vetdiver

Hi, Julian -

 

(Sorry for the delay - I tried to reply last week but was having trouble logging in...)

 

Gina is right on about May.  In general, IMO, March through May are not ideal in California. Springtime = storms and upwellings, so although we sometimes get great nudibranchs and jellies...they are often in mucky, green water.  We dove Catalina a week ago, and although we found pockets of decent vis, it was not great by any stretch of the imagination, maybe 40 ft max at one site; I heard that wreck alley had 10 ft vis max on the same weekend.  We also dove twice in La Jolla over the past week, but San Diego's been experiencing a south swell, so we've had weird currents and less than optimal visibility. 

 

San Clemente Island is consistently good and can range to incredible, but the biggest issue this time of year is the crossing - you need calm seas.  If it's iffy, you can cross to find yourself trapped in one lame anchorage for the whole trip. 

 

The oil rigs are one of my favorite So Cal sites, but I try to avoid diving them between February and about July simply because I can - I've experienced worse visibility and current in the spring than any other time of year - the rigs are daunting on a good day, and on a 15 ft vis day with a 1+ kt current and/or lots of surge, it is tough to see what the fuss is about. 

 

In short - while the weather/vis here is always hit or miss, if you can plan a trip for August through October, you're giving yourself the best chance to get a great day.

 

For San Diego, we love Waterhorse Charters for the wrecks/day trips.

For San Clemente, if you can do a multiday, Horizon out of San Diego is a nice boat; if you're farther north, check the Sundiver (out of San Pedro) schedule to see if they are running to SC and/or Santa Barbara.

For the oil rigs, Catalina (including Farnsworth), and even day trips to San Clemente, we use Selky Charters (out of Huntington Beach).  This is a six pack operation with no compressor on board, and you'll have to prearrange any gear needs (including tanks/weights), but the captain will tailor to your wants/needs - book ahead, as she is in demand.  The Sea Bass (out of San Pedro) also runs rigs and Catalina day trips, and they have a compressor on board (EANx was being fixed last time we were on, but he should have it running by now).

 

Hope this helps you plan future visits - California is incredible, even with the hit-or-miss nature - keep coming back, it is worth it!  Hope you enjoy Point Lobos - what an incredible site. 

 

Allison

Bob - 
 
I see your point...but I will say that many women I know tend to get colder than men on the same dives.  I can't speak for Fletcher, though I can tell you I've been in the water with her, and she uses top-quality gear that fits her well.  However - for myself - I have used lots of different suits and undergarments for lots of different types of dives, and I see the heated vest for my current diving not as a crutch, but as a tool that allows me to be far more comfortable without adding more bulk.  I am already carrying around 75% of my body weight when I get in for an average dive, and more lead to sink thicker undies is not an appealing proposition.  Just my 2 cents from a woman's perspective.
 
Fletcher, don't know if we'll see you before June, but if so, you're welcome to try my vest on.  Love that thing.  They say 4 hours on high - I was using it for 3 x 70 minute dives in South Komodo just fine (medium intensity), and I have used it on 2 x 90-95 minute CCR dive days in California (low and medium)on several occasions. I did have to replace the batteries recently, but I use the vest 2 days a week on average, and up to 7 when travelling. 
Allison
 
PS - Adam, I remember you mentioned those gloves to me previously....I need to get a pair!!!

Fletcher, I have been using a Thermalution vest since last July.  It can be used under a wetsuit or drysuit, so it is with me on all my local dives, as well as many of my warm-water trips.  I do tend to add time to my safety stops for added safety.  Worth noting: the wireless transmitter is best used topside - before entry - as the transmission doesn't work as well in water.  I've done it, but you really have to get the transmitter close to the receiver, which will be on your back.  Tricky, especially in a drysuit!  Anyways, I love (LOVE) that vest, love it.  It was worth every penny.

 

By the way, if you're going to the Scuba Show, the Thermalution people tend to discount about $100 if you buy it on-site.  I about knocked the table over running to pass them them my credit card last year.

 

Allison

Another vote for Grenada here - absolutely mindblowing, lush and beautiful both topside and underwater.  I believe the wind starts to come up around the end of December, but that won't affect your ability to get to many of the Caribbean-side reefs and wrecks. 

Steve -

 

I'm so hoping we can come up for your talk!!!  Those mid-week drives to LA are harsh, though.  Please let us know how long you'll be in So Cal - maybe you could be persuaded to give a repeat presentation in Lembeh?

 

Now, to answer your question with a local respnse.  My eye has been on the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) in Laguna Beach.  I visited the veterinarian there recently, and I wound up staying and helping out for hours - poor Andy maybe got a bit more than he was expecting going behind the scenes with me...  The PMMC has been inundated this spring with malnourished pups (mainly sea lions, but they had a pen with recuperating baby elephant seals, as well), and they have very few paid employees - many workers are passionate volunteers.  Some of the animals need round-the-clock care, and they are doing everything on a shoestring budget.   I've donated money, and going forward, I'll be donating professional time as well. 

 

I really hope to see you this month!    Allison