Skin Dive#:016
Tues Jun 24, 08
Little Corona Del Mar: sand, eel grass, kelp, tide pools
Purpose: experience the spot with visibility
Tide: High @ 2:40 pm
Entry: sand @ 1:30 pm
Distance: out to kelp in middle of cove then to the rocks on right
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood, gloves
Temp: Air 80 F?/Water 68 F?
Enviroment: sunny, light wind, 1-3 ft breaks
Visibilty: 4-8 ft
Conditions Synopsis: poor+/fair
Sights: garibaldi, treefish, senorita, bait fish, opaleye, surfperch, snails, kelp crab
Exit: same @ 2:00 pm., then into tide pools
Time to date: 11 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 12 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: I had the privelage to be down in Newport Beach yesterday and waited around until the tide approached high. I noticed earlier in the day that Little Corona was calm so I went back there for my skin dive opposed to some places further down the coast in Laguna that had moderate breaks. So, I lugged down the trail and briefed with the lifeguard and took some time to walk through the rocky shores with my girlfriend. She wore some hard soled slippers and waded into small tide pools. I got geared up for snorkeling. I decided to take the easy entrance in the middle of the cove and see what the vis would allow to see. I swam about 50 yards out and saw thick kelp, swam through the thickness on my sides and it felt sort of foreign so I swam north out of the kelp and began to see eel grass and rocks in areas I previously saw nothing in prior dives with minimal vis. The eel grass looked inviting so I put my gloves into it's blades and looked around. I swam over to the rocky area on the north side and the kelp was minimal so I felt more comfortable and saw a lone garibaldi and several small fish and even a friendly orange crab. The current pushed me around and a had fun seeing the bottom this time. The vis wasn't great, but I enjoyed myself and the things I did see. I exited in the middle with a help from a break and then took off my soft slippers and put on my hard ones and walked into the deep tide pools to the south now without fins. Here I snorkeled without fins in the waves and saw treefish and opaleye in about 1 to 5 ft deep water. That was fun. I stood up when strong little breaks would of pushed me into a rock or crevice. Under the small waves I held onto the rocks with my gloves. The vis was good and I enjoyed the pool like setting. I wrapped it up and we were off.
June 25, 2008
June 23, 2008
Aquarium Conditions At Christmas Tree Cove
Skin Dive#:015
Sun Jun 22, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: rocks, reefs
Purpose: Try weights and take advantage of great conditions
Tide: High @ 1:30 pm
Entry: cobblestone @ 1:30 pm
Distance: out to point on left side, twice
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood, gloves
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 68 F
Enviroment: sunny, hot and flat
Visibilty: up to 20ft+
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: sea stars, urchins, garibaldi, calico bass, white bass, possibly young black bass, rockfish, treefish, senorita, opaleye, surfperch, sargo, sea hares, octopus, snails
Exit: same @ 3:30 pm
Time to date: 9 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 2 hrs
Total time: 11 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: As I was heading down to Christmas Tree Cove two spearfishers were coming up the trail and we chatted a bit about the great conditions. It was their first time there and they said they had fun and understand why it's sometimes referred to as 'Crystal Cove'. I agrreed and made my way to the bottom.
I geared up and and went in with a new addition to my skin diving (snorkeling) gear: 12 lbs of weight on a rubber belt. This was my first time using weights and boy did it increase the fun. I was able to stare down an octopus while on the bottom and practically swim with the fish. A couple times I banged on the lead weights with my knuckles and watched the fish change expressions. I was also wearing some cheap gardening gloves that did the trick real well of kepping my hands unscathed. I even managed to help a floating sea hare find a rock to sit on. Something that is funny that happened... I tried to entice a school of perch with my pale gloves. They seemed to almost be in a slight trance as I performed interpretive glove dances for them in the shallows! It was a great 2 hours in the water. At one point I got out for some liquid and went right back out. I practiced equalizing my ears. I can get down to over 10 ft. and feel comfortbale. In the middle of the dive I found a working flashlight. Out half way through the cove on the left here is a funny little rocky mini - tunnel. It's not completely covered so I dove into it and imagnined what cave diving must feel like. Also, I realized all the discarded spark plugs are what people used for fishing weights, shame. I'll have to bring a bag and collect and throw them away. Later in the week high tide will be conveniently timed after I get off work. I hope conditions stay great.
Sun Jun 22, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: rocks, reefs
Purpose: Try weights and take advantage of great conditions
Tide: High @ 1:30 pm
Entry: cobblestone @ 1:30 pm
Distance: out to point on left side, twice
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood, gloves
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 68 F
Enviroment: sunny, hot and flat
Visibilty: up to 20ft+
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: sea stars, urchins, garibaldi, calico bass, white bass, possibly young black bass, rockfish, treefish, senorita, opaleye, surfperch, sargo, sea hares, octopus, snails
Exit: same @ 3:30 pm
Time to date: 9 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 2 hrs
Total time: 11 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: As I was heading down to Christmas Tree Cove two spearfishers were coming up the trail and we chatted a bit about the great conditions. It was their first time there and they said they had fun and understand why it's sometimes referred to as 'Crystal Cove'. I agrreed and made my way to the bottom.
