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Thanks for the update. Congratulation on getting certified. 15' with all the rain we had last week sound great.
From what I saw watching the weather all week, Terrell really didn't get any rain. My instructor said the visibility was up from when he was out there the weekend before.
 
Anyone going to or want to go to the Scuba Ranch this anytime weekend? I would like to go but don't have a buddy, PM me.
 
I've been out to SR twice in the last couple weeks, both for OW classes and it's much better than it used to be. The addition of the aerators has made a huge difference with regards to temps. 72-74 from surface to mud (not certain in the silo as I've never been in it) and I've been DMing in a Sharkskin top and dive skin. Most everything to see underwater is now marked with buoys and there are also a few neutral buoyancy "platforms" that are each marked with 4 yellow buoys, one at each corner. A lot of the pavilions now have an upper deck added to them and most of the old docks have been or are being replaced. Air shack has been redone and is really quite nice now. I don't believe they've added any additional objects underwater, aside from a small cessna that was sunk 2-3 years ago. They did remove one of the old cabin cruisers last year, the one that was pretty much a hazard to everyone, especially students. They've also started mowing some of the underwater foliage near the banks to help with visibility, along with adding some type of carp that eats algae to help in that area too. I'm sure there's more Brad (current owner) has done out there but I can't recall at the moment. But if it's been a while since you were out there, go check it out. It's better than it used to be, although don't expect visibility to be too much better. That part has't changed much but what can you really expect from Texas lakes?
 
I ended up going out to the Scuba Ranch Friday and Saturday. Water temps in the low 80's unless you went deeper than around 40'. I was impressed with the operation. The people running the place are extremely helpful. A tip if you are going for the first time, fill out the waiver online. You don't have to print it out and it will save time checking in. I was able to find a buddy to dive with without an issue. Good place to work on your navigation skills, mine are terrible.

 
I ended up going out to the Scuba Ranch Friday and Saturday...

The visibility has gotten a lot better since I was out there 3 weeks ago. Makes me want to get back even more.
 
The visibility has gotten a lot better since I was out there 3 weeks ago. Makes me want to get back even more.
The camera made the visibility look better than it is. I would say around 10'.
 
The camera made the visibility look better than it is. I would say around 10'.
That's about the average for The Ranch. I've been out a few times when it was better, even a couple times when vertical visibility from the surface was better than 20' but usually 10-15 is the norm, especially when you have a lot of divers/students in the water. Depending on how much rain we end up getting I wouldn't expect this coming weekend to be any better.
 
When you are so used to 100' visibility, diving in 10' visibility does not appeal to me at all.
Scuba Ranch is about an hour's drive for me and I have not been there in years. I am told that the new owner really has made a lot of very nice top-side improvements.
It's still 10' visibility.
I will return to SR to take a few dive courses and maybe even blow some bubbles with some new gear I have acquired.
For now, my best place for great visibility is Coz. Just a 2.5 hr plane ride.
 
When you are so used to 100' visibility, diving in 10' visibility does not appeal to me at all.
Scuba Ranch is about an hour's drive for me and I have not been there in years. I am told that the new owner really has made a lot of very nice top-side improvements.
It's still 10' visibility.
I will return to SR to take a few dive courses and maybe even blow some bubbles with some new gear I have acquired.
For now, my best place for great visibility is Coz. Just a 2.5 hr plane ride.
I totally agree with this. However, I am beginning to enjoy diving at the ranch more and more. Friday and Sat I spend over 8 hours underwater there. Cruising along the bottom at 50' with 3 or 4 fairly large bass escorting you or using your light to hunt, is fun. Oh and no neoprene required.
 
I totally agree with this. However, I am beginning to enjoy diving at the ranch more and more. Friday and Sat I spend over 8 hours underwater there. Cruising along the bottom at 50' with 3 or 4 fairly large bass escorting you or using your light to hunt, is fun. Oh and no neoprene required.
It's definitely nice now that there are no thermoclines. I've not been out there in about a month since the last OW class I DM'd but I'm sure I"ll be out there in the next couple of weeks. I'm itching to blow bubbles again.......
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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