Newbie Locations???

sungurl · Post by **sungurl** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 12:59 pm

Hi all - not quite ready to actually plan on a dive yet, only because I'm still figuring out the whole gear situation, but did want to get some input as far as suggestions on places to dive that are good for a newbie (read just OWC) like me to do....

Hope this is the right thread to post it in???

Also, as an aside, just wanted to say thanks to everyone for bing so welcoming and supportive....

Dusty2 · Post by **Dusty2** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:12 pm

Tacoma area, Best bet is Les Davis, Redondo, or 3 tree. All work fine for a noob. Not much current if any and reasonably accessible. There is also Sunnyside but it's pretty dull.

Further north Try Cove 2 at Seacrest

All of these are don't require long swims and have little current.

Also you can check out Janna's site which covers most puget sound and hood canal sites. It also has tide and current info and tons of critter ID stuff. If you want to learn critters Janna is your #1 source.

http://www.pnwscuba.com/directions.htm

Sounder · Post by **Sounder** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:49 pm

...and go with people who've been there before. Puget Sound is an unforgiving place if you find yourself at the wrong site at the wrong time.

CaptnJack · Post by **CaptnJack** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:55 pm

"West Wall" of Fox Island is nice. Can be a little tough to find sometimes. Directions in Shore Dive of WA.

dwashbur · Post by **dwashbur** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:01 pm

Fox Island West Wall is nice, all right, but can be current sensitive, plus if you haven't been there before the wall can be easy to miss. For getting started in the Sound, I'd echo what dusty2 said: Les Davis, Redondo or Cove 2. Three Tree is very nice but there can be some current issues there, too. I'd ease into that aspect of the Sound for at least a few dives...but that's just me.

defied · Post by **defied** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:22 pm

I lead shop dives for Tacoma Scuba at Les Davis, on Wed and Fri evenings (7PM). Here are some more site details for Les Davis.

D(B)

LCF · Post by **LCF** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:35 pm

I would divide sites into two classes: Sites suitable for brand new divers to do by themselves, and sites which are suitable for new divers to do with experienced buddies. The difference, to me, is the potential for current. Sites which are pretty benign no matter what the tides are doing are sites like Redondo, Les Davis, and the Coves at Alki. Apparently the Mukilteo T-dock is, as well, although I'm not that familiar with that site.

There are other sites, however, with good characteristics for newer divers -- lots to see in shallow depth, easy navigation, and no long surface swims. Titlow Marine Preserve is one of them, but you need to be sure you are diving it at slack, because current can be a major issue there. I would put Three Tree Point into that category, too, simply because I've run into some considerable current there at times.

The Edmonds Underwater Park is pretty benign except on big exchanges, but is not very pleasant at extremely low tides, and can involve a fair bit of surface swimming. Navigation is easy, though, with the rope grid.

Anybody on this forum shouldn't have any problem finding experienced folks to go explore some of the current-sensitive sites!

gcbryan · Post by **gcbryan** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 4:06 pm

Personally I wouldn't put the Mukilteo T-docks in that category. I had so much current there once (unusual perhaps) that I had to get out. I was a little deeper though.

If you stay to the right at 3 Tree N. I would put that in the same category as Redondo and the others.

Anyway, just pointing out that you can run into current at the T-docks and the ferry is just next door and you don't want to run into that.

Dusty2 · Post by **Dusty2** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 4:46 pm

I would not consider Edmonds a beginner site. It is a long swim and dispite what people say it can have a nasty current especially when combined with that long swim and the ferry right next door. Divers frequently get into trouble there and end up in the ferry lane. I would also exercise extreme caution with Titlow. There are only a few days a month when the currents are favorable for a new diver there and you can get into trouble very easy and end up way away from the entry. Only do Titlow with an experienced diver and check with the local shops first to verify that you have the proper timing.

All sites in the sound can have current regardless of what the "books say" Your best bet is to go on some of the local shop dives. They will assure that you don't over extend yourself and usually have qualified dive masters or at least well experienced divers along. Best to hang with the groups for awhile till you get well grounded and confident that you have the skills down to the point where in an emergency you will go into rescue mode rather than panic mode.

Dusty2 · Post by **Dusty2** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:51 pm

When you start getting comfortable with your buoyancy I would highly recommend Sund Rock. It is an easy site with no current but it does involve walls that do drop beyond 60' so you need to be able to maintain your depth to avoid getting too deep.

sungurl · Post by **sungurl** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 7:45 pm

Thanks all! I deifnitely won't be diving alone lol...but appreciate the input so I know what dives I might be able to join up with or those that wouldn't be the best options just yet in order to get some experience and more comfortable in the water.....