I geared up and and went in with a new addition to my skin diving (snorkeling) gear: 12 lbs of weight on a rubber belt. This was my first time using weights and boy did it increase the fun. I was able to stare down an octopus while on the bottom and practically swim with the fish. A couple times I banged on the lead weights with my knuckles and watched the fish change expressions. I was also wearing some cheap gardening gloves that did the trick real well of kepping my hands unscathed. I even managed to help a floating sea hare find a rock to sit on. Something that is funny that happened... I tried to entice a school of perch with my pale gloves. They seemed to almost be in a slight trance as I performed interpretive glove dances for them in the shallows! It was a great 2 hours in the water. At one point I got out for some liquid and went right back out. I practiced equalizing my ears. I can get down to over 10 ft. and feel comfortbale. In the middle of the dive I found a working flashlight. Out half way through the cove on the left here is a funny little rocky mini - tunnel. It's not completely covered so I dove into it and imagnined what cave diving must feel like. Also, I realized all the discarded spark plugs are what people used for fishing weights, shame. I'll have to bring a bag and collect and throw them away. Later in the week high tide will be conveniently timed after I get off work. I hope conditions stay great.
June 21, 2008
Teaching A Friend At Christmas Tree Cove
Skin Dive#:014
Sat Jun 21, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: rocks, reefs
Purpose: teach a friend to snorkel and see fish
Tide: High @ 1:00 pm
Entry: cobblestone @ aprrox 3:00 pm
Distance: around shore and rocks with friend, out to point later
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 68 F
Enviroment: sunny and hot 0-2 ft breaks, slight surge
Visibilty: 5-15 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Fair
Sights: sea stars, urchins, garibaldi, sea bass, rockfish, senorita, opaleye, surfperch, sargo, sea hare
Exit: same @ approx 4:30 pm
Time to date: 8 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 1 hr 15 min
Total time: 9 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: My friend Omar has heard me talk about snorkeling and really took interest in the subject. He is a complete newbie and I didn't mind offering him a crash course in snokeling off Christmas Tree Cove. Yes, it was strenuous for him but, he had fun and he accomplished it. Now that he has done a rocky shore snorkel, i'm positive he will have fun at a sandy entrance... We arrived and once looking over the edge off the hill I knew it was a clear day in the water. We got down and he barely slipped into an XL 4mm wetsuit I had purchased off ebay for a mere $60 and I drilled him on waves, tides, gear, and the usual stuff. I went in with my gear and had him wade out without fins to try the mask and snorkel in water. He had a hard time at first but I coached him and then we exited and grabbed the rest of his gear. Once in the water and trying to put on fins he fumbled in the shallows. He's actual not that athletic and I spent a lot of mental and physical energy getting him grounded. A little later we were off checking out the rocks on the left side after he showed me he was comfortable swimming and enjoying himself. About a half hour after starting, he said that the only fish he saw was the orange garibaldi which, astonished me as I pointed out and even swam through some schools of fish while with him at my side. He might have poor vision or just doesnt' have the eye for seeing fish. I told him to look closer for grey and brown fish, because there's lots of them. The exit was eventful. He managed to loose both fins in a break and I made him wade back and grab them since I was actually barefoot during this skin dive. We only had one pair of socks so I let him use them. Me being barefoot and him being virgin to rocks, we probably looked really awkard coming over the cobblestones. On our bellies we braced ourselves for the small waves that felt larger than life. Haha, I'm proud of him. He said he wanted to learn to snorkel and boy did he. Once we were both out and safe I had to go back in and get my kicks out on my own. I swam up the left side and enjoyed some new terrain and saw a cool sea hare on a lonely rock. The garibaldis were bold as always. By the time I exited the water signs of "not-so-high tide" was apparent. The rocks were showing their green algae in the open air. Tomorrow should be great weather again. I have some weights and a belt I've been meaning to try. I'll plan that for tomorrow.
