diving in LA

[aparatchiki]

hi guys...

il be going to LA next month and will be staying there for a bit more than just a few weeks. i was wondering how i could dive (and where) since i wont be lugging any of my dive gears from manila...except maybe my mask and snorkel for some bit of freediving.

are there dive ops near LA area where i could just rent the dive gears? also how much would it cost?


appreciate any info... thanks!

 

[red_infinity]

Hello!

Kumusta! You're from Manila? Cool! I was born there, came here to the US when I was nine to study. I'm now 18 and enjoying it, but I want to go back to the Philippines at some point to visit family and do some diving!

For diving in the LA area, you can try to make it on a boat and head to Catalina Island...the Magician is going to Catalina several times in June, he's the schedule: http://magicianscuba.com/schedule.htm it's a dive boat that goes out of San Pedro.

Here's some sites for several local dive shops that u can check out for gear, not sure about pricing though:

http://oceansafariscuba.com/ - Ocean Safari Scuba, San Gabriel
http://www.ecodivecenter.com/ - Eco Dive Center, Los Angeles
http://www.dolphindive.com/ - Dolphin Dive Center, Arcadia

I'm sure there's more dive shops, but I can't think of any others at the moment.

Also check this thread about Catalina: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=85342

Hope this helps!

-Francis

 

[dwaters]

aparatchiki, Welcome to So. Cal. there are many shops that will rent. Look to pay 40 - $50 for complete gear. What area are you staying? Check out our forum for more info. http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=131465 There are always divers
around that would love to show you their favorite spot via boat or shore. Good group for Laguna area nubbies is www.southcoastdivers.com . Hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[riguerin]

Check out the following threads in this sub forum

General info on local diving:

• The Greater SoCal Area Sticky Thread for Visitors and New Members
  
• The Great Catalina Island Info Sticky Thread

SB June dive events:

• Mo2vation JUNE 24th, '06 Boat Dive planning thread
  
• Wrinkles June '06 Dive Planning Thread

 

[aparatchiki]

thanks y'all! will check out all the links...

@RED yes im from manila. first time ill be diving away from the Philippines since i got certified. if you wanna meet more pinoy divers there's a Philippine Paradise Divers sub-forum. but consider yourself warned. the PPD guys (and girls) can get wild..really wild. but they're a cool bunch. im hoping to meet some cool guys (and girls) as well while im in cali.

 

[Diver_Jan]

If you are in the LA area, definitely check out http://www.Reefseekers.com They give rental discount on any booked trip. They too, are the only dive shop that list intended destination for their boat dives, so that you have some idea of what dive site you will be traveling too on Catalina Island.

Reefseekers also offers free Beach Diving and Navigation (Redondo Beach) as well a monthly Night Dive.

Even though you will be here for only a few weeks, don't hesitate to get involved in local dive club activity such as Dive Vets, Sand Eaters, West LA Dive Club, or here in Orange County, http://www.southcoastdivers.com for some great beach diving and fun.