Hi Everyone
I just got open water certified two weekends ago with my wife at Lake Swepco. To say the least the air temp was very cold only 42 degree F. Now that were certified we want to find others in our area to dive with. I also want to learn as much as I can about the sport so hear we are!
Welcome to ScubaBoard. . . since it is still a cold water part of the year, us amphibians are moving slower than when the lakes are warm. Looking for dive partners this time of year is more difficult than it will be when the lakes warm up. If you have the wetsuits to dive this time of year, go down to Tenkiller state park, there are a few divers going on weekends. Check in at both dive shops at the lake, and the state park, hang around the Underwater park and visit with the park rangers till divers show up.
This time of year, you'll want a full thick wetsuit, hood, gloves, and a hot water source when you finish your dive. Late May, and through the summer, those of us with 3 mil suits will be more active. You can look for dive buddies there in Broken Arrow, or Tulsa, but then you have to adjust your schedules to find a common time for traveling to the lake. If you will try the dive shops there at the lake, you will meet people that are already at the lake ready to dive, and buying air. If they are refilling tanks, it is a strong indication they are about to dive.
Gene's pro shop, is on the highway to Gore, between Fin and feather resort and the road across the dam, on the southwest part of Tenkiller. Near Cookson Bend on the highway is another shop, Underwater adventures, ask for Tim. They are both full dive shops with Air, equipment, and instruction.
While the visibility will vary from season to season, rainfall with runoff will hurt the visibility, Diving the underwater park will be good if you are first in, and bad if you are behind a herd of students or other beginning divers. You can wait around the park and almost always meet a lot of divers, and if it is crowded with students, there are other nearby spots that will be clearer on crowded weekends.