-Seaschralped-
Sat Jun 21, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: rocks, reefs
Purpose: teach a friend to snorkel and see fish
Tide: High @ 1:00 pm
Entry: cobblestone @ aprrox 3:00 pm
Distance: around shore and rocks with friend, out to point later
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 68 F
Enviroment: sunny and hot 0-2 ft breaks, slight surge
Visibilty: 5-15 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Fair
Sights: sea stars, urchins, garibaldi, sea bass, rockfish, senorita, opaleye, surfperch, sargo, sea hare
Exit: same @ approx 4:30 pm
Time to date: 8 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 1 hr 15 min
Total time: 9 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: My friend Omar has heard me talk about snorkeling and really took interest in the subject. He is a complete newbie and I didn't mind offering him a crash course in snokeling off Christmas Tree Cove. Yes, it was strenuous for him but, he had fun and he accomplished it. Now that he has done a rocky shore snorkel, i'm positive he will have fun at a sandy entrance... We arrived and once looking over the edge off the hill I knew it was a clear day in the water. We got down and he barely slipped into an XL 4mm wetsuit I had purchased off ebay for a mere $60 and I drilled him on waves, tides, gear, and the usual stuff. I went in with my gear and had him wade out without fins to try the mask and snorkel in water. He had a hard time at first but I coached him and then we exited and grabbed the rest of his gear. Once in the water and trying to put on fins he fumbled in the shallows. He's actual not that athletic and I spent a lot of mental and physical energy getting him grounded. A little later we were off checking out the rocks on the left side after he showed me he was comfortable swimming and enjoying himself. About a half hour after starting, he said that the only fish he saw was the orange garibaldi which, astonished me as I pointed out and even swam through some schools of fish while with him at my side. He might have poor vision or just doesnt' have the eye for seeing fish. I told him to look closer for grey and brown fish, because there's lots of them. The exit was eventful. He managed to loose both fins in a break and I made him wade back and grab them since I was actually barefoot during this skin dive. We only had one pair of socks so I let him use them. Me being barefoot and him being virgin to rocks, we probably looked really awkard coming over the cobblestones. On our bellies we braced ourselves for the small waves that felt larger than life. Haha, I'm proud of him. He said he wanted to learn to snorkel and boy did he. Once we were both out and safe I had to go back in and get my kicks out on my own. I swam up the left side and enjoyed some new terrain and saw a cool sea hare on a lonely rock. The garibaldis were bold as always. By the time I exited the water signs of "not-so-high tide" was apparent. The rocks were showing their green algae in the open air. Tomorrow should be great weather again. I have some weights and a belt I've been meaning to try. I'll plan that for tomorrow.
-Seaschralped-
June 09, 2008
Mildly Chaotic in the Portugeuse Pt. Tide Pools
Below: getting ready to flop in
Skin Dive#:013
Sat Jun 07, 08
Portuguese Point: tide pools, rocks
Purpose: get wet and have fun, test new fins
Tide: High @ 2:00 pm
Entry: rocks and reefs @ 3:30 pm
Distance: 50 yds to rocks
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 75 F/Water 58 F
Enviroment: partly cloudy, light wind, 1-3 ft breaks, textured surface
Visibilty: 0-10 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor
Sights: lots of: sea stars, urchins, cracked mussels, algae, kelp, some treefish
Exit: same @ 4:00 pm
Time to date: 8 hrs
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 8 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: I parked by the fire station and hiked over to the cove south of Portugeuse Point. This put me directly behind Abalone Cove at the unofficial nude beach. There were fisherman down at the bottom of the steep trail and I geared up and entered over a large tide pool area that was sort of clear and maneuvered around in 2 to 10ft of water with some strong current. Being confined in such tight places I was able to really look at things that I otherwise overlook, like algae and discarded shells. I mostly used my hands to get about but then swam out of the tide pools passing through a funny current that came from the nearby exit of a cave and then climbed onto a big rock and walked over to the front of the cave. The waves going in the cave were not to be messed with so I walked back to the rock ledge I used and waited for a good swell to flop back in. On the flop I hit my knee on a hidden rock that was covered with seaweed, but luckily it didn't do anything besides surprise me. I spent the rest of the time wiggling in and out and over rocks. All in all this dip was strange and foreign due to the shallow water and wave action. I still need to get some good gloves and hard soled sippers. My soft slippers now have a big toe popping thru em. I also used some new fins that I got at the thrift, just had to replace the straps. They work great!
-Seaschralped-
Skin Dive#:013
Sat Jun 07, 08
Portuguese Point: tide pools, rocks
Purpose: get wet and have fun, test new fins
Tide: High @ 2:00 pm
Entry: rocks and reefs @ 3:30 pm
Distance: 50 yds to rocks
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 75 F/Water 58 F
Enviroment: partly cloudy, light wind, 1-3 ft breaks, textured surface
Visibilty: 0-10 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor
Sights: lots of: sea stars, urchins, cracked mussels, algae, kelp, some treefish
Exit: same @ 4:00 pm
Time to date: 8 hrs
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 8 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: I parked by the fire station and hiked over to the cove south of Portugeuse Point. This put me directly behind Abalone Cove at the unofficial nude beach. There were fisherman down at the bottom of the steep trail and I geared up and entered over a large tide pool area that was sort of clear and maneuvered around in 2 to 10ft of water with some strong current. Being confined in such tight places I was able to really look at things that I otherwise overlook, like algae and discarded shells. I mostly used my hands to get about but then swam out of the tide pools passing through a funny current that came from the nearby exit of a cave and then climbed onto a big rock and walked over to the front of the cave. The waves going in the cave were not to be messed with so I walked back to the rock ledge I used and waited for a good swell to flop back in. On the flop I hit my knee on a hidden rock that was covered with seaweed, but luckily it didn't do anything besides surprise me. I spent the rest of the time wiggling in and out and over rocks. All in all this dip was strange and foreign due to the shallow water and wave action. I still need to get some good gloves and hard soled sippers. My soft slippers now have a big toe popping thru em. I also used some new fins that I got at the thrift, just had to replace the straps. They work great!