I know I'm asking lots of questions, but you guys rock in helping out....consider me thy apprentice lol

dwashbur · Post by **dwashbur** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 7:59 pm

sungurl wrote: I know I'm asking lots of questions,

Don't stop! That's one of the really great things about this group. But I have a question for you: what part of the area are you in?

sungurl · Post by **sungurl** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:03 pm

dwashbur wrote:
sungurl wrote: I know I'm asking lots of questions,
Don't stop! That's one of the really great things about this group. But I have a question for you: what part of the area are you in?

LOL...don't plan on it :biggrin: hee hee
I'm in the Tacoma area....I know Les Davis and Redondo are relatively closeby, but I'm definitely going to be willing to drive a short ways if it means a great place to dive, meet up with awesome folks, and learn and see alot

pogiguy05 · Post by **pogiguy05** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:29 pm

OH OH OH need I say Thursday's are a great way to meet awesome people and dive the south sound. We will be at 3 tree tomorrow at 4pmish.http://www.nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9501

dwashbur · Post by **dwashbur** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:33 pm

Cool, we're in Auburn so not too far from you. We need to hook up some time soon.

pogiguy05 · Post by **pogiguy05** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:36 pm

dwashbur wrote:Cool, we're in Auburn so not too far from you. We need to hook up some time soon.

what are you feeding that dog? :naka:

Dusty2 · Post by **Dusty2** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:50 pm

He must be on grow pup!

When you get your sea legs I'd love to show you around my favorite critter site Port Townsend. Not a very tough site but it is subject to the current gods if not timed properly.

sungurl · Post by **sungurl** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:10 pm

pogiguy05 wrote:
dwashbur wrote:Cool, we're in Auburn so not too far from you. We need to hook up some time soon.
what are you feeding that dog? :naka:

ROFLOL...I'm sure my pup would like to know...she acts as if I starve her constantly despite the feeding twice daily....

sungurl · Post by **sungurl** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:13 pm

pogiguy05 wrote:OH OH OH need I say Thursday's are a great way to meet awesome people and dive the south sound. We will be at 3 tree tomorrow at 4pmish.http://www.nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9501

Would love to other than i have no equipment yet, lol.....maybe next time i'll be able to round something up to go

pogiguy05 · Post by **pogiguy05** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 10:51 pm

OK but hurry cause there are bad side effect to not getting wet often enough. They can be mistaken for PMS

sungurl · Post by **sungurl** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:40 am

pogiguy05 wrote:OK but hurry cause there are bad side effect to not getting wet often enough. They can be mistaken for PMS

Oh my, that was too funny......maybe that's why I've been grumpy all week - going through diving withdrawls already!

I'm hoping to hit some shops today and this weekend to try on some gear and do some research and see what is available to rent until I figure everything out...getting some great feedback from everyone, and I'm eager to do another dive asap!
And now, even more reason to

Sounder · Post by **Sounder** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:01 am

sungurl wrote:I'm hoping to hit some shops today and this weekend to try on some gear and do some research and see what is available to rent until I figure everything out...getting some great feedback from everyone, and I'm eager to do another dive asap!

Definitely don't buy a bunch of gear without knowing what you want. Dive with lots of people and see what they're using first. Borrow and rent gear for a while (it's worth the investment). Far too many people have purchased the gear someone at their dive shop recommended only to find out that they wanted totally different gear. They end up selling all the "first gear" they owned and buying a whole new set of what they learned they REALLY want.

Ask around, see what people are using, look for trends, and ask "why" a lot.

scottsax · Post by **scottsax** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:50 am

Sounder wrote:...ask "why" a lot.

Sounder's said this twice in as many threads now, and it bears repeating. If someone can't tell you WHY their gear is configured the way it is, or why they use a particular piece of gear, STOP asking them for advice. I don't use any of the gear I purchased after OW anymore, because I didn't ask why I should use a particular item.

Thinking divers know why their gear is the way it is. They've thought it through and tested it. Borrow gear from folks, and try it all out. Back plates and wings, jacket style BCDs, regulators, hose routing, computers, SPGs, exposure suits, fins, et al.

Oh, and welcome to the pool! It's open whenever you're ready!!

trevorrowe · Post by **trevorrowe** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:55 am

scottsax wrote:
Sounder wrote:...ask "why" a lot.
Sounder's said this twice in as many threads now, and it bears repeating.

I agree completely. I am one of the very many that purchased their gear twice.

sungurl · Post by **sungurl** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:14 am

trevorrowe wrote:
scottsax wrote:
Sounder wrote:...ask "why" a lot.
Sounder's said this twice in as many threads now, and it bears repeating.
I agree completely. I am one of the very many that purchased their gear twice.

I've definitely sensed a theme,

but one I will take most seriously :biggrin:

Northwest Dive Club

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