My first Scuba Ocean dive - Monterey - 05.31.08

I got to San Carlos Beach (aka Breakwater) at 7AM hoping to get a "rockstar parking  spot" (right next to the dive ramp) but was surprised to see about half a dozen dive shops doing their classes  Needless to say, I did not get rockstar status and ended up parking at the very end of the pier ...still, I was eager to get in the water as I overheard every dive instructor comment on how good the water vis was (I'd say, 15 to 20).

Note my sunrise P-15 on the right side parking lot....

There was an earie feeling as I walked around the parking lot as I was getting the "stare"....I soon realized that I was in the "WE LOVE SEEING LIVE FISH SWIM FREELY"     territory and that my "FISH KILLER NCKA sweater" was not ideal to wear around these folks  Anyway, my class wasn't going to start till 9AM so I decided to scout the area. Despite that this area is considered a "reserve" I saw some guys fishing from the jetty  I also saw this little pup trying to get some atttention...

9AM soon rolls around and one of our dive instructors shows up = Roman the Russian with his "ears"  Some dive instructors try to separate themselves from the students by trying to "stick out" from the class so the students can tell who's in charge when they're all under water.

I wanted to take more in the water shots but we were not allowed to take cameras until after we completed our scuba lessons. Water temp was 54 degrees on the bottom (25ft) but the wetsuit did the job and I could have spent a few more hours cruising in and around the kelp beds....and WHAT A SIGHT IT WAS  I suggest you all experience it (scuba or freediving - what ever tickles your pickle) Saw a big school of senioritas and some BIG barred perch. Also saw a few sand dabs "taking off" as I hovered a couple of feet from the bottom. I think I'm gonna like this sport even more once I get my certification.... ....and the madness continues

I'm trying to get the Aquan Scuba Dive program to include a "Scuba Diving with a Kayak" class. The instructors think it's a great idea, I tell ya, the possibilities with the SOT kayak is endless 

Good stuff, Joel.  Way to go for it with the scuba and also looking to expand the kayaking and diving horizons.  Go Mooch.   

Congrats on your first dive Mooch!  WTG!

My SCUBA certification dives started at the breakwater in 1985,  we finished up at Monastery Beach.

WTG Mooch, sounds like the hook is in deep as it should be....

 

Checkout dives at the Breakwater. That brings back fond memories of nervous students and floundering around in the water. 15 to 20 ft vis sounds good. I've dove there when you can hardly see your buddy.

Al

The breakwater was my first California dive too.  It is quite crowded.  If you only got to 25' I guess you missed out on the colony of huge metridiums that are out around 45' on one of the outmost rock outcroppings.

Mooch,

Great to hear that your stoked!!!! Now, get certified and then go find some unlimited vis water... Its amazing. In Monterey, Chase Reef and Outer Chase Reefs are  good spots. We used to Dive Point Lobos Park as well, no hunting allowed, but vis is usually quite good.

And always remember,,,, exhale a tiny bit through your nose as needed to keep from getting mask squeeze, if not your dive buddies will make fun of you all day, all night...... it is pretty creepy looking.. If you haven't seen it yet, you will.


Rich

Did your instructor make you eat the kelp as part of the graduation ritual?   Welcome to the underwater world.  Wait til you dive the keys or great barrier reefs!!!

Great report Mooch! I have been wanting to get my cert for awhile now but did not have a partner to go with. A couple weeks ago my wife and I went to Akumal (Mexico, about 65 miles south of Cancun on the Carribean) and she loved snorkeling SO much, she may actually agree to start SCUBA with me. I will show her your report!!! Thanks.

John

Congratulations Mooch.  Sounds like you are pretty stoked on it.  I have only strapped on tanks a half dozen times a few years ago, and one of my more memorable dives was a night dive.  Lots of cool things come out at night and you cant see the sharks circling around you.  

Thanks all 

Yup, I'm definitely hooked already. I still have my final written test to deal with - I hate dealing with those dam tables Anyway, I'll be doing my last and final ocean dive this Sunday (for class of course) - might be in Breakwater again or maybe in another site depending on the conditions. If and when I pass my written test, I'll be looking for some dive buddies so please let me know if your up for a dive - prefferably around the Monterey area. I already have plans to hit the Still Water cove pinnacles and Lovers point WITH my kayak 

Anymore suggestions are welcome / mahalo!!! 

Mooch,
I didn't know you were getting certified! Congrats and welcome to the madness. The fish population is as good as extinct now!
Are you freediving at all yet? Abs?