-Seaschralped-
May 31, 2008
Christmas Tree Cove, Yet Again
Below: I realized, most of the schools I've been seeing are senoritas
Below: girls on the usually uncrowded shoreline
Skin Dive#:012
Fri April 30, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: boulders, reefs, crevices, cobblestone
Purpose: swim for exercise
Tide: High @ 6:30 pm
Entry: cobblestone middle of cove @ 6:30 pm
Distance: 75 yds out to the right side of cove, also 25 yards to the left side
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 60 F
Enviroment: partly cloudy, light wind, 2-3 ft breaks, textured surface, surge
Visibilty: 10 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor
Sights: garibaldi, topsmelt, perch, bass, senoritas
Exit: cobblestone middle of cove @ 7:00 pm
Time to date: 7 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 8 hrs
Special Notes: This time from the top of the cove the conditions did not look too good, the swell had picked up and there was some foam on the water. The same spearfishing from a few days ago was exiting the water. He said it's not so good. There was also a few young girls as an audience. That made it feel like a beach. I swam to the right, turned around after realizing only ten foot vis in the bestter spots then swam a little ways up the left side after playing near the cobblestones. The left side was definetley more clear overall. Less sand in the water, higher and dense bank of boulders from the start. I'll make sure to check that area out more. Heard it goes to a nice reef and crevices out by point.
-Seaschralped-
Below: girls on the usually uncrowded shoreline
Skin Dive#:012
Fri April 30, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: boulders, reefs, crevices, cobblestone
Purpose: swim for exercise
Tide: High @ 6:30 pm
Entry: cobblestone middle of cove @ 6:30 pm
Distance: 75 yds out to the right side of cove, also 25 yards to the left side
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 60 F
Enviroment: partly cloudy, light wind, 2-3 ft breaks, textured surface, surge
Visibilty: 10 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor
Sights: garibaldi, topsmelt, perch, bass, senoritas
Exit: cobblestone middle of cove @ 7:00 pm
Time to date: 7 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 8 hrs
Special Notes: This time from the top of the cove the conditions did not look too good, the swell had picked up and there was some foam on the water. The same spearfishing from a few days ago was exiting the water. He said it's not so good. There was also a few young girls as an audience. That made it feel like a beach. I swam to the right, turned around after realizing only ten foot vis in the bestter spots then swam a little ways up the left side after playing near the cobblestones. The left side was definetley more clear overall. Less sand in the water, higher and dense bank of boulders from the start. I'll make sure to check that area out more. Heard it goes to a nice reef and crevices out by point.
-Seaschralped-
May 29, 2008
Christmas Tree Cove Again
Below: guitarfish are fun to watch and they can be a pleasant surprise.
Skin Dive#:011
Thur April 29, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: boulders, crevices, cobblestone
Purpose: take advantage of good conditions, swim for exercise
Tide: High @ 6:00 pm
Entry: cobblestone middle of cove @ 6:30 pm
Distance: 125 yds out to the right side of cove
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 60 F
Enviroment: sunny, light wind, 1 ft ankle breaks, textured surface, light surge
Visibilty: 15-25 ft out by boulders
Conditions Synopsis: Fair+
Sights: garibaldi, black surfperch, sargo, calico bass, 4+ ft shovelnose guitarfish
Exit: cobblestone middle of cove @ 7:15 pm
Time to date: 6 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 45 min
Total time: 7 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: Again, from the top of the trail I could tell the visibilty was good. I entered in same spot and swam a little further out and was able to get closer to the rocks on the side due to decrease in surge. It was peaceful. Saw the usual of variety of fish. On way back lingered in one area and a small bait fish hung out with me at eye level. Silly little thing. There was also a couple large schools of medium sized fish I swam through. This would have been an ideal time to have a large net. Once I was done I ran into a large shovelnose guitarfish in about 5 feet deep of really clear water in the cobblestones. He was 4 ft or longer. I managed to follow him for 20 yards until a wave came and dirtied the water. He was majestic and wiggled like a snake. After seeign him I hung out in the general area waiting for him, did not see him again. I noticed that when the cobblestone is clear, fish love to be in this low level of waters and find me to be quite spooky upon seeing me. They really dart. It may have to be with the fact that I approached them from the water side of the area not the land side, and this left them with no initial and unusual warnings. One of these times I'll enter off the large rocks and swim into the cobblestones when there's no waves and look for the guitarfish again. He was cool.
-Seaschralped-
Skin Dive#:011
Thur April 29, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: boulders, crevices, cobblestone
Purpose: take advantage of good conditions, swim for exercise
Tide: High @ 6:00 pm
Entry: cobblestone middle of cove @ 6:30 pm
Distance: 125 yds out to the right side of cove
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 60 F
Enviroment: sunny, light wind, 1 ft ankle breaks, textured surface, light surge
Visibilty: 15-25 ft out by boulders
Conditions Synopsis: Fair+
Sights: garibaldi, black surfperch, sargo, calico bass, 4+ ft shovelnose guitarfish
Exit: cobblestone middle of cove @ 7:15 pm
Time to date: 6 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 45 min
Total time: 7 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: Again, from the top of the trail I could tell the visibilty was good. I entered in same spot and swam a little further out and was able to get closer to the rocks on the side due to decrease in surge. It was peaceful. Saw the usual of variety of fish. On way back lingered in one area and a small bait fish hung out with me at eye level. Silly little thing. There was also a couple large schools of medium sized fish I swam through. This would have been an ideal time to have a large net. Once I was done I ran into a large shovelnose guitarfish in about 5 feet deep of really clear water in the cobblestones. He was 4 ft or longer. I managed to follow him for 20 yards until a wave came and dirtied the water. He was majestic and wiggled like a snake. After seeign him I hung out in the general area waiting for him, did not see him again. I noticed that when the cobblestone is clear, fish love to be in this low level of waters and find me to be quite spooky upon seeing me. They really dart. It may have to be with the fact that I approached them from the water side of the area not the land side, and this left them with no initial and unusual warnings. One of these times I'll enter off the large rocks and swim into the cobblestones when there's no waves and look for the guitarfish again. He was cool.
