Monterey conditions. (let's keep it going )

[g1138]

Well, the trick is to zap them first, before they get you. Extend your hand with your alternate air source in it out in front of you, sneak up under a nettle, then give it a blast of air. They go shooting up to the surface and explode. When the nettles get really thick, this is how I have to clear a path in order to move forward. It sort of reminds me of doing mine sweeps in Viet Nam.

And the best part is you'll entertain all the paddle boarders up top.

 

[rdjiv]

It sort of reminds me of doing mine sweeps in Viet Nam.

With this image, I no longer have any apprehension of diving with nettles.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Another trick with the nettles is to tap one side of the bell with a finger. They will turn 90 degrees away from the tap.

 

[uspap]

I'll have to try that Chuck because tapping the tentacles with my lip didn't work.

 

[zf2nt]

You can also pick up crabs, the bigger the better, and drop them in the center of the bell. The crabs catch on quickly and usually commence eating jelly before the pair hits the bottom.

 

[uspap]

I think I have a list of things to try out tomorrow. J/K

 

[Vegan Shark]

Not to be a spoil sport, but isn't the golden rule of scuba the same as at gentleman's bars? "Look, don't touch." I feel bad enough just accidentally kicking sea stars off their rocks, don't think I could handle making crabfood out of a jelly

 

[fisheater]

If those damned nettles would avoid touching us, we'd avoid touching them.

 

[uspap]

I don't advocate jacking with sea life. However, sometimes you may have to clear a path when the Nettles get thick. Here's a clip of what I'm talking about. Del Monte Pier 254-255 090 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[Vegan Shark]

Are nettle swarms common in fall/winter? I haven't seen any diving yet, but when whale watching last October it looked like there was more nettles than there was water. Can't wait to see one up close!