invite me to the next one!!! Ivy Lea/Rockpotr is wihtin my acceptable travel range for a dive (although I would need specific directions)..........

[Diver Joe]

No prob Doppler and Freefloat

My post is short notice as well...

We (about 6) did this two weeks ago and it was an outstanding dive..little current and excellent vis.... We did it again last weekend, but I missed out as my car broke down... Conditions last week were not as good as the previous week I hear.

So looks like only have 3 or 4 for this time out... Hoping to get a few divers interested in doing the entire run subsurface including the 30min on the wreck...Hopfully before the water temp gets down into the 30's F.

Have a great trip Doppler and Freefloat enjoy your QT weekend.

[maximdim]

How's the water temperature over there? Too cold for 7mil I'm afraid :-(

[Warren_L]

So where is Rockport and how do we get to it from Toronto? Won't be able to make it this weekend, but could be good for future reference.

[diverlady]

East of Ganonoque, west of Brockville.

It's around exit #661. It comes up on Mapquest if you do a search.

Diverlady

[FreeFloat]

Lake and river temps still registering with the marine buoys at 48 °F.

I'm still diving wet in my 7mil..........!

[mddolson]

Rockport is pretty much closed down.
I think one restaurant is open Thurs, Fri and Saturdays.
Even the public rest rooms are locked for the season.

I was there monday, this week.
Water temperature was 46°F

Have fun

Mike D

[Tom R]

As one of the folks that lined the Kinghorn both times, I caution you to this is an Advanced/Borderline tech dive. Your swimming a 1/4 of mile and 90% of it at 70 feet. This dive can be done safely in doubles with 32% with no or very little deco obligations. Also locals in Rockport don't have a boating season, so surfacing awy from shore is a very dangerous option. You also have to be respectfull to the locals and afterwards spend some time in the local establishment afterwards to keep your self in the good books.

Tom

[Diver Joe]

yup and the plan is to fill up on hot soup and sandwiches after the dive.

Have done it out and back submerged a couple of times but only did 10-15 on the wreck... would like to stretch that to 30 min which is what we do when we go out on the surface.

emmm maybe even do it under the ice a little later on....just an idea...

[artw]

Is there still a marker bouy on it? for surface swimming? I ask cause we attempted to do the Gaskin last weekend but there was no markey bouy. Did Rockport instead.

On a side note it was a pleasure to meet Tom R, Dan Mackay and Marvintpa for the first time. And I agree lunch at the Boathouse restaurant is a must.

Art

[Diver Joe]

Yes the SOS Buoy was still there for surface swim and there are underwater lines for both the Gaskin and Kingshorn.

I did the Gaskin a few months back without the line just by compass and found it to be a longer swim...Once around the ship and it was time to turn around...Run time for the dive was 70 min.

Further to what Tom was saying about recommending EAN and doubles you would also need to ensure that your wetsuit/drysuit was working for you. You don't want to be out there 20 - 30 min from shore if your cold.

[Chris Red]

Warren,
That charming little port where we boarded for the Keystorm was Rockport.

[Tom R]

Diver Joe once bubbled...

emmm maybe even do it under the ice a little later on....just an idea...

We (GLUE) did this several times last year and have some sensational video under the ice, the water is actually blue. When this was done all cave rules were applied.

Here is a shot of the boys decending

[DPVDiver]

I went to scoot out to the Gaskin last week and th rope is broke near shore. We didn't find it until we were on our way back. It is still attached to the rod at the wreck. I didn't have any line on me so I couldn't repair it. If anyone is heading out that way it would be a good idea to bring a bit of line and retie it. I don't know when I'll get back to do it.

DPV

[Diver Joe]

Thanks for the Info Kris
and thanks for the shot Tom...very nice...

Had a great dive today...temp 46ish... vis fair... Subsurface out and back...Run time 89 min

Same plan for next week for those interested.

[FreeFloat]

You mean Rockport?

[Diver Joe]

Yes the plan is to do Rockport again FreeFloat (Larissa ??)

You have seen the posts about this being an Advanced level dive requiring double 80's and Nitrox as a Minimum.... Please don't take this the wrong way...but this is not the dive for you just yet. You keener...Im sure that you will be logging lots of dives and will be up to this level in no time all all. Don't rush it though.

My original post welcoming all was intended for those familiar with both the area and wreck and who would be comfortable with the swim, temps and Run time. Not to mention going into Deco.

If you are keen for a dive, by all means come on out and meet us... ((( Actually you and I have meet a couple of times.. When the OFWF's did those 3 dives and dinner in Rockport this summer and again at the Scuba in the Park.))) We can arrange for you to get a good dive with us along the shore...30- 50ft depth range.

Have a great week and maybe see you on Sat at 10ish...

[FreeFloat]

Whoops, this is what happens when I don't click on "expand all" before replying to a thread........ :D

Thanks for the clarification - I agree completely with you. I'm only diving a single Steel 72! Plus we all know about the limits of OW qualifications.

Perhaps I was confusing this Rockport dive with one I was told about that IS in my range - now I'm trying to remember which it was :confused:

Yep, I'm still keen on diving - and diving a wetsuit no less - you wouldn't believe the looks I get from people (sheesh!) You'd think I were talking about diving buck nekked! :rolleyes:

Next Sunday I have some tentative dives lined up, and the weekend after I have to go bother that buddy that bailed on me a few weeks ago as he owes me a dive or two and recommended the last weekend of November - but I'm always looking for times and places to get Wet with people who aren't afraid of a little chilly water!

I'll keep my eyes on the Board - chances are sooner or later someone will post an invite that doesn't conflict with my son's hockey schedule (sigh)...........

