I would suggest that you email Rich Parker <
Rich@southcoastdivers.com> and request you be placed on his mailing list. Rich publishes a short message every day about diving conditions in and around Laguna Beach along with the images from a beach camera.
It is too bad you wou"t be around for the week end. Every Saturday AM Rich and his partner meet with a group of divers and dive semi supervised off a local Laguna Beach cove. After the dive they meet for breakfast (or brunch) for a friendly critique of the dive.
It is now raining - the first rain for nine months. The rain is currently more a soaking rain rather than a down poor. If the rain continues and becomes more aggressive I would strongly suggest that you consider a trip to Catalina Island via a charter boat or the Catalina express to dive the "dive park." This would be more attuned to the type diving you have been doing in Hoosier land-- except the water is salty.
A few thought to consider about California Rain:
Early runoff from streets and storm drains will carry oils, pesticides and other contaminates into the creeks, rivers terminating in the ocean.
As the rainy season becomes mature agricultural runoff, fecal material and high levels of bacterial contamination can be expected.
If you MUST dive it is suggested:
A week be allowed after the OK for ocean to purge it's self of near shore and off shore contaminates
Avoid diving in the near shore waters near the creeks and streams emptying into the ocean
After a questionable dive always wash with soap and water as soon as possible
Immediately rise the inner ear canal with appropriate anti- bacterial solution
Make a concerted effort not to ingest any water you have been diving in or have made contact.
Routinely check any cuts and scrapes for redness and swelling that may indicate infection. If persists suggest seeking medical assistance.
Monitor long term coughs and irritated throats which are often a result of contaminated water diving.
Enjoy California and it's diving...Even with such a short visit
One of the active early California LA Co UW instructors - Long before NAUI and PADI was from Valparaiso, Indiana (valpo has gotta go)
SDM
