Need Recommendations for Redondo Bch??

[giles45shop]

I'm a relatively new diver (~25 dives) from Florida looking for some recommendations on diving in the Redondo Beach Area Jan 17-24, 2007. I'll be in town for a couple meetings, and will have the weekend free at a minimum, possibly some late afternoon/evenings as well.

I'll need a place to rent tanks (DIN prefered) and weights, possibly a wetsuit if my 5/4 Bare isn't sufficiently warm. I wouldn't mind having a guide as well, since it's new territory and most of my diving has been lakes and springs.

Any recommendations on where to rent gear,dive locations, gear & guides would be appreciated. Sounds like there's some decent shore diving, which is fine since I don't have a lot of $$ to spend, but I wouldn't mind a short boat trip as well, if price is similar to FL (~$75 for a 2 tank dive a few miles offshore)

Thanks,

John

 

[LAJim]

The Island Diver out of Redondo is a 6-pack that goes to the PV area (near Redondo) often. Pacific Star out of Redondo holds ca. 20 divers and goes to Catalina frequently but also sometimes local night dives. Beach diving Redondo is mostly at Vet's Park which has a submarine canyon 100 yds. off shore. Dive can be outstanding to tricky depending on surf. Conditions often good in January. That time of the year even a 7 mm full suit is a little light and layering a 7 with a 5/3 hooded vest is advised.

Some dive girl from Hermosa Beach hangs out on this board. She might chip in with info on Redondo area dive shops.

As far as someone to dive with: another local group called Dive Vets is always at Vets Park on Wednesday nights and early Saturday morning. Also a lot of people on this Board dive Vets but it depends on conditions. If you are having trouble post here a few days from your target dates. Also post on Dive Vets. http://www.divevets.com/

Jim

 

[HBDiveGirl]

Some dive girl from Hermosa Beach hangs out on this board. She might chip in with info on Redondo area dive shops.

I knew my ears were tingling for a reason! Although JimOfLosAngeles has already posted the basic info

Dive N Surf (open 7 days, about 1 mile from Veterans' Park) rents gear and fills tanks.
http://www.divensurf.com/company/index.htm

SeaDSea is about 2-3 miles away, also open 7 days, also rents and fills.

Headhunter put tons of great information into a thread regarding an event at Redondo next year. Check out the store and dive site info here: http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=2450457&postcount=1

Keep posting on this board and on DiveVets and you'll be in great hands.
DiveVets is very active with many eager divers that are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. (I'll miss getting to meet you as I'll be out of town that weekend

May you be blessed with great conditions.

Claudette

 

[giles45shop]

All,

Thanks for all the info! I'm looking forward to diving in the Pacific, but it sounds like I'll need some thicker insulation. What's a typical water temp in January? I'm fairly tolerant of cold water. I'm very comfortable in 70F water in my 5/4 bare and have dove in mid to low 60's w/ that and a hood.

Thanks again,

John

 

[LAJim]

John:

Could be mid-50s down to 50 at depth late in January. Plan on having adequate thermal and your experience will be much more positive. I'm already getting 59 on some dives. Last winter I hurt when it was 50 using 7 + 5/3 - especially on 60+ minute dives. Working on dry suit to avoid repeat of that experience.

Jim

 

[kelpmermaid]

See the scoop from NOAA:

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/spac.html

Trip prices here are a bit higher, but a lot tend to be all-day affairs (3-4 tanks.) Usually there is a compressor on board so you may only need to bring one tank, but it's best to check what's included with the operator to be sure.

 

[orangelion03]

Old Marineland/Long Point is an excellent shore dive. Rocky reefs with lots of life. And the hike back up the hill will warm you up afterwards! It's a 15 minute drive from Redondo Beach.

 

[travelmadness]

Dive N Surf is a great shop to rent gear, find trips, and maybe even a dive buddy

 

[SeaWorthy]

In addition to Dive-n-Surf and Sea D Sea, another nearby place that rents scuba gear is Sport Chalet in Torrance, at SW corner of Torrance Blvd and Hawthorne Blvd. Another dive site to consider is Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes. Check out the following online articles. They are the author's opinion, of course, but the sketch of the dive site in each article is at least useful:

Old Marine Land, Palos Verdes
http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnfeb03/LongPt.html

Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes
http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnjune02/MalagaCv.html

Have fun diving during your visit.

Loi

 

[HBDiveGirl]

Old Marineland/Long Point is an excellent shore dive. Rocky reefs with lots of life. And the hike back up the hill will warm you up afterwards! It's a 15 minute drive from Redondo Beach.

And it's one of the most challenging, difficult, and dangerous beach entry/exits in the area.
Except on those rare "Lake Pacific" days, it requires experience, skill, strength, strong buddies, tenacity, wisdom, and brass gonads.

You're just tougher than you realize, Robert!

Please be reasonably cautious when introducing out-of-town divers to SoCal beach diving. WE are used the surf and surge and the rocks and the urchins and the cliffs and the stairs....because we have to be to get in the water on many days/nights. Those that don't like it, boat dive .

Some other areas of the country have much calmer "beach diving" environments, (often with no surf at all,) and visiting divers sometimes don't know what to expect.

Reasonable expectations make for safer diving and more fun all around.

omg... I think I'm channeling dearest Pasley :14: .

~~~~~~
Claudette

(I miss you, Melvin... be safe and come home on time.)