[Warren_L]

Freefloat, I don't think we decided on anything yet for next Sunday. I know of at least one more (other than Chris and myself) who would be in. Is Howe Island doable? It's been years since I've been there, so I hardly remember it.

[FreeFloat]

Sure - the only reason Chris and I did it was because 1) she was cold, 2) I had evening commitments that would have mede it a bit of a rush-rush, and 3) neither and I were too keen on the projected upwind surface swim coming back from the site, since the wind had picked up. And with neither of us actually having been out to the site before, we decided to play it safe.

It would depend on weather conditions for the day - but from what I've seen, other than the weather being hit-or-miss generally as the winter weather patterns settle in, but I'd say sure, I'm game. :teeth: We could even do one of my secondary sites as a second dive, if time/coldness allows........

[Diver Joe]

Great stuff FreeFloat...

I dove all year round in Wet Suits for longer than I care to admit....

If if fit's properly and is in good condition...your all set...nothing wrong with diving wet...

Looking forward to blowing some bubbles with you soon..

[Warren_L]

Sounds ok to me. It would be nice not to have to go far to a second site (to minimize the work of packing everything else and driving over). But perhaps we can plan on meeting and evaluating the morning of the dive. If we have a few alternate sites in mind, that might be the best way to go. And seeing as you are the one with the knowledge of the sites.....

[Warren_L]

Chris Red once bubbled...
Warren,
That charming little port where we boarded for the Keystorm was Rockport.

Ah, I didn't realize. Didn't see the "Welcome to" sign I guess. Must have missed it.

[Chris Red]

Hey Warren... it wasn't that much further down the road???
or was it?
;)

[Warren_L]

I can't remember. It was too early in the morning. Need coffee first. :)

[Chris Red]

Homer Simpson has this adorable way of drooling over his favorite things...
but that day coffee was a prerequisite.
Good judgement on your part to start later this time.
We should form a convoy.

[zslnk]

Hi,
I'm joining the conversation a little late but I'm looking for someone/somemany to dive with. I'm in Belleville and would love to make a drive to the Kingston area for a weekend dive. I'm diving a 7mil 2 piece so the season is closing in on me but I'm willing to give it a try!

Are there any plans taking shape?

Craig.

[Warren_L]

We're planning a Sunday shore dive this weekend. Probably somewhere in Kingston, but have yet to decide. We're planning on meeting up at Northern Tech Divers in the morning. Time still to be finalized, but probably aroun 9am-10am I would think.

[FreeFloat]

According to a thread on the other board (http://www.scuba2000.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=000242) , we're all meeting at Northern Tech Diver (LDS)around 10:30 (although, as the Kingstonite of the group, I'm willing to meet up sooner.......)

I still dive wet too, and last weekend the water temps were at an amazingly balmy 44°F. The weather buoys are saying current water temps are at 46°F. Outlook for this weekend is sunny Saturday, overcast Sunday but well above freezing both days.

Should be good............ Looking forward to meeting you all! :)

[zslnk]

Thanks a lot!
This sounds good. I'd love to come if I'm welcome, I'll be alone and look forward to seeing everyone at 10:30ish at NTD. I'll check the board closer to departure to finalize times.

Thanks!
Craig.

[Warren_L]

Yep, everything seems like a go at this point. Check here on Saturday just in case.

[zslnk]

Hey,
It's Sat morning and I'll see all tomorrow morning at NTD. What is the plan? Shore dive from there or driving somewhere?

Thanks,
Craig.

[Chris Red]

Hi zslnk,
We've been thinking about some of the shore sites shown here at NTD (http://www.northerntechdiver.com/shoredives.php).
Give it a look see and we can decide on Sunday.

[Warren_L]

Anything would be fine. The stacked hulls look neat. Whatever you guys are in the mood for.

See you all tomorrow!

Except for Chris - see you this eve.

[Tom R]

Well you guys have fun, I'm got stiffed today and had to dive the Spiegal Groove,

Tom R

[Kevin R]

And unfortunately we're going have another rough day of it on the Duayne. It's rough down here in the Keys.

Kevin

[Warren_L]

A wonderful day of diving in K-town. Did the Cora W. Post on Howe Island and the Marine Park. Sunny/partly cloudy, water was in the mid 40s, air temp was a balmy 60F!

James @ NTD - if you get this message, we left your tanks at Tommy's along with some $$.

[Chris Red]

A glorious day... While the Santa Claus parade wound it's way through the downtown streets we were diving off Howe Island, in balmy weather no less... elves in jaunty red hats competing with the runners in shorts for room on the sidewalks.

The day was made to perfection with our last dive off the Marine Museum in choppy water, with a leisurely swim through the antiquities of the harbour bottom... and then as a grand finale the crimson setting sun backdropped by banks of november clouds... essence of perfection. A grand day indeed.

Thanks to divers Warren, Freefloat, Zslnk, and Aquanut for sharing this grand day.

And yes NTD - sorry we were so late returning, I left the tanks and cash with Dimitri.

[Eric__U]

hey warren

Sounds like a good day of diving. I'vev been diving here and there but not as much as i would have liked due do a few ear infections. If you wanna go for a dive locally or in k-town just and pm me.
eric

[zslnk]

Thanks again for having me on Sunday. I really enjoyed that clear water for a change!

Hopefuly my ears will be clearer next time, that was a real drag! Thanks Warren!

Craig

[Warren_L]

Hey Craig, it was good diving with you yesterday. No worries about the squeeze - better that you didn't do any serious damage.

Anyhow, keep in touch if you want to do more diving.

Warren