In Reply to: Oil Rigs posted by Diane on June 12, 2006 at 13:29:39:

I always find this to be a tough call. It can certainly get cold enough for a drysuit (at least, if you're me), as you'll probably wind up down below the thermocline. I've done a handful of dives on the rigs, mostly in November (my log book shows 57 degrees last Nov), but in July I recall it being mid-50s below 40 feet.

On the other hand, drysuit = more drag. And since the rigs can be a little currenty, that can make it kind of a tiring dive.

What boat are you on? If they have a warm indoor area, or if it's going to be sunny, you'll probably be fine in a wetsuit. If it's going to be cloudy or windy, I'd go with a drysuit.

This time of year, there's often a layer of lousy vis in the top 20-40 feet of water, and then it can clear up below - sometimes quite remarkably. But it may still be dark thanks to that layer of gunk. :) So bring a light - and don't drop it. I did that once. It's a cool effect, watching it just spin down, down, down into the abyss...

-Anastasia

• Re: Re: Oil Rigs Diane 14:04:21 06/12/06 (0)