-Seaschralped-
May 28, 2008
Christmas Tree Cove
Skin Dive#:010
Thur April 28, 08
Christmas Tree Cove: boulders, gravel
Purpose: first time at spot, take advantage of good conditions
Tide: High @ 5:30 pm
Entry: cobblestone middle of cove @ 6:45 pm
Distance: 75 yds out to the right side of cove
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 58 F
Enviroment: sunny, light wind, 2 ft ankle breaks, textured surface, surge
Visibilty: 5ft near shore, mostly 15-25 ft out by boulders
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: large garibaldi, surf perch, sargo, various kelp fish, large calico bass
Exit: cobblestone middle of cove @ 7:15 pm
Time to date: 6 hrs 15 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 6 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: From the top of the steep goat trail the water looked a welcoming green and the kelp and some boulders were visible through the water. I also could see one fellow in the cove with free diving gear so I knew it must be a fine dive. Once down the dude was leaving and said it was 20 ft vis in the good areas and that he bagged a couple perch. He was right, after a short swim past the murkiness and into the middle of the cove the vis jumped to a solid 20 ft. If the sun was more above in the sky it would have illuminated the floor better. Now thinking about it, the vis was 20+ ft. I saw many fish and a couple legal sized bass. Fun place. Lots of eye candy. I used the dolphin kick to move around to try something new. It felt funny, but worked fine. I got out of the water when the sun was trying to hide behind the hill. Will come back with a friend. I also want to try the east side of the cove.
-Seaschralped-
Back At Pt. Vicente
Below: the nice walk down
Skin Dive#:009
Thur April 27, 08
Pt. Vicente Fishing Access: rocks, crevices
Purpose: first use of new wetsuit, show friend spot, rehab my calf
Tide: High @ 5 pm
Entry: rocks @ 6:30 pm
Distance: 10 - 100 yds offshore and about length of cove
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: scattered clouds, wind, 2 ft ankle breaks, choppy, strong surge
Visibilty: 5-15 ft, mostly 10 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor+/Fair
Sights: large garibaldi, surf perch, sargo, various kelp fish (ufo's)
Exit: rocks @ 7 pm
Time to date: 5 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 6 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: Last thursday while swimming at the Y and diving to the bottom (with no fins) to play and equalize my ears I managed to get a really bad leg cramp in my left calf. It was completely paralyzing and I limped for a good day. It took about three days to actually feel normal. When I asked the lifeguard about it, he said it's from overexertion or even more likely from dehydration. I was dehydrated, and I swam for the longest and hardest ever that night. He helped me stretch it out and told me how to take care of it and stay hydrated, which I knew, but didn't practice, obviously. It's happened to him before in a swim meet so he just kept going with his good leg until that cramped up and then he was completely screwed. His soreness lasted several days, in both legs. he told me to eat a banana before swimming. So, I'm learnign to take care of my body more to prevent another leg cramp. For some reason, if it happens in the ocean, I'll be prepared for the discomfort, etc. I'll need to float on my back, stick the leg in the air, massage it with one hand and swim back to shore with the other. Pretty hard, that's where a dive buddy is a nescessity.
So this was my first skin dive since that leg cramp happened. Victor came with me and we got in the water an hour after high tide. Ideally, I'd want to be there a half hour before high tide because the currents get a bit stronger on that side of PV during tide change. The little half hour of calmness rigth before peak tide and right after would have made a slight difference in the dive. Same entry as last time, same exit. We swam out to the big rock and peered for rays in the sand. There was more fish life overall in the cove than the last time I was here. Saw many garibaldi. Fun dive. We cut it short cause my knee began to feel loose after spending days with a sore calf and then finally swimming again. Also, sun sets earlier here than Malaga due to positioning of the spot.
Skin Dive#:009
Thur April 27, 08
Pt. Vicente Fishing Access: rocks, crevices
Purpose: first use of new wetsuit, show friend spot, rehab my calf
Tide: High @ 5 pm
Entry: rocks @ 6:30 pm
Distance: 10 - 100 yds offshore and about length of cove
Gear: 5/3suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: scattered clouds, wind, 2 ft ankle breaks, choppy, strong surge
Visibilty: 5-15 ft, mostly 10 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor+/Fair
Sights: large garibaldi, surf perch, sargo, various kelp fish (ufo's)
Exit: rocks @ 7 pm
Time to date: 5 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 6 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: Last thursday while swimming at the Y and diving to the bottom (with no fins) to play and equalize my ears I managed to get a really bad leg cramp in my left calf. It was completely paralyzing and I limped for a good day. It took about three days to actually feel normal. When I asked the lifeguard about it, he said it's from overexertion or even more likely from dehydration. I was dehydrated, and I swam for the longest and hardest ever that night. He helped me stretch it out and told me how to take care of it and stay hydrated, which I knew, but didn't practice, obviously. It's happened to him before in a swim meet so he just kept going with his good leg until that cramped up and then he was completely screwed. His soreness lasted several days, in both legs. he told me to eat a banana before swimming. So, I'm learnign to take care of my body more to prevent another leg cramp. For some reason, if it happens in the ocean, I'll be prepared for the discomfort, etc. I'll need to float on my back, stick the leg in the air, massage it with one hand and swim back to shore with the other. Pretty hard, that's where a dive buddy is a nescessity.
