California diver finally delurking

[GenericDiver]

Hi everyone, I've been reading scubaboard since before I decided to get certified (almost 2 years ago), but haven't signed up until now. I've learned so much from you guys and just want to say thank you.

 

[divad]

Is "delurking" a real word?

 

[GenericDiver]

Ha ha, I have no idea. Maybe that's something else you guys can teach me!

 

[drrich2]

Welcome. Where you been diving so far?

Richard.

 

[GenericDiver]

Thank you, Richard. Besides from 2 days on vacation in Greece, all my dives have been in CA, between Monterey and the (northern) channel islands. Both DH and I hate traveling! (Going to Greece wasn't our idea either.)

 

[tilikum]

Monterey has more than a lifetime's value of diving. If you have no desire to travel, you won't have to!

 

[RJYruegas]

Santa Barbara county definitely has some amazing diving right of the beach

 

[Kevrumbo]

With wonderful marine life to see and kelp forests & deep reef pinnacles to explore, but also be aware & thankful that we California Divers are so fortunate to have the only two Recompression Chambers in the US standing-by 24/7 solely for the treatment of civilian recreational diving accidents:

 

[gypsyjim]

Monterey has more than a lifetime's value of diving. If you have no desire to travel, you won't have to!

Loved diving the kelp forrest there

 

[GenericDiver]

I'm right in between Monterey and Santa Barbara so it's quite a bit of driving in either direction, so mostly I just dive Morro Bay. Not a big fan of all the silt there though. Every time we go elsewhere I'm struck at how much more colorful everything else w/o a layer of silt over it! Good to know about the 2 dedicated chambers. I've only heard of the Catalina one.

RJYruegas, what are your favorite dives in Santa Barbara. I've only been to Refugio, and only 3-4 times. Only once was the visibility over 10'. Do you have any tips on what to look for in the forecast?