NorCal Kayak Anglers

Dive Zone => Kayak Diving and Spearfishing => Topic started by: DG on October 25, 2017, 02:45:07 PM

Title: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 25, 2017, 02:45:07 PM
A lot of the NCKA family loves to ocean fish, but seasonal closures screw that up.  Many have mentioned they would love to learn how to dive and be able to spearfish all year round.

I am not a Freedive instructor nor a kayak instructor.  But I have learned a lot from more experienced folks so if anyone is interested in giving it a try I can at least give you some pointers on gear or getting comfortable in the water and maybe get a few more people interested in the sport. 

My first few trips were epic failures with no one to give me any pointers.  I have taken a few out for their first trips and they have said how much that helped so letÂ’s go big. 

If you bring kayaks we can practice self rescue and that will basically make sure you can get back in after a dive. 

I am keeping an eye on the weather but right now the 1st-3rd look the best.  Sorry for those that canÂ’t get out of work but I wanted the newest divers to have an opportunity to get used to the water so they will want to keep doing it. 

All levels of experience are welcomed.  It just depends on if there is any interest in freediving, Diving from a kayak, and spearfishing that will dictate where and what we can plan for. 

For those coming from longer distances Parviz over at Red Triangle Spearfishing in Petaluma said if anyone needed weight belts, masks, snorkels or any freediving or spearfishing gear he would work outside of normal hours to help make this work so you can grab some stuff on the way.

I have a few things I can loan out so post up if you are interested and what days would work best.  If you canÂ’t afford to buy or rent gear please post up on what you may need and I may have it or be able to borrow it. 

I am not against Diving multiple days.  Most likely this will be in Ft Bragg or Mendocino somewhere. 

Minimum gear needed will be:

Wetsuit
Booties and gloves
Fins
Weight belt and weights
Mask and snorkel

Additional gear depends on how comfortable you feel in the water and if you want to try kayak diving or spearfishing.

**updated to include the 4th as an option**
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: TW on October 25, 2017, 03:43:23 PM
What a great offer DG for someone to take advantage of.
Wish I could make it up there.
I still have a couple days/nights on the books to stay at Albion.  I would have to bring my dive boat though.
Maybe next time.
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 25, 2017, 03:53:37 PM
What a great offer DG for someone to take advantage of.
Wish I could make it up there.
I still have a couple days/nights on the books to stay at Albion.  I would have to bring my dive boat though.
Maybe next time.
There will be more opportunities.  Just know RF season closes soon over here and the quicker new divers get in the water the better they will get. 
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: Tote on October 25, 2017, 04:20:49 PM
If only I could get those days off I'd be your Huckleberry.
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 25, 2017, 05:05:08 PM
If only I could get those days off I'd be your Huckleberry.
You will be my huckleberry in spirit.  We need a day of scallops.
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: Spring45 on October 25, 2017, 05:19:25 PM
Man! I wish I could make this. I wanted to get into diving but never knew how to get started. Perhaps you can hold an event when the season is over?
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 25, 2017, 06:05:59 PM
Man! I wish I could make this. I wanted to get into diving but never knew how to get started. Perhaps you can hold an event when the season is over?
Perhaps
Title: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 26, 2017, 12:22:20 AM
Its now showing possible showers the 2nd to the 4th, but the 1st - 4th all look good for waves.  LetÂ’s keep an eye on things and see about doing one or two days if you donÂ’t mind a little rain.   
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: bioman on October 26, 2017, 12:24:59 PM
Count me in. this is the nudge in the butt I need!
EJ in Elk Grove
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: Ding A Ling on October 26, 2017, 12:59:07 PM
Spearfishing is on my bucket list, unfortunately can make it on those dates.
Please let me know if you decide to do this again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 26, 2017, 03:08:58 PM
Spearfishing is on my bucket list, unfortunately can make it on those dates.
Please let me know if you decide to do this again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am sure we will be able to do this again. 
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: Mienboy on October 26, 2017, 07:39:40 PM
I want to learn how to kayak dive :smt006
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 26, 2017, 08:14:18 PM
I want to learn how to kayak dive :smt006
Any of these days work for you.  Possible rain Friday and Saturday now so just trying to see who can go on what days and make sure whoever shows up has the appropriate gear. 
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: simplycook on October 26, 2017, 08:54:07 PM
Learning how to kayak dive or spearfish has been my goal for this winter/spring. 
Unfortunately I can't make those dates but please please... I'd love to make it up there for your next outing.

Thanks for putting this together for us newbies.

Kevin
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: Mienboy on October 26, 2017, 09:42:50 PM
Unfortunately I’m a slave to the mon-fri rat race.perhaps another time?but thanks for taking the time out to offer this.those of you who can make it,id suggest you take him up on this offer. Opportunities like this don’t come around too often
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: eelkram on October 27, 2017, 10:41:19 AM
What a great offer, DG!  I can't make this go around, but I hope to in the future.  thanks again for offering your time
Title: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 27, 2017, 11:28:36 AM
The wave predictions, wind, rain and multiple swells keep changing.  Wednesday looks the best overall for beginners.  Thursday and Friday are doable but also depends on if the wind and rain change again.  So I am going to make the call that as long as the conditions donÂ’t become to rough I will offer to help anyone who wants to learn to dive from a kayak or shore on Wednesday Nov 1st. 

If you have a little bit of experience and just want to explore or need a dive buddy we can meet up Thursday or Friday depending on conditions.  Saturday is out as itÂ’s reporting 9Â’ waves with higher winds and possible rain.

Please let me know if you can make it and if you need any gear.  I have an extra kayak I can loan out along with some weights and miscellaneous dive gear. 

For Wednesday I think Van Damme is going to work the best because of its protection from the wind, mild surf and easy access to the parking lot. 

Confirm or I am going to Big Sur without you. 
Title: Re: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: bioman on October 27, 2017, 12:09:29 PM
Great Offer DG. I appreciate it. 195 miles (one way) is too far. 
Enjoy Big Sur!
Title: Newbie diving opportunities Nov 1st-4th
Post by: DG on October 27, 2017, 12:47:47 PM
Great Offer DG. I appreciate it. 195 miles (one way) is too far. 
Enjoy Big Sur!
ItÂ’s only 320 each way to Big Sur.  Once you get addicted to Diving miles wonÂ’t matter.