So this was my first skin dive since that leg cramp happened. Victor came with me and we got in the water an hour after high tide. Ideally, I'd want to be there a half hour before high tide because the currents get a bit stronger on that side of PV during tide change. The little half hour of calmness rigth before peak tide and right after would have made a slight difference in the dive. Same entry as last time, same exit. We swam out to the big rock and peered for rays in the sand. There was more fish life overall in the cove than the last time I was here. Saw many garibaldi. Fun dive. We cut it short cause my knee began to feel loose after spending days with a sore calf and then finally swimming again. Also, sun sets earlier here than Malaga due to positioning of the spot.
May 18, 2008
Spot Check/Abalone Cove Sea Caves
Below: strong waves and currents at cave mouth
Spot Check#:001
Sun May 18, 08 - 5pm
Abalone Cove: rocks, channels, sea caves
Tide: High @ 8 pm
Entry: n/a
Distance: n/a
Gear: spring suit, socks, shoes
Temp: Air 79 F/Water 58F
Enviroment: sunny, windy, 3-4 ft waist breaks, choppy
Visibilty: n/a
Sights: location of sea caves
Exit: n/a
Time to date: 5 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 0 hrs
Total time: 5 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: Walked down to the shore with friends and climbed around the south rock wall past some weathered fisherman. We came to a 15' wide channel with strong currents and had to throw our gear over to the other side, jump in and climb out over rocks. it was very sketchy but, fun. Cut my hand and knee. We walked a little further and and came to the wider channel wich was the mouth to sea caves. The currents were too strong and the breaks to large to swim. They would have thrown you into the caves walls or out of the channel all together. I really want to come back here on a neatral or lower high tide during calm conditions and swim through/explore the caves. I believe the strong currents was due to tide changes. Will bring gloves and buddy for sure.
Spot Check#:001
Sun May 18, 08 - 5pm
Abalone Cove: rocks, channels, sea caves
Tide: High @ 8 pm
Entry: n/a
Distance: n/a
Gear: spring suit, socks, shoes
Temp: Air 79 F/Water 58F
Enviroment: sunny, windy, 3-4 ft waist breaks, choppy
Visibilty: n/a
Sights: location of sea caves
Exit: n/a
Time to date: 5 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 0 hrs
Total time: 5 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: Walked down to the shore with friends and climbed around the south rock wall past some weathered fisherman. We came to a 15' wide channel with strong currents and had to throw our gear over to the other side, jump in and climb out over rocks. it was very sketchy but, fun. Cut my hand and knee. We walked a little further and and came to the wider channel wich was the mouth to sea caves. The currents were too strong and the breaks to large to swim. They would have thrown you into the caves walls or out of the channel all together. I really want to come back here on a neatral or lower high tide during calm conditions and swim through/explore the caves. I believe the strong currents was due to tide changes. Will bring gloves and buddy for sure.
May 16, 2008
Fun With A Friend At Malaga
Below: diving with a buddy, woops I drew the snorkel on the wrong side.
Skin Dive#:008
Thur April 15, 08
Malaga Cove: sand, reefs, kelp beds
Tide: High @ 7:30 pm
Entry: sand @ 7 pm
Distance: 200 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 70 F/Water 58-61 F
Enviroment: overcast, light wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, calm, no surge
Visibilty: 5-20 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: sand dabs, mackerel, various kelp fish
Exit: sand @ 8 pm
Time to date: 4 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 1 hrs
Total time: 5 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: my friend Victor dove with me. It was his first dive and he is extremely comfortable at diving. We swam further out than I have before and we practiced diving to 10 ft depths and chasing fish and collecting shells. The cove was alive with divers... In the parking lot there were duded gearing up for scuba and when we got down the path there was already three skin diver's in the water. Later in the dive two spear fishers came in. Including us, there was 11 divers in the water at one point. When we were done diving we were high. it was great feeling. I am excited about diving with my friend again.
Skin Dive#:008
Thur April 15, 08
Malaga Cove: sand, reefs, kelp beds
Tide: High @ 7:30 pm
Entry: sand @ 7 pm
Distance: 200 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, fins, socks, hood
Temp: Air 70 F/Water 58-61 F
Enviroment: overcast, light wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, calm, no surge
Visibilty: 5-20 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: sand dabs, mackerel, various kelp fish
Exit: sand @ 8 pm
Time to date: 4 hrs 45 min
Total time this dive: 1 hrs
Total time: 5 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: my friend Victor dove with me. It was his first dive and he is extremely comfortable at diving. We swam further out than I have before and we practiced diving to 10 ft depths and chasing fish and collecting shells. The cove was alive with divers... In the parking lot there were duded gearing up for scuba and when we got down the path there was already three skin diver's in the water. Later in the dive two spear fishers came in. Including us, there was 11 divers in the water at one point. When we were done diving we were high. it was great feeling. I am excited about diving with my friend again.
