Mendo abs

Hooked up with one of Granitedives buddies today on the coast.  Windy outside and building seas, but we found some nice water and the viz was excellent...around 12-15 feet but blurry.  dove in 15-20 for big thick 8.5s.  Nice healthy looking snails.   

Gds bud is an animal, he solo'd in about 30-45 feet.  I dove with my neighbors dad.  Jim is 66 and can still dive like a machine. He had a beauty limit, a good time, and a huge smile.  He is proof that life after retirement can be all its advertised.  What a stud!  Tommy Harris was also super friendly.  Another great day in Mendo.

Sean, good job! Do you have pictures to share? Also, are there any how-to tutorials available for Ab diving for beginners?

I'm sure someone else will chime in on abelone/kayak diving advise. The wet suits we've gone to are the 'Picasso' free diving suits that all the 'bluewater hunters' are using. Made in Spain and we order off the net for $280 . The US distributor has a lock and wants $560 . Made from yamamoto rubber so super stretchy(i.e.; plenty of flex for breathing and room to grow if you're getting fatter like me). Have the 7mm Dark Thermic(hooded jacket/farmer, no zips) and super warm. Email for contact info and sizing suggestions.([email protected]). Bob

Way to go on the abs.   

Eric:

Here Is my advise for a newb.  Get/rent a reasonably warm and COMFORTABLE suit.  Spend some time getting your weight belt just right.  Do this in a pool if you can.  A comfortable suit and a well matched weight belt will minimize struggling and panic urges felt by many first timers.  If you are stressed, and your heart is racing, your bottom time will be VERY short.

Once you have that sorted out go with an experienced and safety minded diver.  Go on a FLAT day.  Go in shallow protected water.  Spend some time learning how to spot abs.  Spend more time learning how to gauge their size underwater. Newbs generally struggle popping their abs, so only try for one that is definitely legal.  If you nick a shorty it will die.

You will need an anchor for your yak.  Only drop anchor in water shallow enough for your diving capabilities, as your anchor will likely get stuck, and you will need to dive in and get it un-stuck at the end of your dive.

Finally, abs a precious resource that we have the great priveledge of enjoying.  Harvest wisely, and conservatively.  Abs are 100% better unfrozen.  Take a meal, and return for more later and you will truly enejoy your gift from big blue.   

Sean, good job! Do you have pictures to share? Also, are there any how-to tutorials available for Ab diving for beginners?

hey there, if you want to see ab diving in action pick up david laird's video called blue at wallins dive center or order it online. david manages wallins dive center in san carlos by rei. he can tell you all about it. also they have the gear in stock that you would need as well as the skin in type suits. above all, be safe and have fun. i was diving in 35-40 feet at fort ross and my friend mike was in 5-6feet wading around. i came back with 8" abalone and heard him say "is that an abalone?" i checked it out and he had found himself a 9" sitting right on a rock in waist deep water. too funny!

Man, do I need one of those wetsuits, my oneil is freaking killing me from my respiratory system(2nd favorite) to my reproductive system(1st favorite).

Your guys are master. The info provides me a good starting point. Thanks for advise.