Posted by Jon on September 11, 2003 at 07:07:01:
In Reply to: First Time to California, First Time Divers posted by Jonny Beebok on September 11, 2003 at 02:22:52:
Jon,
What parts of California are you going to be visiting? The best bets for convenient diving are LA, San Diego and Monterey.
Despite its exotic image, diving in California is a lot like diving in England: cold water and low vis (especially right now as we have massive plankton blooms). There are few, if any, resort courses here that would allow non-divers to try scuba for a day.
However, all of you could go out on a charter boat so that the certified diver can dive (they should be able to find a buddy on the boat) and the non-divers can hang out and enjoy a day on the ocean. Look for a charter being run by a shop and they can rent you all the gear you need.
Check http://www.saintbrendan.com/database/search.htm to find a charter. (Remember to reverse the date -- ie. Sept. 11 is 9/11 not 11/9).
Cheers,
Jon