May 15, 2008
Best Malaga Free Dive yet
Skin Dive#:006
Wed April 14, 08
Malaga Cove: sand, shallow reefs, kelp beds
Tide: High @ 7 pm
Entry: sand @ 6:45 pm
Distance: 150 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 72 F/Water 58-61 F
Enviroment: sunny, no wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, calm
Visibilty: 10-20 ft
Sights: pair 12" leopard sharks, angel shark, schools of mackerel, a scorpion fish, surfperch, sand dabs
Exit: sand @ 7:30 pm
Time to date: 3 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 45 min
Total time: 4 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: As soon as I was under a few feet of water I was in a school of small fish. For the next 45 minutes I swam about chasing schools and some medium sized fish for fun and getting comfortable with diving below the surface out in the kelp beds. Left at sunset - Great free dive.
Wed April 14, 08
Malaga Cove: sand, shallow reefs, kelp beds
Tide: High @ 7 pm
Entry: sand @ 6:45 pm
Distance: 150 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 72 F/Water 58-61 F
Enviroment: sunny, no wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, calm
Visibilty: 10-20 ft
Sights: pair 12" leopard sharks, angel shark, schools of mackerel, a scorpion fish, surfperch, sand dabs
Exit: sand @ 7:30 pm
Time to date: 3 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 45 min
Total time: 4 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: As soon as I was under a few feet of water I was in a school of small fish. For the next 45 minutes I swam about chasing schools and some medium sized fish for fun and getting comfortable with diving below the surface out in the kelp beds. Left at sunset - Great free dive.
My First Garibaldi / Pt. Vicente
Dive#:007
Thur April 15, 08
Point Vicente Fishing Access: reefs and rocks
Tide: High @ 7:30 am
Entry: west rocks @ 8:00 am
Distance: 50 yards out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 70 F/Water 58 F
Enviroment: overcast, light wind, 2-3 ft knee breaks, flat to choppy, strong surge
Visibilty: 10-20 ft
Sights: medium garibaldi, surf perch, small kelp fish, many orange sea stars, many purple urchins
Exit: sand @ 8:30 am
Time to date: 4 hrs 15 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 4 hrs 45 min
Special Notes: I drove over to Pt. Vicente Fishing Access and was pleased to see through the water all the way up from the parking lot. I hiked down the goat trail and found a spot wich looked like an easy entry. It was awkward but, I eventually sat down on a rock in the shallow during the calm and jumped right in. Once in the water I was happy to see a good 20+ feet vis and was in deep water already. I really enjoyed all the tiny rock canyons and formations. This place is very scenic in that sense. Exited in middle of cove with somewhat of ease. I'm still getting to know the rocks. All in all, it was a great fee dive. I'm happy to finally know the place. This dive needs gloves and hard soled slippers. I didn't get roughed up but, it was close to being gashed on both the entrance and exit; small surface tear on seat of wetsuit.
May 13, 2008
Revisit to Lil Corona Del Mar
Below: a seal pops up to say, "Hi" upon waiting for the sets to calm
Skin Dive#:005
Sat May 12, 08
Little Corona Del Mar: sand
Tide: High @ 4:45 pm
Entry: sand @ 5:15 pm
Distance: 50 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: overcast, 3-4 ft waist breaks with 5ft chest standouts, choppy, strong surge
Visibilty: 0-5 ft
Sights: seal
Exit: sand @ 5:30 pm
Time to date: 3 hrs 15 min
Total time this dive: 15 min
Total time: 3 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: I stood on the beach for about 20 minutes studying the sets. I then dipped in and swam out a little ways near the bouy. I saw no life except right before I slipped on my last fin in the shallow entrance a seal popped up 10 ft away to say Hi. All in all the dive was tiring but, very worthwhile because now I will appreciate a flat, calm ocean even more.
Skin Dive#:005
Sat May 12, 08
Little Corona Del Mar: sand
Tide: High @ 4:45 pm
Entry: sand @ 5:15 pm
Distance: 50 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 68 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: overcast, 3-4 ft waist breaks with 5ft chest standouts, choppy, strong surge
Visibilty: 0-5 ft
Sights: seal
Exit: sand @ 5:30 pm
Time to date: 3 hrs 15 min
Total time this dive: 15 min
Total time: 3 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: I stood on the beach for about 20 minutes studying the sets. I then dipped in and swam out a little ways near the bouy. I saw no life except right before I slipped on my last fin in the shallow entrance a seal popped up 10 ft away to say Hi. All in all the dive was tiring but, very worthwhile because now I will appreciate a flat, calm ocean even more.
April 28, 2008
Further Out At Malaga Cove
Below: on the swim out you see sand dabs in the sand
Skin Dive#:004
Sun April 25, 08
Malaga Cove: sand, shallow reefs, kelp beds
Tide: High @ 6:45 pm
Entry: sand @ 5:30 pm
Distance: 100 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: sunny, no wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, surge
Visibilty: 10-15 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: large schools of small silver fish, sand dabs, opaleyes, various kelp fish
Exit: sand @ 6:30 pm
Time to date: 2 hrs 15 min
Total time this dive: 1 hrs
Total time: 3 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: The previous time I came here was my first experience and the conditions were comparable. I entered on the sand and swam out around the shallow reefs near the country club. Items to consider acquiring: knife, gloves, compass, thermometer. While swimming back I found a Redondo Beach man's driver liscence that expired in '03.
Skin Dive#:004
Sun April 25, 08
Malaga Cove: sand, shallow reefs, kelp beds
Tide: High @ 6:45 pm
Entry: sand @ 5:30 pm
Distance: 100 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: sunny, no wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, surge
Visibilty: 10-15 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: large schools of small silver fish, sand dabs, opaleyes, various kelp fish
Exit: sand @ 6:30 pm
Time to date: 2 hrs 15 min
Total time this dive: 1 hrs
Total time: 3 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: The previous time I came here was my first experience and the conditions were comparable. I entered on the sand and swam out around the shallow reefs near the country club. Items to consider acquiring: knife, gloves, compass, thermometer. While swimming back I found a Redondo Beach man's driver liscence that expired in '03.
April 18, 2008
Cabrillo Beach
Skin Dive#:003
Sat April 18, 08
Cabrillo Beach: sand
Tide: High @ 8:30 pm
Entry: sand @ 6:30 pm
Distance: 25 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel, socks, hood
Temp: Air 65 F/Water 58 F
Enviroment: cloudy, light wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, no surge
Visibilty: 0 f
Conditions Synopsis: Poor
Sights: nothing
Exit: sand @ 6:45 pm
Time to date: 2 hrs
Total time this dive: 15 min
Total time: 2 hrs 15 min
Special Notes: tested new gear
April 14, 2008
Little Dip At Little Corona del Mar
LITTLE CORONA DEL MAR
Skin Dive#:002
Sun April 13, 08
Little Corona Del Mar: sand
Tide: High @ 6:30 pm
Entry: sand @ 4:30 pm
Distance: 70 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel
Temp: Air 85 F/Water 58 F
Enviroment: hot, sunny, light wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, slight surge
Visibilty: 0-5 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor
Sights: nothing
Exit: sand @ 5 pm
Time to date: 1 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 2 hrs
Special Notes: The water visibilty was extremely poor, all I saw was dead kelp a foot in front of me. On my exit from the shore I walked backward over medium rocks with my fins on. It was maybe the highlight of the dip. The water was colder than Malaga Cove. The air temperature was even more hot.
Skin Dive#:002
Sun April 13, 08
Little Corona Del Mar: sand
Tide: High @ 6:30 pm
Entry: sand @ 4:30 pm
Distance: 70 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel
Temp: Air 85 F/Water 58 F
Enviroment: hot, sunny, light wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, slight surge
Visibilty: 0-5 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Poor
Sights: nothing
Exit: sand @ 5 pm
Time to date: 1 hrs 30 min
Total time this dive: 30 min
Total time: 2 hrs
Special Notes: The water visibilty was extremely poor, all I saw was dead kelp a foot in front of me. On my exit from the shore I walked backward over medium rocks with my fins on. It was maybe the highlight of the dip. The water was colder than Malaga Cove. The air temperature was even more hot.
April 12, 2008
First Time / Malaga Cove
Below: a seal is having fun looking for fish as birds start to congregate
Skin Dive#:001
Sat April 12, 08
Malaga Cove: sand and shallow reefs
Tide: High @ 6 pm
Entry: sand @ 4:30 pm
Distance: 50 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: sunny, no wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, no surge
Visibilty: 10-15 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: 12" small shark, small sand dabs, seal diving for fish near shore
Exit: sand @ 5:30 pm
Time to date: 0 hrs
Total time this dive: 1 hrs 30 min
Total time: 1 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: this was my first dive, earlier in the day I went to Pt. Vicente but, was discouraged by the rocky entry. Here at Malaga I practiced clearing my snorkel, purging my mask, swimming, etc.
Skin Dive#:001
Sat April 12, 08
Malaga Cove: sand and shallow reefs
Tide: High @ 6 pm
Entry: sand @ 4:30 pm
Distance: 50 yrds out
Gear: spring suit, mask, snorkel
Temp: Air 80 F/Water 58-60 F
Enviroment: sunny, no wind, 1-2 ft ankle breaks, flat, no surge
Visibilty: 10-15 ft
Conditions Synopsis: Good
Sights: 12" small shark, small sand dabs, seal diving for fish near shore
Exit: sand @ 5:30 pm
Time to date: 0 hrs
Total time this dive: 1 hrs 30 min
Total time: 1 hrs 30 min
Special Notes: this was my first dive, earlier in the day I went to Pt. Vicente but, was discouraged by the rocky entry. Here at Malaga I practiced clearing my snorkel, purging my mask, swimming, etc.
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